Education and Child Care in Greater Des Moines
The State of Iowa continues to support early childhood education and child care through statewide initiatives, including grants that help support accessibility and affordability. From early childhood and on through high school (and post-secondary, too), you’ll find strong schools in Des Moines, Iowa communities and an abundance of programs that support and nurture children in the community.
Affordable Child Care in Greater Des Moines
Greater Des Moines continues to expand access to affordable, high-quality child care through state initiatives, community partnerships and employer-supported solutions. Recent state investments and legislation have focused on increasing child care workforce support, expanding access for families and encouraging public-private partnerships to grow capacity across Iowa.
Utilize Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral for valuable information about child care in Greater Des Moines communities, and search for providers and real-time availability through Iowa Child Care Connect. Families can also access the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Agency's Child Care Dashboard for licensing information on active child care providers in the region
The Iowa Quality for Kids (IQ4K®) serves as Iowa’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, helping providers improve care and give parents clear quality indicators as they search for options. DSM is home to several Head Start program locations, which support children under five with early learning, health and family services.
Many employers in Greater Des Moines are helping support working families through child care benefits, partnerships or on-site solutions, making it easier to balance career and caregiving responsibilities. UnityPoint Health, Principal and ITA Group are among employers who have on-site child care options.
Preschool Options in Greater Des Moines
The Iowa Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program serves four-year-olds and provides access to preschool programs through the region’s school districts and Head Start programs. Many daycare centers, community organizations and churches also provide preschool programs as well.
After-School and Summer Programs
Families in DSM also have access to before- and after-school care, enrichment programs and summer camps through schools, nonprofits and community organizations like the YMCA and local parks and recreation departments. Inquire with your school district for options and be on the lookout for the annual Des Moines Parents Summer Camp guide when you're making summer plans.
Greater Des Moines K-12 Schools
Greater Des Moines is home to a wide range of public school districts known for strong academics, extracurricular opportunities and community support.
Public school districts within the region include:
Private schools in the region include:
Greater Des Moines Educational Support Programs
Several services, nonprofits and agencies in DSM are here to support you and your family and meet your specific needs. A few programs that serve the region include:
- Iowa’s Area Education Agencies provide numerous resources and services to identify and support children’s special education needs.
- ChildServe is a nonprofit that comes alongside families to identify and meet the unique needs of children with developmental delays, disabilities, injuries and other special healthcare needs.
- Balance Autism is a leading autism service organization that provides a balance of innovative therapy and passionate care.
- Easterseals Iowa provides people with disabilities or special needs and their families services and equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.
Greater Des Moines Post-Secondary Career Preparation Programs
As students progress into upper grades and into post-secondary settings, they can access many post-secondary preparation programs and work-based learning initiatives.
ICAN helps students discover their talents, plan for the future and gain an understanding of financial aid programs and options. The program’s student success advisors support career exploration, guide decision-making and provide valuable insights into post-secondary options
Apprenticeships and internships help create equitable learning opportunities and set students up for success. Through skills-based training programs, students gain perspective on the workplace, get experience in various industries and are better equipped to determine a career pathway that is right for them. Earn and Learn Iowa is one such program that supports work-based learning. The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective is a community-driven, career development program to prepare youth for the future of work and is open to high school students across the DSM region
At Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), apprenticeships have expanded to high schools, creating pathways to local career options. There is no better way to learn the skills of tomorrow than through mentorship and on-site training.
These programs help students gain real-world experience and build connections to careers across the region.
Find Young Professional Resources in DSM
Inclusive Education in Greater Des Moines
Equity is a key component to building healthy, inclusive communities, educational spaces and work places. Partnerships between schools, nonprofits and employers help expand access to opportunities and support student success across DSM. A few examples of this locally include the United to Thrive Campaign and year-round internships with Y-EXCL at the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families.
Public schools across DSM focus on equity through family engagement and events like the Student Voice Symposium, and school districts receive annual equity training at the elementary and secondary levels.
Find Your Perfect Community!
Each community in DSM offers something unique for families when it comes to education and child care. Meet our communities and find your place as you consider what your specific needs are when it comes to raising children in DSM. Our relocation guide can help you decide where to make your move to DSM, so click the link below to order one and find out how to build your life in DSM!
Make Your Move to DSM