Find a daycare in Cedar Rapids, IA

Find daycares in Cedar Rapids, IA

Find daycares in Cedar Rapids, IA

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Find daycares in Cedar Rapids, IA

Confirm your location to see the best daycares near you.
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Top 10 daycares in Cedar Rapids, IA

Parents agree: these Cedar Rapids daycares are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Gibson's Daycare

Gibson's Daycare

30+ years in business
Serves Cedar Rapids, IA
Welcome to Gibson's Daycare, where we prioritize nurturing your child's growth and development in a warm, attentive environment. Located in Cedar Rapids, IA, our dedicated team offers personalized care and engaging activities that stimulate learning and creativity. With a focus on building strong social and educational foundations, we ensure that each child receives the individual attention they deserve. At Gibson's Daycare, we are committed to fostering a safe and supportive atmosphere where your child can thrive and discover the joy of learning every day.
Cedar Valley Montessori School

Cedar Valley Montessori School

54+ years in business
Serves Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Valley Montessori School, founded in 1971, has been serving Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and its surrounding areas for over 50 years. Their focus is providing exceptional preschool and kindergarten education to children aged 2-6 years. The school is located in downtown Cedar Rapids and is renowned for its hands-on, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that foster school-readiness and independence. Cedar Valley Montessori School is a trusted name in childcare, offering a nurturing environment where children can thrive.
Noah's Ark Preschool

Noah's Ark Preschool

56+ years in business
Serves Cedar Rapids, IA
Noah's Ark Preschool, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and surrounding areas, offers a faith-focused environment for preschool children. The curriculum is theme-based, and children enjoy daily free play, both inside and outside. The regular schedule includes time for circle, field trips, stories, crafts, and games. By providing child care in a group environment, Noah's Ark Preschool ensures your child's holistic development.
Isaac Newton Christian Academy Pre-K

Isaac Newton Christian Academy Pre-K

Serves Cedar Rapids, IA
Isaac Newton Christian Academy, founded in 1989, is a respected establishment in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and its surrounding areas. It's more than just an academy; it's a nurturing environment where children's overall growth and development are prioritized. With a special focus on Christian values, they provide a balanced mix of educational, recreational, and faith-based activities. The academy accommodates children from preschool through to high school, fostering a culture of unity and practicing grace. They're known for developing both academic excellence and Christ-like character in their students.
Share & Care Preschool

Share & Care Preschool

Serves Cedar Rapids, IA
Established in 1980, Share & Care Preschool is a trusted name in Cedar Rapids, IA and its surrounding areas. The preschool is a non-denominational Christian program, welcoming children ages three to four. At Share & Care Preschool, development of the whole child is of utmost importance. The school offers a perfect blend of academic and physical development through activities such as reading, puzzles, games, and crafting. A safe outdoor play area is also available for gross motor development.
Little Lambs Christian Preschool

Little Lambs Christian Preschool

44+ years in business
Serves Cedar Rapids, IA
Little Lambs Christian Preschool, founded in 2006, serves Hiawatha, IA, and its surrounding areas. Managed by Zion Lutheran Church, this nonprofit preschool offers early learning programs for children aged three to five. With a curriculum adhering to state standards, it ensures developmentally appropriate practices. Little Lambs aims to provide a nurturing pre-kindergarten experience, encouraging creativity, self-expression, academics, and Christian values. It is licensed by the State of Iowa and complies with all the standards set by the Department of Human Services.
Momma Bear, Cub Care

Momma Bear, Cub Care

Serves Cedar Rapids, IA
Based in Marion, Iowa, Momma Bear, Cub Care is a registered child care provider, offering love-filled care, healthy meals, preschool curriculum, and crafts for all little ones. In the same locality, Moonlit Meadows Apothecary LLC specializes in natural health approaches, offering customized herbal blends, teas, and other natural products. Not to mention, Chantiell Sagner, another registered home daycare, provides group child care for up to 16 children.
Montessori School Of Marion

Montessori School Of Marion

Serves Cedar Rapids, IA
The Montessori School of Marion, established in 2016, is a distinguished institution located in Marion, Iowa, and the surrounding areas. It offers an authentic Montessori education experience for children aged 10 weeks to 6 years old. The school is renowned for its preparation for life curriculum and the individualized attention it gives to school-readiness and self-help skills. As the only school in Iowa accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS), it is a trusted provider of early childhood education.
Creekside Forest School

Creekside Forest School

Serves Cedar Rapids, IA
Indian Creek Nature Center, founded in 1973, is a pioneer in environmental education based in Cedar Rapids, IA. The independent, nonprofit nature center boasts 500 acres of land, hosts numerous nature-based programs and activities annually, and aims to nurture individuals toward a sustainable future. It holds the distinction of being Iowa's first nature center and continues its mission today with responsible land protection, restoration, and fostering responsible interaction with nature.
Harvest Christian Daycare & Learning Center

Harvest Christian Daycare & Learning Center

16+ years in business
Serves Cedar Rapids, IA
Established in 2009 in Cedar Rapids, IA, Harvest Christian Daycare & Learning Center is a nurturing and engaging childcare provider. Accommodating up to 208 children, from infants to school-age, it offers a safe and stimulating environment for overall child growth and development. The center provides a high-quality, Bible-based curriculum that includes reading, math, science, and social studies. It offers full-time and part-time care, pre-school, wrap around care, before and after school care with transportation, and summer fun and tutoring for K-5th Grade. The staff at Harvest Christian Daycare & Learning Center is committed to fostering int

Your Daycare questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on TrustedCare.

How much does daycare cost?

Daycare costs depend on the child’s age group, the type of daycare, and where you live. Infant daycare is typically the most expensive, ranging from $650 to $1,500 per month. Infant daycare requires higher ratios of caregivers to children, which increases costs. Babies require more individualized attention, including diaper changes, feedings, and naps. As the child ages and becomes more independent, this ratio decreases along with daycare costs.

Traditional daycare centers tend to charge higher rates than home-based family daycare centers or co-ops. However, they usually have lower child-to-caregiver ratios, offer a wider range of amenities and activities, and have stricter qualifications for staff. Church-based, YMCA, or other non-profit child care centers offer lower rates, while home-based daycare is typically the cheapest option due to the low overhead costs.

In urban areas with a higher cost of living, daycare costs tend to be higher to cover the cost of higher rent and teacher salaries. Suburban and rural daycare centers have lower overhead costs, which often translates to more affordable daycare.

Is daycare tax deductible?

No, you cannot directly deduct daycare expenses on your federal tax return. However, if you qualify, there's a tax credit designed to assist with daycare costs, known as the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

The Child and Dependent Care Credit enables you to claim a percentage of your eligible childcare expenses. It ranges from 20% to 35% of allowable expenses, capping at $3,000 for one qualifying child and $6,000 for two or more qualifying children (applicable to the 2023 tax year). Consult a qualified tax professional to confirm if your eligibility.

Can a daycare charge you when they are closed?

Some daycares may charge a reduced fee or no fee at all during certain closures, while others may maintain regular charges. The terms in your daycare contract or agreement should outline whether or not you are charged when they are closed. It's common for daycares to have specific policies regarding fees during closures, such as holidays or other scheduled breaks.

If you're unsure, reach out to the daycare directly to clarify their billing practices during closures.

How do I look up daycare violations?

To look up daycare violations, start by contacting your state’s licensing agency for childcare facilities. You can usually find this information through your state’s Department of Health and Human Services online database.

Another option is to reach out to community resources such as local parenting groups, forums, or social media groups. Other parents may share their experiences or provide information about daycare violations in your area. Finally, consider a visit the daycare center directly and ask for information about any past violations. Daycare centers are often required to make this information accessible to parents.

How do I choose a daycare?

When picking a daycare, trust your instincts and choose a daycare that aligns with your child's needs, your values, and provides a safe and nurturing environment for their development. Follow these additional suggestions to find the best fit for you and your child:

  • Get recommendations from other parents, friends, and pediatricians to start your search.
  • Visit in person to make sure the spaces are clean, safe, and friendly.
  • Ask about caregiver qualifications, such as CPR training, early childhood education background, and experience with children of a similar age.
  • Understand the daycare's approach to early education, discipline, feeding, and soothing methods.
  • Choose a daycare that is licensed and accredited to meet government-set health and safety standards.
  • Check if parents are encouraged to participate in the program and if there are opportunities for parental engagement.
  • Contact current and former clients for feedback on their experiences with the daycare.
  • Consider making unannounced visits to get a true sense of the daycare's daily operations
  • Look for a daycare with a suitable curriculum, flexible schedules, and activities that fit your preferences.
  • Visit the daycare with your child and see how they react to the space, teachers, and other children.
  • Secure a spot on the waiting list as early as possible, especially for sought-after infant programs.

What questions should I ask when evaluating potential daycare centers?

Gather as much information as you can to find the daycare that best fits your family’s needs. Be prepared with a list of questions when visiting daycares, including:

  • Is your daycare licensed and accredited to meet safety standards?
  • Are teachers credentialed and trained in CPR/First Aid?
  • What are the class sizes and student-teacher ratios for each age group?
  • What are the daycare's hours of operation and rates?
  • How does the daycare handle discipline?
  • Will the daycare assist with potty training?
  • How much time do children spend in free-play and outdoors?
  • Are meals and snacks provided by the daycare?
  • How are food allergies handled by the daycare?
  • What enrichment programs and activities are available?

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