The Best Daycare Centers in Johnston, IA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Johnston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Johnston
Sunshine Kids Academy
Sunshine Kids Academy
Sunshine Kids Academy is a highly-regarded childcare center in Johnston known for its comprehensive educational approach. They implement a research-based curriculum that focuses on early literacy, STEM concepts, and social-emotional development. The facility features secure access systems, certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes daily outdoor play in secured playgrounds, nutritious meal programs, and regular parent communication through digital platforms. What sets them apart is their commitment to individualized learning plans and their extensive safety protocols including background-checked staff and secure entry systems.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Tree Child Development Center
The Learning Tree
The Learning Tree offers a balanced approach to early childhood education with a play-based curriculum that incorporates academic readiness skills. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and holds degrees in early childhood education. The center features modern classrooms with natural lighting, dedicated art and music areas, and secure outdoor play spaces. They emphasize character development, social skills, and kindergarten preparedness. Unique features include hands-on science labs, multicultural education, and regular developmental assessments shared with parents through detailed progress reports and parent-teacher conferences.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of West Des Moines
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of West Des Moines, while located in neighboring West Des Moines, serves many Johnston families and is consistently ranked among the top childcare providers in the metro area. They utilize the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, character development, and hands-on learning experiences. The state-of-the-art facility includes secure entry systems, dedicated music and art rooms, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their standout features include regular enrichment programs, foreign language exposure, and a commitment to developing the whole child through their exclusive Harmony & Heart® curriculum that incorporates music, art, and character development.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Johnston, IA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Johnston, Iowa?
In Johnston, IA, full-time daycare costs vary based on the type of facility and the child's age. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month for infant care, and slightly less, around $1,000 to $1,400 per month, for toddler care. In-home licensed daycare providers typically offer lower rates, ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that while these prices are competitive within the Des Moines metro area, they have been rising. We recommend contacting providers directly for the most current rates and inquiring about any potential registration or supply fees.
How do I verify that a daycare in Johnston is properly licensed and what should I look for in inspection reports?
All childcare providers in Johnston must be licensed by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). You can verify a provider's license status and view their inspection history through the "Iowa Child Care Provider Search" tool on the Iowa HHS website. When reviewing inspection reports, look for the compliance history over the last 2-3 years. Pay attention to any "non-compliances" noted, particularly those related to health and safety (e.g., background checks, safe sleep practices for infants, immunization records, and physical environment hazards). A few minor administrative non-compliances are common, but patterns of serious or repeated violations are a red flag. You can also call the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) of Central Iowa for assistance in understanding these reports.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Johnston, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant rooms at highly-regarded centers in Johnston. Due to high demand and limited infant slots (driven by strict state-mandated staff-to-child ratios), it is not unusual for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long. For toddler and preschool-age children, waitlists may be shorter, typically 3-6 months. We strongly recommend starting your search during your pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. When touring facilities, always ask about their specific waitlist process: Is there a fee to be on the list? How often do they update families on their position? Do they offer priority for siblings of current enrollees?
What resources are available in Johnston to help me find and compare local childcare options?
The primary resource for Johnston parents is the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) of Central Iowa. They offer a free, personalized referral service where you can discuss your family's specific needs (hours, location, budget, etc.) and receive a list of licensed providers that match your criteria. Their website also has search tools and helpful guides. Additionally, the Johnston Community School District's website and community Facebook groups (like "Johnston, IA Community" or "Johnston Moms") are valuable for getting personal recommendations and insights from other local parents about their experiences with specific daycares, preschools, and in-home providers.
What are some of the unique programs or features offered by daycare centers in Johnston that I might not find elsewhere?
Many Johnston daycare centers leverage the city's family-friendly community and proximity to Des Moines to offer unique programs. It's common to find centers with integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curricula aligned with Iowa Core standards, and partnerships with the Johnston Public Library for regular storytime visits. Several providers also emphasize outdoor learning and have dedicated nature exploration areas or gardens. Given Johnston's strong school district, many preschool programs focus specifically on "kindergarten readiness," with assessments and skills alignment for a smooth transition to Johnston's elementary schools. Some centers also offer optional enrichment activities like soccer, dance, or music for an additional fee, providing convenience for busy parents.