
Welcome to the Iowa City Moms Preschool Guide 2021! Searching for the right place for your child to learn and grow can be overwhelming, but we are here to help. There are an abundance of preschools, child care centers, and in-home programs to choose from in our area, but we hope this guide will provide you with the information you need to find the best fit for your family.
MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF IOWA CITY

Ages:
Hours of Operation:
- Half-Day Schedule (pre-primary classes and primary classes)
8:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m. - Full-Day Schedule (pre-primary classes and primary classes)
8:15 a.m.–3:15 p.m. - Elementary Classes
8 a.m. – 3 p.m. (before and after school available) - Before Program
7:30 a.m. –8:15 a.m. - After-school Program
3:15 p.m. –6 p.m.
COVID-19 Modifications:
Enrollment Info:
Children entering the Primary program must be fully toilet trained. Discounts are available for multiple children from one family.
The Montessori School of Iowa City’s mission is to provide authentic Montessori education that serves the child’s intrinsic motivation to learn and is inclusive, sustainable, and holistic. Fundamental to all of Dr. Montessori’s ideas is a deep respect for a child’s ability to learn. This innate potential to learn is dependent upon a loving environment that encourages the active pursuit of knowledge.
Classroom Lead teachers are certified by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education. Each classroom has a lead teacher and an assistant teacher. All staff members are required to pass background checks and are trained in CPR and First Aid as required by DHS. We value excellence in teaching the whole child customized to each student’s intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs and abilities. In addition to an authentic Montessori prepared environment in each classroom, we also offer specialized instruction in Spanish and Music. Schedule a tour here to learn more.
MONTESSORI CHILDREN'S GARDEN AND NURSERY

Ages:
Hours of Operation:
COVID-19 Modifications
Enrollment Info:
The Montessori Children’s Garden is a Montessori preschool offering full and half day options for children ages 3-6. We offer activities in the areas of math, language, practical life, sensorial, science, geography, art, and weekly music and Spanish classes. Classes are led by fully certified and experienced Montessori teachers.
The Montessori Children’s Nursery is a school for infants and toddlers guided by the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori. Each child is encouraged to explore in a beautiful and orderly environment with materials carefully chosen for their educational purpose and sensory qualities. These values occur within a safe and supportive environment organized by experienced, Montessori trained teachers.
PREUCIL PRESCHOOL

Ages:
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday
- 8:15 a.m. -3:30 p.m.
Classes:
- 2-day (T/Th)
- 3-day (M/W/F)
- 5-day (M-F) options.
We hold morning (9 a.m.- 1 p.m.), afternoon (12:30-3:30 p.m.), and full day (9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.). We have an early drop-off option.
COVID-19 Modifications:
Enrollment Info:
CHRIST THE KING CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

Ages:
Hours of Operation:
- 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
COVID-19 Modifications
Enrollment Info:
PURPLE BLOOM SCHOOL PRE-K

Ages:
Overall school for ages 6 weeks to 6th grade
Hours of Operation:
- 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
COVID-19 Modifications:
Enrollment Info:
Purple Bloom offers social/emotional focused, child-directed, play-based learning Pre-K for ages 3-5. Sensory time, outdoor play, calming meditation techniques, and experiential art are just some of the teaching tools used by our trained Pre-K teachers. All levels of potty training accepted from diapers to potty experts for Pre-K. Not quite ready for kindergarten? Bridge year program for 5-year-olds also available!
WILLOWWIND MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL

Ages:
Hours of Operation:
- Full-time Preschool M-F 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- Part-time Preschool M-F 8:30-11:30 a.m.
- Before School Program M-F 7:30-8:30 a.m.
- After School Program M-F 3:30-6:00 p.m. *
*ASP is not being offered this school year but we intend to offer full BASP for the 21-22 academic year.
COVID-19 Modifications:
Enrollment Info:
Willowwind’s Montessori Preschool offers an engaging educational experience based upon the teachings of Maria Montessori. The goal of Willowwind’s preschool program is to teach the whole child, equally guiding their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Students learn through observation, hands-on exploration, and modeling of peers and teachers.
Lead teachers are Montessori certified with backgrounds in early childhood education. Children are guided through the core Montessori curricular areas and are also engaged in specials classes like physical education, art, and music.
Willowwind’s Montessori Preschool is committed to helping each child discover their unique strengths and talents in a learning environment that embraces exploration and questioning. Willowwind School develops passionate and confident individuals who value empathy, independence, community, and responsibility.
We encourage families to investigate, explore, and enjoy the spirit of learning that takes place at Willowwind’s Montessori Preschool! Contact us to schedule your tour today. See you soon!
LA MONTESSORI NURTURY DAY SCHOOL

Ages:
Hours of Operation:
Enrollment Info:
La Montessori Nurtury is excited to welcome your child to our unique preschool program, featuring experienced teachers; a peaceful, no-clutter environment; child-led learning; unique enrichment activities; and an incredible outdoor area for learning and play.
LMN offers an authentic Montessori experience that is also fresh and convenient for today’s busy families in an ever-changing world. The timeless Montessori method encourages the natural inclination of children to be independent and to learn. By allowing children to freely explore their carefully-prepared environment, teachers nurture their natural curiosities in each curricular area, while also encouraging meaningful participation in the life of their family, community, and school.
To provide convenient extracurricular opportunities, on-site enrichment classes are offered for children ages 2-6 years old including soccer, gymnastics, cooking class, yoga, and dance.
A Pre-K Enrichment program is included for 4-5 year olds in our preschool classes. This is a small group that meets three times weekly to focus on kindergarten readiness. The focus is on challenging children in the areas of language, science, and mathematics. Monthly plans are provided for the Pre-K parents outlining concepts and methods used.
CADENCE ACADEMY PRESCHOOL

Ages:
Hours of Operation:
COVID-19 Modifications:
Enrollment Info:
REGINA EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Ages:
Pre-Kindergarten Program: Ages 4 – 5 by Sept. 15
Hours of Operation:
- Mon through Fri, 8:15 – 11:45 a.m.
- Mon/Wed/Fri, 8:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Three year old Preschool
- Mon/Wed/Fri, 8:15 – 11:40 a.m.
- Tues/Thurs 8:15 – 11:40 a.m.
Daycare Option (Includes Preschool)
- 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
COVID-19 Modifications:
Enrollment Info:
Regina Catholic Education Center is proud to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your child’s early education programming. Enrollment for our program begins as early as age 3 and goes through age 5 for Pre-Kindergarten. We feel that growth takes love. Learning through love promotes loving to learn.
Schedule: We offer a convenient and flexible schedule so you can choose the weekly plan that works best for your family. Options include: 2 half days, 3 half days, 5 Pre-K half days, and/or extended Childcare in the afternoons until 5:30 pm. You create what your week looks like.
Academics: Our Early Childhood and Pre-K curriculum features a variety of engaging subjects including math, science, language, reading, singing, Spanish, sign language, creative arts, and dramatic play as well as a certified outdoor Nature Explore classroom. All of our students participate in hands-on, play-based learning in a stimulating and nurturing environment.
Community: Our preschool students participate in multiple service projects which help them learn how to contribute to and have empathy for their larger community. A partnership with Regina Elementary and Jr/Sr High School offers opportunities to interact with older student buddies which helps to build a sense of community and support within our education center.
Safety: All of our buildings and classrooms are safe and secure with keycard entry by authorized staff only.
Faith: All Christian faiths are welcome. Our students participate in prayer before snack and lunch. Children will have the opportunity to grow their appreciation of God’s love through engaging activities.
Other Reader-Recommended Preschools
Iowa City
Cadence Academy
Christ the King Christian Preschool
Discovery Cottage Preschool
Good Shepherd Preschool
Kinderfarm
Kirkwood School for Children
La Petite Academy
Lion Heart Early Learning Center
Mary Jo Small Child Care at Brookland Woods
Our Redeemer Preschool
Parkview Preschool
Preucil School of Music
Regina Early Childhood Center
Stepping Stones Preschool
Sunshine Daycare & Preschool
Treebrook Preschool
UIHC Childcare
Willowwind School
Coralville
Academy of Early Learning
Creation Kids Preschool (Coralville Location)
Grace Garden Preschool and BASP
Handicare Inc. Daycare Center
Helping Hands Playschool
Love-A-Lot Early Childhood Center
Montessori School of Iowa City
Prince of Peace Christian Preschool
Purple Bloom School
Simple Abundance
North Liberty
Creation Kids Preschool (North Liberty location)
Education Station
Frog Hollow Kids Campus
Heritage Christian School
Montessori Children’s Garden
Tiffin
Graceland Preschool
Solon
All Aboard Daycare/Preschool
Lakeview Preschool
Play & Learn Preschool
Swisher/Shueyville
All God’s Children Preschool
The Good Earth
West Branch
Hoover Elementary Pre-K
West Branch Community Early Learning Center
Multiple Locations
ICCSD preschool programs
Head Start through HACAP