Welcome to the Iowa City Moms Preschool Guide 2022! 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 the Iowa City area. 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:
The Montessori School of Iowa City is a non-sectarian, private independent school. We are a 501(c)(3) organization governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. As one of the oldest Montessori schools on the continent, we celebrated our 50th birthday in 2012. We are an Associate School Member of the American Montessori Society.
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
OUR REDEEMER PRESCHOOL
Ages:
- Potty trained until they enter Kindergarten
Hours of Operation:
- 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Extended care option from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
COVID-19 Modifications
Enrollment Info:
Our Redeemer Preschool has been fulfilling the educational and spiritual needs of children in the Iowa City area since 1981. Licensed by the State of Iowa, this preschool is a non-profit organization administered by a Board of Directors who have a passion for children. Our Redeemer Preschool desires to nurture children with Christ as the center of their lives. The school’s philosophy is to provide a Christ-centered atmosphere that allows children to observe, make choices, be active, explore, and experiment.
PREUCIL PRESCHOOL
Ages:
Hours of Operation:
- 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Extended day option until 3 p.m. coming fall 2022.
Classes:
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday
- Tuesday/Thursday
- Monday-Friday
COVID-19 Modifications:
Enrollment Info:
We are a play-based fine arts preschool, inspired by the Reggio approach and the Suzuki Method. We focus on creativity, imagination, and exploration. Our goal is to help each child grow and learn in all areas of human experience as it fosters cooperation, caring, confidence, action, intellect, knowledge, beauty, and inherent motivation.
The Reggio Emilia schools were developed in Italy post-WWII by parents and educator Loris Malaguzzi. The schools have become world renown for their innovative methods and were named by Newsweek as one of the ten best schools in the world. Preucil embraces this approach in our arts-rich and engaging environment.
Children learn best through play and hands-on activities in which they are active participants. We approach learning in a spontaneous, playful manner. Project-based learning and emergent curriculum are interwoven to create a curriculum that values children’s ideas and promotes in-depth investigation of those ideas. Music and art are offered daily with trained teachers. In music, children work on basic musical skills and most importantly, experience the joy of music. Our art studio is available daily for children to explore—it is a haven for their creative risks and whimsy. Children explore the world and its natural phenomena in our spacious playground. Sand, mud, water, grass, logs, and stones are just a few of the natural materials that are accessible. Developing friendships and the important social skills of negotiation and compassion happens as we learn and play together.
Class sizes number between 16 and 19. Each class has a lead teacher and one or two aides, an available full-time art teacher and a daily music class taught by a music teacher. Preucil Preschool has been celebrating children’s interests, ideas, and curiosities since 1976.
CHRIST THE KING CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL
Ages:
Hours of Operation:
- 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
COVID-19 Modifications
Enrollment Info:
LITTLE ANGELS LEARNING CENTER
Ages:
Hours of Operation:
- 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
COVID-19 Modifications:
Enrollment Info:
Little Angels Learning Center & Preschool believes that every child is entitled to safe, healthful, loving care, which strengthens family life. Children learn best by doing and being involved and a child’s growth and development are best achieved through individual attention, nurturing, and exposure to a diversity of resources, activities, and experiences. Little Angels is able to implement its philosophy by utilizing a curriculum that emphasizes developmentally appropriate learning activities and character education.
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.
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!
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