Children's Garden is the only remaining Non-Profit Parent Cooperative in the state of Iowa. For 75 years we have offered childcare and child development services to hundreds of Des Moines and Polk County families. Our parental involvement creates an environment that is an extension of the home, rather than substitute by providing a care that is created by the partnership of parents and staff. Our center is owned and operated by our parent membership in partnership with our Executive Director. There are many ways for parents to be involved! Parent involvement is encouraged; parents can join the Board, participate in center volunteer opportunities, attend annual parent meetings, accompany classes on field trips, and more!
Mission Statement
The mission of The Children's Garden is to serve as a non-profit parent cooperative. We are committed to providing a high-quality childcare program in a stable and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of young children from all races, creeds, and national origins, while responding to the needs of the family.
Our Philosophy
We believe that learning is an interactive process. Children are best served by an environment that allows active exploration of materials and people relevant to the child's own life experiences.
Children's Garden is the only remaining Non-Profit Parent Cooperative in the state of Iowa. For 75 years we have offered childcare and child development services to hundreds of Des Moines and Polk County families. Our parental involvement creates an environment that is an extension of the home, rather than substitute by providing a care that is created by the partnership of parents and staff. Our center is owned and operated by our parent membership in partnership with our Executive Director. There are many ways for parents to be involved! Parent involvement is encouraged; parents can join the Board, participate in center volunteer opportunities, attend annual parent meetings, accompany classes on field trips, and more!
Mission Statement
The mission of The Children's Garden is to serve as a non-profit parent cooperative. We are committed to providing a high-quality childcare program in a stable and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of young children from all races, creeds, and national origins, while responding to the needs of the family.
Our Philosophy
We believe that learning is an interactive process. Children are best served by an environment that allows active exploration of materials and people relevant to the child's own life experiences.
We offer extraordinary care for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Our preschool program uses Creative Curriculum to ensure students are prepared for an effortless transition to kindergarten.
Our after-school program offers transportation from area schools, homework help, and field trip activities during breaks.
Our program also includes weekly Music and Fit-N-Fun Classes!
We pride ourselves on our smaller class sizes that enhance our student to teacher ratio. Our focus is to ensure your child is safe, nurtured, and reaching their full potential of learning. All our staff are CPR and First Aid certified. We value parent relationships and have an open-door policy to all parents any time of the day.
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve educational opportunities for our students.
We love our families, so feel free to schedule a visit during normal business hours.
3223 University Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50311, United States
Phone: 515-441-9051 Email: director@childrens-garden.org
Open today | 06:30 am – 06:00 pm |
Tuition is per week with a 15% discount for each additional child.
We provide a unique connection with our parents and their children while they are in our care. We use the ProCare app to provide real time updates and keep parents informed throughout the day. You will receive progress reports, mealtime notes and photos to monitor your child's day. You can also message the classroom teachers and easily pay your child's tuition.
We participate in the food program (CACFP). Our meals are homemade with whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits and follow the federal guidelines to ensure your child receives nutritious meals! We can accommodate dietary needs such as food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, religious, and others.
Children's Garden Parent Board
The parent board is made up of existing families at Children's Garden. The great part about a parent board is that parents have an opportunity to be involved in making Children's Garden the amazing place that it is! To learn more about how to become a member or get involved send an email for more information.
Spread the word about the quality child care Children's Garden offers! Ask us about referral details.
SCHOOL CLOSING FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER
As the weather continues to fluctuate, I want to remind our families of our weather closing policy. Children’s Garden will close for inclement weather when the Des Moines Public schools are closed. Notifications of closing will be sent using, email, text, KCCI, ProCare and Facebook. Please refer to the handbook for more details.
CLASSROOM OPENINGS