Find daycares near you in Ames
Explore top daycares in Ames. See open spots, compare pricing, book tours, and join waitlist instantly.
Top daycare centers near Ames
86 results
ACPC-Main Center
ACPC-Main Center is a child care center in Ames, Iowa. Care is offered for up to 190 child... Read More

St Paul Lutheran Preschool
St Paul Lutheran Preschool is a child care center in Ames, Iowa. Care is offered for up to... Read More

Melanie Reed
Melanie Reed is a home based child care provider in Ames, Iowa. Care is offered for up to ... Read More

ACPC-Meeker
ACPC-Meeker is a child care center in Ames, Iowa. Care is offered for up to 100 children, ... Read More

Jessica Lawson-Clipper and Jermaine Clipper
Jessica Lawson-Clipper and Jermaine Clipper is a home based child care provider in Ames, I... Read More

Kim Farrar
Kim Farrar is a home based child care provider in Ames, Iowa. Care is offered for up to 12... Read More

Prairie Flower Children's Center
Prairie Flower Children's Center is a child care center in Ames, Iowa. Care is offered for... Read More

Joni King
Joni King is a home based child care provider in Ames, Iowa. Care is offered for up to 8 c... Read More

ACPC-Fellows
ACPC-Fellows is a child care center in Ames, Iowa. Care is offered for up to 296 children,... Read More

SPARKS Ames
SPARKS Ames is a child care center in Ames, Iowa. Care is offered for up to 27 children, ... Read More

The Little Hive Field School
The Little Hive Field School is a child care center in Ames, Iowa. Care is offered for up ... Read More

Childserve Child Care - Ames
Childserve Child Care - Ames is a child care center in Ames, Iowa. Care is offered for up ... Read More
How to find daycare with UrbanSitter
1 Share your needs
Set preferences like location, hours, and age group. Get matched with local daycares near you.
2 Browse open spots for free
See which daycare centers have openings, including infant daycare, toddler care, part-time daycare, and drop-in daycare options. Compare programs, pricing, and send messages.
3 Tour and enroll
Book daycare tours or join waitlists instantly. Choose the best fit and enroll.






Frequently asked questions about daycare in Ames, IA
How much does daycare cost in Ames, IA?
Daycare prices in Ames vary by your child’s age, the type of program, and the neighborhood. Infant daycare typically costs more than toddler or preschool programs. On UrbanSitter, you can compare pricing for daycares in Ames and filter by budget to find an option that fits your family.
How can I choose the right daycare in Ames, IA?
Start by touring locations, checking licensing information, and reviewing each program’s approach to care. It also helps to bring a list of daycare interview questions to guide your visit. UrbanSitter lets you compare options side by side, see which daycares have open spots, and join waitlists for programs you love.
Do daycares offer part-time or drop-in care in Ames?
Some providers offer part-time daycare and drop-in daycare for same-day needs. UrbanSitter helps you see which Ames daycares offer part-time care and which locations support drop-in options so you can find a match for your schedule.
What’s the difference between daycare and preschool?
Daycare programs typically support infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children with full- or part-time schedules. Preschool programs usually have a more structured, education-focused curriculum. You can learn more in our guide, Is preschool the same as daycare?
Are daycare expenses tax deductible?
Daycare itself isn’t deductible, but many Ames families qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit or a Dependent Care FSA. These programs can help lower the cost of care. Learn more in our guide to daycare tax benefits.
What age is best to start daycare?
Families start daycare at different ages depending on availability, budget, and personal preference. Experts generally recommend choosing the age that aligns with your child’s developmental needs. Explore common starting ages in our guide on the best and worst ages to start daycare.
