Des Moines Public Schools Early Childhood Programs Preschool

Des Moines Public Schools Early Childhood Programs offers Universal Preschool for 4-year-olds, Shared Visions, Head Start Preschool for ages 3 to 5, Montessori Preschool for 3- and 4-year-old children, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) for children ages 3 to 5, and an Extended Day Program for children ages 3 to 5. Cowles Montessori School offers both a full-day and morning-only preschool for 3- and 4-year-old children, and Pleasant Hill Elementary offers full-day Montessori preschool for 4-year-old children.

Programs

• Universal Preschool — 4-year-olds
• Shared Visions — State funded program designed to provide high quality preschool education for eligible children.
• Head Start Preschool — 3 to 5
• Montessori Preschool — 3- and 4-year-old children; 4 year old children at Pleasant Hill Elementary · Cowles Montessori School offers both a full-day and morning-only preschool for 3- and 4-year old children. Pleasant Hill Elementary offers full-day Montessori preschool for 4 year old children.
• Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) — 3 to 5 years of age
• Extended Day Program — 3-5 years old · $115–$125 per week

At a glance

• Ages: 3–5 years old
• Price range: $115–$125 per week

About the provider

Des Moines Public Schools Early Childhood Programs states that it provides quality learning experiences to help promote growth of young children and their families and that it adheres to state and national program standards to support kindergarten readiness. All early childhood programs in Des Moines Public Schools are under the same leadership, and staff in each program follow the same policies and procedures, receive the same professional development, and use the same curriculum and assessments. Free preschool bus transportation is available at all locations for DMPS preschool students who live within the school boundaries but more than 1.5 miles away from the school.

All early childhood programs in Des Moines Public Schools, regardless of how they are funded, are under the same leadership. Staff in each program follow the same policies and procedures, receive the same professional development, and use the same curriculum and assessments. Programs are held to the highest of standards and are more alike than different. Free preschool bus transportation is available at all locations for DMPS preschool students who live within the school boundaries but more than 1.5 miles away from the school.

Last updated September 26, 2026.