The Best Preschools in Gilbert, IA
Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Gilbert. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.
The Goddard School of Ames
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Ames is a highly-rated early childhood education center located just 10 minutes from Gilbert. They offer a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. The facility features modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor play areas. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and social development activities, with all teachers meeting state qualification requirements and receiving ongoing professional development.
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Ames Community Preschool Center
Ames Community Preschool Center
Ames Community Preschool Center is a highly-regarded nonprofit preschool serving the greater Ames area, including Gilbert families. With over 50 years of operation, they provide developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on social-emotional growth, cognitive development, and kindergarten readiness. The center is known for its inclusive environment, serving children with and without special needs. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and employ degreed early childhood educators with specialized training in early childhood development.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Ames
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Learning Center in Ames serves Gilbert families with a nationally-recognized early childhood education program. Their research-based curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, and social skills development. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry, dedicated age-appropriate learning environments, and outdoor playgrounds. Teachers receive ongoing training in early childhood education best practices, and the center maintains state licensing compliance with excellent safety records and regular quality assessments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preschools in Gilbert, IA:
What are the typical costs for preschool programs in Gilbert, Iowa?
In Gilbert, preschool costs can vary, but many local programs, including those through the Gilbert Community School District, offer free or low-cost options for eligible 4-year-olds through the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP). Private in-home or center-based preschools may range from $100 to $250 per week. It's recommended to inquire directly about tuition, registration fees, and if they offer income-based sliding scales or scholarships.
How do I find licensed and quality-rated preschools in Gilbert?
Start by checking the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) child care provider search to verify licensing for centers and in-home providers. For quality indicators, look for programs participating in Iowa's Quality Rating System (QRS), known as Iowa's Quality for Kids (Q4K). The Gilbert Elementary School preschool is a public, accredited option that meets state standards, and local parent groups on social media can provide personal recommendations.
What are the enrollment timelines and age requirements for Gilbert preschools?
Most preschools in Gilbert, including the district program, require children to be 4 years old by September 15 to enroll for that academic year. Enrollment for the public school preschool typically opens in early spring, with limited spots, so early registration is advised. Private providers may have more flexible timelines and sometimes accept children at age 3, but waiting lists are common, so contacting programs 6-12 months in advance is wise.
What types of preschool programs are available in Gilbert, given its small-town setting?
Gilbert offers a mix of options despite its size. The primary choice is the part-day, school-year program at Gilbert Elementary, which follows a structured curriculum. There are also licensed in-home preschool providers offering smaller, home-like settings. For full-day care combined with education, some families look to neighboring Ames for child care centers, which is a common commute for many Gilbert residents.
How does the part-day schedule at the Gilbert school district preschool work for working parents?
The Gilbert Community School District preschool typically operates on a part-day, part-week schedule (e.g., morning or afternoon sessions), which can pose a childcare challenge. Many working parents coordinate with local in-home daycare providers for wrap-around care or seek full-day private preschool options in nearby Ames. It's essential to ask about before-and-after care possibilities when exploring any Gilbert-based program.
Looking for More Options?
Explore preschools in other cities across Iowa or search our full directory of early learning centers nationwide.