The mission of Children’s Garden is to serve as a non-profit parent cooperative.  We are committed to providing a high quality child care 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.

The Children’s Garden is open Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The infant program is available from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  We are closed for major holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Please see the Director for a copy of the Wellness Policy.

Children’s Garden has been a part of Des Moines since 1936.  It was previously known as Dell Nursery School, and Des Moines Children’s Garden, Ltd.  It is the second oldest non-profit child care program in Iowa and its only remaining parent cooperative.  We can serve 68 children ages six weeks through third grade.

In fall 2001, Children’s Garden entered into a partnership with Wesley Acres Retirement Community and Des Moines University (DMU).

Employees of these institutions and students at DMU have priority on our waiting list.

To qualify for the priority spaces, DMU employees must be, at a minimum, a one-half time regular employee.  Students must be enrolled in the current term at least one-half  time.  Forms to certify your eligibility are available in DMU’s Human Resources or Student Services departments.  Once the appropriate department has verified your eligibility, the Children’s Garden will handle the admissions process, including qualifications for admission and the management of waiting lists.