Early Morning
Circle TimeEach day begins with a warm welcome as children gather to build a strong sense of community and belonging.
Now Enrolling
The Leader in Early Education and Care®
Hours & Location
M-F 6:30 am-6:00 pmAccreditation
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Early Education and Care in West Des Moines, IA
Our school is more than a daycare. Through purposeful play and nurturing guidance, we help lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Right down the road from Brookview Elementary School and Jordan Creek Town Center, we are conveniently located on Coachlight Drive directly across from TopGolf and near local businesses such as IMT Insurance, Wells Fargo, Athene and Simmons Financial. Come by and see Balanced Learning® in action.
Every Moment Matters
- The components of our Balanced Learning® approach are intentionally aligned to create developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
- Your child will stay engaged all day with the right balance of child-initiated and teacher-guided learning experiences.
- Our students learn the foundational skills to develop Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts® that will forge a path to a brighter future.
A Day in The Life at Primrose
Mid-Morning
Noggin Joggin’Through thought-provoking discussions, children are encouraged to wonder, predict and think critically.
Late Morning
Harmony & HeartChildren discover the joy of music, melody and self-expression as they sing, dance and play instruments.
Early Afternoon
Small GroupTeachers build meaningful relationships while offering individualized support, encouragement and challenges.
Early Afternoon
Wonder TimesWonder students explore concepts through hands-on investigations, thoughtful conversations, songs and more.
Mid-Afternoon
Small Group LiteracyVenture students find their voice and express their ideas through drawing, writing, storytelling and bookmaking.
Late-Afternoon
Thumbs Up!Children build coordination, balance and body awareness while practicing teamwork and healthy habits.
Late-Afternoon
Reflections of the DayChildren come together to celebrate their learning, share discoveries and reflect on the day’s experiences.
Franchise Owners
Deepa Parekh and Umesh Parekh
Deepa and Umesh Parekh are the dynamic duo behind the Primrose School of West Des Moines, as proud franchise owners and operators. Their journey in the world of premium early childhood education began with the successful establishment of the Primrose School of Urbandale, which opened its doors approximately three years ago.
Deepa brings over a decade of invaluable experience in early childhood education to the table. Her keen insight into the critical need for high-quality early education inspired the Parekhs to embark on their mission to make a difference in their community.
On the other hand, Umesh is a seasoned business owner with a proven track record, having previously managed retail stores nationwide. Together, their shared passion for giving back to the community fueled their search for an opportunity to nurture the next generation of bright citizens.
Their journey to Des Moines was sparked by a visit to their daughter at Drake University, where they were captivated by the vibrant life and culture of the Midwest, particularly the warm embrace of the Des Moines community. When their business partner highlighted the exceptional quality of education offered by Primrose Schools, Deepa and Umesh saw it as the perfect fit for their vision.
Drawing from their over three years of experience in Urbandale, the Parekhs recognize the pressing need to support the local community by providing top-notch education and care. As parents themselves, they deeply understand the emotional weight and significance of decisions regarding a child’s early education, driving their commitment to excellence.
Deepa and Umesh take immense pride in spearheading an exceptional academic program in West Des Moines. Their hands-on involvement in daily operations reflects their unwavering dedication to creating a safe, nurturing, and encouraging environment where families can take pride in their children’s experiences at Primrose School of West Des Moines.
Gallery
Harmony & Heart in the Infant Room
During Harmony & Heart Time, infants explored familiar sounds and rhythms while engaging in our special Musical Moments. As they discovered soft instruments and musical picture cards tucked inside their blocks, simple sounds and images captured their attention and invited them to listen, observe, and explore.
This experience supports early thinking and language development as teachers name instruments, describe sounds, and talk about the music we hear every day. Through gentle, sensory-rich exploration, infants begin to build an understanding of rhythm, sound, and expression—one musical moment at a time.
September Family of the Month!
September Family of the Month: The Kelley Family
Here's what the Kelley Family has to say about their experience at Primrose School of West Des Moines:
"We initially chose Primrose because of the location and its great reputation, and we’re so glad we did. One of our favorite things is seeing how much Jack learns. He’s always coming home doing something new—from blowing kisses to using sign language we haven’t even practiced with him yet. Those little moments make us realize just how much he’s learning and growing while he’s there."
"Jack is thriving! He genuinely loves going to school, and it’s obvious how comfortable he is with his teachers and classmates. We also love the structure of his day and knowing he’s learning, playing, and staying engaged."
"We absolutely love his teachers. You can tell they genuinely care about the kids, which means so much as a parent. A special shoutout to Ms. Angelica and Ms. Mayerly—Jack loves them, and we’re so appreciative of the care they give him every day."
"We tell other parents how happy we’ve been with Primrose. The staff is wonderful, communication from the front office is great, and everything feels organized and well-run. Most importantly, we feel comfortable dropping Jack off every day knowing he’s happy, cared for, and learning. That peace of mind is probably the best thing you can ask for as a parent."
Thank you, Kelley Family, for being such a valued part of our Primrose family. We are grateful for the trust you've placed in us and love watching Jack learn, grow, and thrive each day!
Wonder Time 2
During Wonder Time 2, our infants explored blue and yellow crayons, taking time to observe the colors and then create their very own artwork. This simple experience supported early creativity, color recognition, and fine motor development as they joyfully scribbled and discovered. 💙💛🖍️
Og's Book Bag and Story Time
Our preschoolers had an absolute blast during OG’s Story Time this morning! Cameron proudly shared his book of choice, a Spider-Man story full of action and excitement that kept everyone engaged from beginning to end. It was such a hit that the class asked him to read it again, making story time extra special and confidence-building for Cameron.
Water Days Are Here!
One of our favorite summer traditions is back! Water Days give our students the opportunity to cool off, stay active, and make unforgettable memories with their friends. From splash games and sprinklers to water-themed activities, our children have a blast while enjoying the sunshine and practicing important motor and social skills.
Noggin Joggin in Pre-K!
During Noggin Joggin Time, our Pre-K class gathered with Ms. Promise to go over the day’s curriculum in a fun and engaging way. She introduced what we would be learning and helped children get excited about the activities ahead.
The class also sang familiar songs together, building a sense of routine and connection while supporting language and listening skills. This special time helps children prepare for their day, strengthen their focus, and feel confident as they transition into learning—all while having fun with music and movement!
Small Group Literacy
Pre-Kindergartners explored letters, sounds, and words by acting out the sentence “I can move my ___,” connecting movement to print awareness and understanding spacing between words. Through phonics practice, I Spy blending games, and writing high-frequency words, they strengthened early reading and writing skills in a fun, active, and engaging way.
Toddlers Noggin Joggin
Noggin Joggin’, our toddlers practiced both thinking and moving as they guessed the airplane, said its name, and pretended to fly during the High/Low game. The fun continued as we made a paper airplane together and took turns flying it, supporting language development, turn-taking, and gross motor skills.
Outside Time
At our school, each age group has its own designated playground designed specifically for their developmental needs and safety. Children go outside twice a day for 45 minutes, following the guidelines on the child care weather chart to ensure conditions are safe and comfortable. Outdoor play gives children daily opportunities to explore, move, and learn through fresh-air activities.
Wonder Time 1 in Early Preschool
During Wonder Time, our Early Preschool students explored the sequence of a morning routine in a hands-on, engaging way. Each child selected a Morning Routine Experience Card from a mystery bag and used baby dolls and classroom toys to act out the routine shown. As children finished, their classmates guessed which part of the morning routine was being demonstrated. Together, the class worked to place the cards in order, using ordinal words like first, next, and last while discussing how the morning progresses. We wrapped up by singing “This Is the Way” and pantomiming each activity, reinforcing that a morning routine happens every day and follows a predictable pattern. ☀️🧸
Rules of the Roost!
The Rules of the Roost are a set of simple, consistent guidelines used in classrooms from Young Toddlers through Transitional Kindergarten. These rules are designed to create uniform expectations across age groups, helping children understand routines, boundaries, and respectful behavior.
Teachers model and reinforce the rules daily, guiding students to practice key social-emotional and self-regulation skills such as listening, sharing, following directions, and taking turns. By providing consistency and structure, the Rules of the Roost support children’s growth, build confidence, and create a positive learning environment where all students can thrive.
PBS Visits Preschool
We were excited to welcome a special producer from PBS Iowa to read to our students! Experiences like this bring stories to life and spark children’s curiosity about books, literacy, and the world around them.
At Primrose, we regularly add engaging curriculum activities like guest readers, hands-on projects, and interactive lessons to make learning fun, meaningful, and memorable. These special experiences enhance our Balanced Learning® approach by combining education, creativity, and excitement for lifelong learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all staff members background-checked and CPR/first-aid certified?
Yes. Every Primrose staff member undergoes a thorough background check before joining our school. All staff are also CPR and first–aid certified, so you can feel confident your child is in safe, prepared hands every day.
What curriculum or educational philosophy do you follow?
Our school uses the proprietary Primrose Schools Balanced Learning® curriculum, which is research-informed and designed to nurture the whole child — intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. We believe in balancing teacher-guided learning with purposeful play to build a strong foundation for the future.
How do you support school readiness and the transition to kindergarten?
All of our programs are designed in age-appropriate ways to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond. We focus on early literacy and numeracy as well as social-emotional skill development — so children arrive at kindergarten confident and ready to thrive. 96% of Primrose Schools Pre-K students met ASQ benchmarks for problem solving.*
What are your hours of operation?
We are open Monday through Friday from 6:30 am-6:00 pm.
How do you keep parents informed about their child's day?
Connecting school to home is one of the ways we help children thrive. We use the Procare app to share daily updates and photos so you stay connected to your child’s joy, learning and special moments
Where do Primrose families live?
Located throughout the Des Moines Metropolitan Area, Waukee, Clive, Urbandale, Cumming, Van Meter, and Grimes!
How many kids can Primrose WDM heard?
230 students!!
Who gets a 10% Lifetime Discount?
Employers: Wells Fargo, Athene, IMT Insurance, any medical professional or teacher!
Is their a waitlist?
At this time, we do not have a waitlist! Our school is licensed to serve 230 children, allowing us to offer availability across many of our classrooms throughout the year. While enrollment in certain age groups may fill more quickly than others, we work hard to accommodate families as soon as possible. We encourage you to schedule a tour and connect with our leadership team to discuss current openings and find the best fit for your child’s needs.
Do you host family events throughout the year?
Absolutely! Building strong relationships with our families is one of our top priorities. Throughout the year, we host a variety of family events including our Back-to-School BBQ, Playground Playdates, ISU vs. Iowa Tailgate, Family Fun Days, holiday celebrations, graduation, community service projects, and classroom events. These experiences are designed to bring families together, celebrate our students, and create lasting memories while strengthening our school community.
What opportunities do children have outside the classroom?
earning extends far beyond our classroom walls! Beginning in Preschool, students participate in monthly educational field trips that connect directly to their current units of study, bringing classroom concepts to life through real-world experiences. Children also care for our Primrose Patch garden, welcoming opportunities to learn about responsibility, teamwork, and where healthy foods come from.
In addition, students enjoy visits from community helpers and special guests, seasonal celebrations, STEM activities, outdoor learning experiences, and family events throughout the year. We are also proud to partner with Cedar Ridge Village through our Adopt-a-Grandparent program, giving children meaningful opportunities to build relationships with older adults, practice kindness, and make a positive impact within our community.
These enriching experiences help foster curiosity, confidence, compassion, and a lifelong love of learning while connecting our students to the world around them.
What age can my child start preschool at Primrose West Des Moines?
Primrose West Des Moines accepts children starting at 6 weeks old in the Infant classroom, all the way through Transitional Kindergarten. There’s no single “starting age” for preschool specifically. Children typically move into the Preschool classroom around age 3, after Toddler and Early Preschool.
Contact the school to confirm the right classroom for your child’s age.
Does Primrose West Des Moines offer After School and Summer Adventure Club?
Yes. After School care serves children ages 5 through 12 and runs $150 a week. Summer Adventure Club runs $325 a week and includes activities like sports, robotics, and arts.
Neither program is offered at Primrose Urbandale, so this is unique to the West Des Moines location.
How much does tuition cost at Primrose West Des Moines?
Weekly tuition ranges from $210 to $445, depending on your child’s classroom. Infant care runs $354 to $445 a week; Pre-Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten run $210 to $355. After School runs $200 a week, and Summer Adventure Club runs $325 a week. See the full price breakdown by classroom on our Tuition page.
What is Transitional Kindergarten, and is my child eligible?
Transitional Kindergarten is designed for children who miss the kindergarten age cutoff or who would benefit from extra time to grow academically, socially, or emotionally before starting kindergarten. Weekly tuition for the program runs $210 to $355. Contact the school to confirm your child’s specific eligibility based on their birthday.
What security and safety measures are in place at Primrose West Des Moines?
Primrose West Des Moines holds Cognia accreditation, evaluated across the entire school including safety systems, leadership, and continuous improvement.
The school maintains an open compliance record with Iowa’s licensing database, so families can check inspection history at any time. It also follows an open-door policy, meaning you can visit unannounced during operating hours.
Other measures include AAP-compliant safe sleep practices for infants and secured entry with staff-controlled access.
How do I choose the right childcare center, and what makes Primrose West Des Moines different?
When comparing childcare centers, look at licensing, accreditation, curriculum, teacher qualifications, staff-to-child ratios, communication, and practical fit like hours and location. Touring at least three centers gives you a real baseline for comparison.
Primrose West Des Moines holds Cognia accreditation, evaluated across the entire school rather than a single classroom. Its Balanced Learning curriculum draws from Montessori, Piaget, Vygotsky, and Reggio Emilia principles, and every child is tracked through ASQ developmental screening, shared with families each fall and spring.
The school is open 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, one of the longer operating windows among centers near West Des Moines, with four meals included daily and enrichment like music, Spanish, coding, and STEM built into tuition rather than billed separately.
Is Primrose West Des Moines convenient for families in Waukee, Johnston, or Clive?
Primrose West Des Moines is located near Brookview Elementary School and Jordan Creek Town Center, a central spot in the western Des Moines metro. Families from nearby communities like Waukee, Clive and Johnston find it a convenient drive.
What enrichment programs are included in tuition at Primrose West Des Moines?
Tuition includes Harmony and Heart music enrichment, Mucho Mundo Spanish, coding, cooking, STEM, and drama, built into the daily schedule for children ages 3 and up. These are part of the regular program, not offered as a separate add-on.
Who owns and operates Primrose West Des Moines?
Primrose West Des Moines is owned and operated by Deepa and Umesh Parekh, who also own Primrose Urbandale. They bring over a decade of early childhood education experience and stay involved in daily operations at both schools.
What is your policy when a child is sick?
Any child or staff member with a fever must stay home until they’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours. Teachers are trained to recognize common signs of illness, and classrooms post signage as a daily reminder.
