Welcome to Preschool, an exciting time for children as they begin to explore learning in a classroom setting.
Des Moines Public Schools provides a high-quality preschool education for children throughout our community.
Certified teachers meeting the highest standards staff our preschools.
An early childhood education at DMPS provides a great start to learning, promoting the academic and social growth of young children.
Read about and choose from one of the many options DMPS offers for early childhood education below.
Universal Preschool
Universal Preschool is for children who are 4 years-old by September 15, the year they will begin preschool. (Children who are 5 years old by September 15th are not eligible.)
Click here to apply online for 2023-2024 Universal Preschool.
If you would like to apply for the current 2022-23 school year, please call 515-242-7588 or email preschool@dmschools.org for application information.
To apply for Universal Preschool at Cowles Montessori School, please contact the Open Enrollment office at 242-7371.
For a list of all Universal Preschool classroom locations click here. For a list of class times by location, click here.
DMPS Universal Preschool classes are held five days per week: Monday- Friday.
There are two options for length of day:
- Half-day preschool (no cost)
- Full-day preschool (parent pay or 1 unit childcare assistance)
- Some scholarships are available for the full-day Universal Preschool classrooms at McKee, Mitchell and Woodlawn.
- Free income-based full-day Universal Preschool classrooms available at Carver, Capitol View, Greenwood, and Jackson.
Head Start Preschool
Head Start is an income-based preschool program for 3 and 4 year-olds. Children must be 3 or 4 years old by September 15, the year they will begin preschool. (Children who are 5 years old by September 15th are not eligible.)
Classes are held five days per week: Monday-Friday.
Half-day options are available for 3 and 4 year-olds, full-day options are available for children who are 4 years old by September 15.
All Head Start options are free of charge.
An appointment is required for Head Start applications. Students must be 3 or 4 years old by September 15, 2022. Call 242-7588 for information or to schedule an appointment.
We will begin taking applications for the 2023-2024 school year on February 1, 2023.
Applicants will need to bring proof of birth (child’s birth certificate) and proof of income (taxes from 2022 or current FIP or SSI) to their appointment.
Shared Visions Preschool
Shared Visions is an income-based program for 4 year-old children who live in the attendance area of Capitol View, McKinley, or Moulton schools. Contact us at preschool@dmschools.org for information about how to apply.
For more information about applying for preschool please contact us at preschool@dmschools.org
Tenemos una línea en español, por favor llame al 242-7975 para más información acerca de preescolar.