The following early childhood programs are available in the West Des Moines Community School District:

Community Education

• Project Shine provides registration and tuition payment for children to attend a quality private preschool.
• Brighter Beginnings provides activities for parents and children to attend together.
• LEARNwest offers various parenting classes.

Head Start
Drake University Head Start runs two programs in the West Des Moines area at Phenix Early Childhood Center located at 415 7th Street and at Covenant Presbyterian Church located at 28th and Ashworth. Call (515) 271-1854 for placement information and financial guidelines.

Parent Education Project
Personalized home visits sponsored by Polk County Empowerment and administered through Visiting Nurse Services. No income guidelines and visits are free. Contact VNS at (515) 558-9946.

Special Education
The West Des Moines Community School has a special education preschool at Jordan Creek Elementary in West Des Moines. Call Heartland Area Educational Agency at (515) 270-9030 for assessment and placement information.

Tiger Cubs Preschool
This district preschool is located at Clive Elementary in Clive and offers programming for 4 and 5 year olds.   Tiger Cubs Preschool provides a certified, early childhood teacher and coordinated services through Heartland Area Educational Agency if needed.  Call (515) 633-5800 for more information or to register.  CLICK HERE to view the current Tiger Cubs Preschool informational brochure. CLICK HERE to view the 2008-2009 Tiger Cubs Preschool informational brochure.