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 preschool.
• Brighter Beginnings provides activities for parents and children to attend together.
• LEARNwest offers various parenting classes.

Tiger Cubs Preschool for the 2010-11 School Year
Tiger Cubs Preschool programs are located at  Clive, Crestview, and Phenix Elementary Schools. Each of these three preschools will begin  on September 7, 2010. 

Supply lists, if posted, can be located at http://www.wdm.k12.ia.us/district/registration/supply_list.php.
Families who have students enrolled will be contacted by the classroom teacher in mid August to set up home visits. If you have questions regarding your preschool program, please contact the school where your child is enrolled.

Statewide Voluntary Preschool
The West Des Moines Community School District will receive funding for four year olds to attend preschool. CLICK HERE for more information on Statewide Voluntary Preschool.

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.

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.