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Preschool Enrollment

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Where every child belongs — and every future begins

Tiger Cubs Preschool is the West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) preschool program, provided at no cost to families. Preschool is half a day, four days per week. 

Learn more about Tiger Cubs Preschool

Sign up for 2026-27 Tiger Cubs Preschool TODAY!

*Tiger Cubs preschool enrollment for the 2026-27 school year began Thursday, Jan. 15 at 8 a.m.

Tiger Cubs Preschool is funded through Statewide Voluntary Preschool, with no cost to families. Tiger Cubs provides opportunities for children to develop important learning skills. Tiger Cubs Preschool offers 4-year-old programs at all WDMCS elementary buildings. Tiger Cubs Preschool includes students ages 3-5 with special needs who have an IEP.

Tiger Cubs Preschool meets on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at each school and is a half-day preschool program.

Cub Care Preschool Wrap-Around Childcare

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New for the 2026-27 school year, WDMCS will offer fee-based, before-and-after school childcare for Tiger Cubs Preschoolers. This wrap-around care will be located at Clive Learning Academy and is open to all district families.

  • Students will attend Tiger Cubs Preschool in their home building and Cub Care Wrap-Around Childcare at Clive Learning Academy.
  • Cub Care is open to all WDMCS families.
  • Midday transportation will be provided.
  • Space is limited. 

This is a fee-based service. Families must pay for Cub Care or qualify for financial assistance through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

You can indicate your desire for wrap-around childcare during the online enrollment process.

Preschool Contacts

Tenille Hamilton
Preschool Program Enrollment Specialist
Learning Resource Center
3550 Mills Civic Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-633-5065

If you are interested in enrolling with one of our community partners, please reach out to the community partner preschool.

Dr. Jeannette Barnes
Early Childhood Special Education and Preschool Program Administrator
3550 Mills Civic Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-633-5071

Tiger Cubs Preschool Times

Crossroads Park Elementary, Fairmeadows Elementary, Hillside Elementary, Jordan Creek Elementary, Western Hills Elementary, and Westridge Elementary

  • Morning Preschool—9:05-11:50 a.m. 

  • Afternoon Preschool—1:10-3:55 p.m. 

Clive Learning Academy 

  • Morning Preschool—9:05-11:50 a.m. 
  • Afternoon Preschool—1:00-3:45 p.m. 

Crestview School of Inquiry  

  • Morning Preschool—8:20-11:05 a.m.
  • Afternoon Preschool—12:25-3:10 p.m.

Other Preschool Options