High-Quality Programming for Children Ages 6 weeks - 12 years

Since 1968

Infant to Pre-K Registration School Age Registration

Over 50 Years of High Quality Educational Programs & Child Care

The first non-for-profit childcare facility in Ames, the Ames Community Preschool Center (ACPC) has been serving central Iowa for over 50 years while providing high quality early childhood education, fostering positive development and academic preparedness. Setting ACPC apart is its integration within the Ames community, using our environment as our classroom to safely explore, discover, create, and inspire future leaders.


Over the years we've expanded to provide a variety of social and educational experiences for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years within an atmosphere of warmth and support.  Give your child a great jumpstart to elementary education with the continuity of care ACPC can provide from infancy through childhood.

A Comfortable & Welcoming

Environment For Your Child

Our goal is to give our kids a safe, loving environment that aids in developing confidence,  curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning to grow to their fullest social, physical, and emotional potential.

Infants

  • Programming for infants from 6 weeks to 1 year of age.
  • Individualized care and comfort in calm and safe environment.
  • Developmentally appropriate activities both indoors and out to build social, emotional, and gross and fine motor skills.
  • Utilization of Emergent Curriculum, adapting to children's needs.
  • Program-Wide implementation of pyramid model practices through PBIS.
Colorful caterpillar — Ames, IA — Ames Community Preschool Center (ACPC)

Toddler Age

  • Programming for children 12 months to 3 years old to build curiosity and confidence.
  • Small classes with individualized care and comfort from dedicated teachers.
  • Developmentally appropriate activities both indoors and out to build skills and encourage strong bonds across developmental domains.
  • Neighborhood outings related to topics of study, bringing lessons to life.
  • Utilization of Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold.
  • Program-Wide implementation of pyramid model practices through PBIS.
Grasshopper — Ames, IA — Ames Community Preschool Center (ACPC)

Preschool Age

  • Small classes providing academic preparation and development for ages 3 to 5 years old.
  • Regular field trips related to topics of study including library and park visits.
  • Developmentally appropriate activities including self-help skills, cognitive, language, pre-reading, pre-writing, art, dramatic play, and large motor skills both indoors and outdoors.
  • Utilization of Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold.
  • Class visits from Ames community professionals to inspire and engage.
  • Program-Wide implementation of pyramid model practices through PBIS.

School Age

  • On-site before and after school care offered for children in Kindergarten – 5th grade.
  • Teacher and university-student mentorship for elementary ages.
  • Full day care during school breaks and summers.
  • Relaxed atmosphere with developmentally-appropriate group activities, free choice time, art, literacy, sensory, and STEM activities both indoor and out.

Need more information? Please contact our friendly staff at 515-233-2901.

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