Generation Next Child Development Center & Preschool, West Des Moines

About Generation Next Child Development Center & Preschool in West Des Moines, IA

At Generation Next in West Des Moines, we are committed to nurturing the whole child in a secure, joyful, and developmentally rich environment. Located in the heart of West Des Moines, our early learning center serves children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, helping them grow into confident, curious, and compassionate learners.

Getting Here: University Avenue is the most convenient route to access our campus. Westown Parkway also leads to the back side of the Farm Bureau building. Once you turn into either drive, please follow the signs marked West Entrance/Receiving to reach our doors. Parent parking is available just down the sidewalk from our entrance for easy drop-off and pick-up.

We believe early childhood is the foundation for lifelong success. That’s why we combine purposeful play and individualized care to create meaningful experiences every single day. Whether your child is an infant, a toddler, or preparing for kindergarten, our dedicated teachers provide the tools, love, and structure children need to thrive.

Programs Offered at Generation Next West Des Moines

Nursery Program (6 Weeks – 6 Months)

Our nursery program fills your little ones days with activities that spur their individual development, help them socialize, and have fun all at the same time. Our kind, caring staff learn how to help each child feel safe, comfortable, and excited to learn through play.

Infant Program (6 Months – 12 Months)

Our infant classrooms are nurturing, peaceful, and developmentally appropriate. Infants are introduced to language, music, and movement through daily story-based activities. Teachers follow your child’s schedule and provide one-on-one interactions that support early milestones.

Toddler Program (12 Months – 2 Years)

Toddlers are active explorers! Our toddler curriculum includes language groups, music and movement, sensory play, fine motor activities, and art projects — all designed to foster independence, communication skills, and joyful discovery.

Preschool Program (2 – 4 Years)

Our preschoolers engage with the Read It Once Again® curriculum, a literature-based approach that uses repetition to reinforce key academic and developmental skills. Lessons cover phonemic awareness, math, writing, social studies, and science. We implement a three-phase structure:

1. Large Group Instruction – introduces weekly concepts
2. Small Group Guidance – for teacher interaction and support
3. Center-Based Play – encouraging child-led exploration

Pre-Kindergarten / Kindergarten Readiness (4 – 5 Years)

In our Pre-K program, students receive focused instruction in early literacy and math using Heggerty Phonemic Awareness techniques. Children also develop writing fluency, problem-solving skills, and social-emotional confidence that ensures they are kindergarten-ready.

Getting To Our Preschool

Our Curriculum Philosophy

Generation Next West Des Moines follows a developmentally appropriate curriculum that grows with your child. We combine play-based learning with intentional instruction tailored to each individual child— to help them grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically.

Key curriculum components include:

• Read It Once Again®: Literature-based repetition for vocabulary, sequencing, and motor development
• Heggerty Phonemic Awareness: Phonological sound play that supports reading mastery
• STEM Integration: Science, technology, engineering, art, and math infused through sensory play and discovery
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Peer collaboration, empathy, and positive behavior tools

Nutrition & Daily Wellness

We understand the importance of healthy food and active movement for growing minds. Generation Next West Des Moines provides:

• Freshly prepared meals and snacks daily
• Menus that meet USDA nutritional guidelines
• Allergy accommodations for common food sensitivities
• Daily outdoor play on our secure playgrounds to promote wellness and motor development

Safety & Family Communication

Your child’s safety and your peace of mind are top priorities. That’s why we offer:

• Secured entry systems with keycode access
• Daily health and safety checks
• Continuous monitoring of classrooms and playgrounds
• Open classroom boards displaying the weekly curriculum and classroom goals

Why Families in West Des Moines, IA Choose Us

• Trusted by West Des Moines families for over a decade
• Highly trained, compassionate teachers with early childhood credentials
• A balanced approach combining academic readiness and emotional wellness
• A strong partnership with families and the surrounding community
• A fun, stimulating, and safe learning environment that kids love