Generation Next Child Development Center & Preschool

About Generation Next Child Development Center & Preschool in Urbandale, IA

At Generation Next Urbandale, we are committed to nurturing the whole child through a secure, joyful, and rich environment.

Located in the heart of Urbandale, Iowa, our early learning center serves children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, helping them grow into confident, curious, and compassionate learners.

We believe early childhood is the foundation for lifelong success. That’s why we combine research-based curriculum, purposeful play, and individualized care to create meaningful experiences every single day. Whether your child is an infant, a toddler, or a budding school-age explorer, Generation Next provides the tools, love, and structure they need to thrive.

Programs Offered at Generation Next Urbandale

Nursery Program (6 Weeks – 6 Months)

Our nursery program nurtures your baby’s growth with safe, comforting routines and engaging early activities.

Infant Program (6 Weeks – 12 Months)

Infants enjoy daily introductions to language, music, and movement in calm, nurturing classrooms that follow each child’s unique schedule.

Toddler Program (12 Months – 2 Years)

Toddlers are active explorers! Our toddler curriculum includes morning language groups, music and movement, sensory bins, fine motor activities, and art projects. Each activity is designed to encourage independence, motor development, and early communication skills.

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 – allows for teacher interaction
3. Center-Based Play – offers child-led exploration and practice

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

Pre-K students prepare for kindergarten with Heggerty Phonemic Awareness, early math and writing, and social-emotional development. Teachers focus on confidence-building and peer collaboration alongside academics.

Kids Café Preschool Cooking Program

Cooking Up Confidence, One Recipe at a Time

Kids Café is a hands-on cooking program where children explore new foods, build confidence, and develop essential life skills through fun, guided kitchen experiences.

Program Highlights:

• Designed for ages 3+
• Weekly sessions over a 12-week program
• Hands-on cooking activities and kid-friendly recipes
• Builds teamwork, sharing, and communication skills
• Encourages problem-solving and following directions
• Supports early math, literacy, and critical thinking
• Includes a take-home cooking kit for continued fun

Talk to your School Director today to learn more and enroll.

Our Curriculum Philosophy

Generation Next Urbandale follows a developmentally appropriate curriculum that grows with your child. We combine play-based learning with intentional instruction to develop the whole child—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

Smaller Class Ratios

We know that personalized education can be key to each child’s success in the classroom and beyond. We keep our teacher to student ratio small so that we can provide the personalized, confidence-building education that helps each child thrive.

• 1:4 – Birth to Age 2
• 1:6 Toddler 2’s
• 1:8 – Toddler 3’s
• 1:12 – Preschool & Pre-K

Nutrition & Daily Wellness

We understand the importance of healthy food and active movement for growing minds. Generation Next Urbandale 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 Urbandale, IA Choose Us

• Trusted by Urbandale 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 community
• A fun, stimulating, and safe learning environment that kids love

Visit Us Today!

Come see what makes Generation Next Urbandale the premier choice for child care and early learning in Urbandale, Iowa. We invite you to tour our classrooms, meet our educators, and explore how our curriculum helps children grow with confidence, compassion, and curiosity.