Cedar Rapids, Iowa's Trusted Daycare

The Best Daycare in
Cedar Rapids

Where Genuine Care & Academic Excellence Meet — providing a safe, nurturing environment since 1996.

Nurturing Care Academic Focus Flexible Schedules
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About Us

Redefining Excellence in Child Care

At our center, we are committed to redefining excellence in child care and early education. Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where every child can thrive.

Best daycare in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Fostering Children's Growth

Our top priority is nurturing children to help them excel, providing an environment that encourages exploration, learning, and growth.

Strengthening Families

We extend our support beyond our centers, aiming to uplift the families we serve and the communities we are part of.

Motivating Our Educators

We strive to inspire our educators, offering them fulfilling careers where they can make a significant impact on the lives of children.

Our Approach

Purposeful Care. Academic Advantage. Nurturing Minds.

We're more than just a daycare – we integrate an educational approach into our daily routine, creating a unique setting that feels like school.

Our academic approach prepares our learners and families for what to expect as their educational journey continues beyond our doors. This approach fosters a love of learning from the earliest ages, partnership with parents and caretakers, along with setting the foundation for future academic success.

Our Curriculum
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Our Programs

Age-Appropriate Learning Programs

From infants to school-age, we have the right program for every stage of your child's development.

Infants

Our infant program provides a warm, welcoming environment where your baby can grow from a bundle of joy to a bundle of curiosity.

Toddlers

Our toddler program adapts to each child's age and stage. Experienced teachers promote emotional, physical, social, and intellectual development.

Two's

Our two-year-old program is all about exploring, growing, and learning about the world, building on independence and knowledge.

Early Preschool

We emphasize the development of the whole child, preparing them for the learning adventures that lie ahead.

Preschool

Our preschool program prepares children for kindergarten with activities that boost learning and ensure school success.

Before & After

A safe, supervised, fun environment for your school-age child to relax, finish homework, or get involved in activities.

Our Commitment

Removing Barriers to Childcare

Building Futures. In partnership with the ExCel Foundation, we work to remove barriers to childcare by supporting families through childcare assistance initiatives.

Removing Barriers

Building Futures

Providing access to high-quality early learning experiences that build academic readiness and promote lifelong success.

Family Support

Strengthening Families

We extend our support beyond our centers, aiming to uplift the families we serve and the communities we are part of.

Meet Our Founder

Darcel Pledge, M.A., M.S.

Founder & Director of ExCel Daycare

Darcel Pledge - Founder of Excel Learning Center

Darcel Pledge is the Founder and Director of ExCel Daycare and a passionate educator dedicated to helping children build a strong foundation for lifelong success. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a Master of Arts in Performance Training & Technology, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership.

Prior to founding ExCel Daycare, Darcel served as a classroom teacher and later mentored new educators through her local Area Education Agency (AEA). She is also a two-time published author who believes that literacy, curiosity, and confidence are essential building blocks for every child's future.

B.A. Elementary Education M.A. Performance Training & Technology M.S. Educational Leadership Former Classroom Teacher Former AEA New Teacher Mentor Two-Time Published Author

Together, let's prepare your child to excel!

Your child is unique, and we are happy to provide an educational, fun, and nurturing environment where each child can develop and thrive.

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Experience the Excel difference and give your child the best start in their educational journey.

Location Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Open Hours

Monday – Friday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

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