The Best Daycare in Cedar Rapids
\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWhere Genuine Care & Academic Excellence Meet
\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBook Your Tour Now\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOur Curriculum\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPurposeful Care Academic Advantage Nurturing Minds
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRedefining Excellence
\t\t\t\t\n\t\tAt 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. Our passion for fostering excellence and shaping the next generation is the core of what we do.
\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet to Know Us\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tOur Academic Approach
\t\t\t\t\n\t\tWe’re more than just a daycare – we pride ourselves on integrating an educational approach into our daily routine. This has allowed us to create a unique setting that feels like school to prepare 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.
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tInfants
\t\t\t\t\n\t\tOur infant program provides a warm, welcoming environment where your baby can grow from a bundle of joy to a bundle of curiosity.
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tToddlers
\t\t\t\t\n\t\tOur toddler program is designed to adapt to each individual child’s age and stage. Experienced teachers promote emotional, physical, social, and intellectual development in a fun, engaging environment.
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTwo’s
\t\t\t\t\n\t\tThe program for our two-year-olds is all about exploring, growing, and learning about the world, building on the desire for independence and knowledge of our students.
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tEarly Preschool
\t\t\t\t\n\t\tIn our early preschool program, we emphasize the development of the whole child, preparing them for the learning adventures that lie ahead.
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPreschool
\t\t\t\t\n\t\tOur preschool program prepares children for kindergarten. Our teachers provide activities that boost learning to ensure children have the necessary skills for school success.
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBefore & After
\t\t\t\t\n\t\tOur before and after school programs provide a safe and supervised yet fun environment for your school-age child. They can relax, hang out with friends, finish homework or get involved in activities, knowing they’re well looked after.
\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRemoving Barriers to Childcare, Building Futures
\t\t\t\t\n\t\tIn partnership with the ExCel Foundation, ExCel Learning Center works to remove barriers to childcare by supporting families through childcare assistance initiatives and providing access to high-quality early learning experiences that build academic readiness and promote lifelong success.
\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tOur Commitment
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFostering Children\nGrowth
\t\t\t\t\n\t\tOur top priority is nurturing children to help them excel, providing an environment that encourages exploration, learning, and growth.
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tStrengthening \nFamilies
\t\t\t\t\n\t\tWe extend our support beyond our centers, aiming to uplift the families we serve and the communities we are part of.
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMotivating \nOur Educators
\t\t\t\t\n\t\tWe strive to inspire our educators, offering them fulfilling careers where they can make a significant impact on the lives of children.
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMeet Our Founder
\t\t\t\t\n\t\tMeet Ms. Pledge
Darcel Pledge, M.A., M.S.
Founder & Director
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), helping support teacher development and instructional excellence. Her extensive experience in education, leadership, and child development inspired her to create a learning environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Darcel is also a two-time published author who believes that literacy, curiosity, and confidence are essential building blocks for every child’s future. Through ExCel Daycare, she is committed to providing high-quality childcare and early learning experiences that help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Education & Experience
- B.A. in Elementary Education
- M.A. in Performance Training & Technology
- M.S. in Educational Leadership
- Former Classroom Teacher
- Former New Teacher Mentor through her local Area Education Agency (AEA)
- Two-Time Published Author
- Founder & Director, ExCel Daycare
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTogether, let’s prepare your child to excel!
\t\t\t\t\n\t\tYour child is unique, and we are happy to provide an educational, fun, and nurturing environment where each child can develop and thrive in order to build a bright future with unlimited possibilities.
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