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

Our Academic Approach

We'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.

Our Curriculum
Affordable early learning programs in Cedar Rapids
Our Programs

Programs Designed for Every Stage

Age-appropriate curriculum that grows with your child, from infancy through school age.

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 program for two-year-olds is all about exploring, growing, and learning about the world, building on their independence and natural curiosity.

Early Preschool

In our early preschool program, 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 School

Safe and supervised before and after school programs where kids can relax, finish homework, or get involved in fun 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 assistance initiatives.

Fostering Children's Growth

Nurturing children to help them excel, encouraging exploration, learning, and growth.

Strengthening Families

Extending support beyond our centers to uplift the families and communities we serve.

Motivating Our Educators

Inspiring our educators with fulfilling careers where they make a significant impact on children's lives.

Meet Our Founder
Darcel Pledge - Founder & Director of Excel Learning Center

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.

Darcel 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. in Elementary Education
  • M.A. in Performance Training & Technology
  • M.S. in Educational Leadership
  • Former Classroom Teacher
  • Former New Teacher Mentor through AEA
  • 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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From Our Blog

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