Welcome to MercyOne Child Development Center

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Our Early Education Programs Offer More Than Daycare

For ages 1 month - 6 years 6 months

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Upcoming Events for Families

Artsy Thursday

April 16 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Smocks on – let’s get creative! Join us for fun family art activities.

Summer Registration

June 30 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Join us for an action-packed summer! Rolling enrollment starts in February.

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Meet Our Teaching Team

Michelle, Daycare Center Director, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Michelle

I love Bright Horizons because: We always try to do the right thing! We can make a big impact in the small details of each person's day!

In education since: 2008

Lakeisha, Daycare Lead Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Lakeisha

I love teaching because: I am inspired by how excited young children become when they have just accomplished a new skill or learned something new for the first time.

Teaching since: 2000

Jamie, Daycare Lead Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Jamie

I love teaching because: My favorite quote is from Ben Franklin, "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I understand."

Teaching since: 2009

Julie, Daycare Lead Educator, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Julie

I love Bright Horizons because: I love witnessing a child's first discoveries as well as providing a nurturing environment.

In education since: 1990

Lori, Daycare Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Lori

I love teaching because: It's wonderful to watch them grow and flourish.

Teaching since: 1984

Barbara, Daycare Lead Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Barbara

I love teaching because: I love seeing the child's face when they realize they've learned something new.

Teaching since: 1999

Kristine, Daycare Lead Educator, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Kristine

I love Bright Horizons because: Children learning through art and sensory projects

In education since: 1997

Tammy, Daycare Lead Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Tammy

I love teaching because: I can be professional, yet creative, silly, loving, spontanious and know that my children are happy and my parents appreciate me.

Teaching since: 1983

Shiloh, Daycare Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Shiloh

I love teaching because: I love to see the kids develop and grow and to see their expressions when trying something new.

Teaching since: 2000

Marcia, Daycare Lead Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Marcia

I love teaching because: I enjoy being with the kids and watching them grow and learn.

Teaching since: 1987

Nichcole, Daycare Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Nichcole

I love teaching because: I love to watch children grow and learn

Teaching since: 2000

Melissa, Daycare Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Melissa

I love teaching because: Children brighten up my day by learning and exploring.

Teaching since: 2000

Lorraine, Daycare Lead Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Lorraine

I love teaching because: I love all the happy faces. The first year is very special and I am honored to be apart of it.

Teaching since: 2010

Ashley, Daycare Lead Educator, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Ashley

I love Bright Horizons because: My favorite thing is the children's eagerness to learn and watching their imaginations blossom!

In education since: 2011

Sierra, Daycare Lead Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Sierra

I love teaching because: I love watching the children learn new things!

Teaching since: 2015

Danielle, Daycare Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Danielle

I love teaching because: It's such an amazing feeling helping them learn!

Teaching since: 2015

Ma Luisa, Daycare Lead Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Ma Luisa

I love teaching because: It makes me happy and excited to see young children's developmental progress.

Teaching since: 2015

Manal, Daycare Associate Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Manal

I love teaching because: I love teaching the children the ABC's and reading to them!

Teaching since: 2016

Kelsey, Daycare Associate Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Kelsey

I love teaching because: I love to watch children learn new things and their joy and curiosity during the process of learning new things.

Teaching since: 2016

Brandi, Daycare Assistant Director, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Brandi

I love Bright Horizons because: I get to see the children grow physically and developmentally.

In education since: 2018

Delaney, Daycare Lead Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Delaney

I love teaching because: I love watching as they take in new information, and then test it out!

Teaching since: 2018

Kimberly, Daycare Lead Educator, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Kimberly

I love Bright Horizons because: Favorite part about teaching: Seeing the growth in the kids. From learning to count to writing their names.

In education since: 2018

Ashlee, Daycare Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Ashlee

I love teaching because: Seeing the children's bright and happy faces everyday makes me happy too!

Teaching since: 2015

Ashlyn, Daycare Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Ashlyn

I love teaching because: I love interacting with the kids and seeing how they think

Teaching since: 2018

Stephanie, Daycare Lead Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Stephanie

I love teaching because: I am inspired by the infant's curiosity to learn and when they do learn, the excitement they get.

Teaching since: 2002

Heather, Daycare Instructional Coach, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Heather

I love Bright Horizons because: It is so inclusive and welcoming to everyone.

In education since: 2009

Maggie, Daycare Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Maggie

I love teaching because: I love to see the growth and development of children's minds. I especially like watching children learn new things.

Teaching since: 2011

Barb, Daycare Teacher, MercyOne Child Development Center, Des Moines, IA

Barb

I love teaching because: I love getting to make a difference in children's lives!

Teaching since: 1993

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Frequently Asked Questions

We provide breakfast and afternoon snack, and families provide lunch every day.  Please contact the center if you are interested in viewing the menus.


Bright Horizons conducts a comprehensive background check on all prospective employees and frequent visitors. The background check consists of a county criminal record check for the past seven years performed in all counties that a person has lived, worked or attended school. In addition to the county criminal search , a sex offender search, OFAC search and a social security verification trace are also conducted. For all location employees, program licensing background checks required by the state are also performed.


All Bright Horizons staff are trained regularly in CPR, even if not required by the state. First Aid is taught as required by state licensing agency/regulations so that you can feel confident that your child is safe and receiving the best care possible at our center.


Yes, Bright Horizons has an open door policy.  You are encouraged to visit your child anytime.


We suggest you register with Bright Horizons.  You can select up to 3 locations to be registered at, including the center you are most interested in.  By registering, you are confirming your strong interest in all 3 centers.  We will add you to our wait list and you will be offered a space as soon as one becomes available.  While waiting for a space to become available at your first choice location, many families will choose to enroll at their 2nd or 3rd choice temporarily until space becomes available at the center they are most interested in.  In many centers, a child currently enrolled at a Bright Horizons location has priority over the general community so enrolling at another location will not only solve your care needs but will also give you additional priority in getting into your 1st preference.  Our goal is to accommodate families as soon as space allows.  During the entire process, we will keep in touch with you regarding your status.


We encourage any family interested in center information, regular updates and invitations to the many events we are planning, to contact us.


Our playground is divided for two age group, one for Toddlers and Preschoolers. Over the years there has been alot of hard work in developing a multi surface playground. We have a sandbox, climbing areas with rubber ground covering for fall zones, a stage for dramatic play, hardtop for playing ball and a bike path. Just look towards the west from the main Mercy campus, you will see us out there having fun.


To find other locations, please visit www.brighthorizons.com/locator.


Tuition varies by center, schedule and by individual classroom. To find out more information about tuition, please contact the center directly.


Comprehensive, optimum development of each child: mind, body, social self, and character. Preparation for Success in Life


  • Approaching life as an invitation to learn
  • Becoming a confident and competent lifelong learner
  • Becoming a confident and competent user of technology
  • Developing emotional intelligence: personal power and social skills
Preparation for Academic Excellence

  • Developing the social and cognitive skills necessary for school success
  • Achieving excellence in language and literacy
  • Developing an engaged, reflective, inquisitive mind and appreciation of science
  • Achieving excellence in logical/mathematical understanding

A Rich and Rewarding Childhood

  • Happy days
  • Wonderful relationships
  • A World of experience


Bright Horizons curriculum, The World at Their Fingertips, is our unique curriculum designed to engage children in active learning that prepares them for school while helping them achieve their individual potential and fostering a spirit of community. It includes curriculum elements such as Language Works, Math Counts, Science Rocks, ArtSmart, Our World and Well Aware that cross all age groups. For more on information on our curriculum, click here.


  • Start by selecting the Find a Center link on this page.
  • Under the center you’re interested in, click the Request Details button.
  • Then, select Schedule Your Visit and fill out the form.


This depends on your child’s age, temperament, and level of maturity. General tips for preparing for the first day of child care include:  

 
  • Developing a relationship with your child’s teacher and keeping communication open
  • Labeling all items  
  • Making sure your child has the essentials: bottles, extra clothes, diapers, blanket, and more  
  • Talking about the first day with your child  
  • Setting expectations for the new morning routine
  • Getting ahead of separation anxiety by creating a “goodbye” routine together


Additional information on our research-backed curriculum can be found here. To find a center near you, click Find a Center in the top right corner of the Bright Horizons home page.
 


Please submit an inquiry to your center(s) of interest with a request for tuition information. We recommend scheduling a visit at the same time (this can be done on the same form).


Safety is our top priority, and it’s part of our everyday routine. All of our centers follow expert-informed health, safety, and security policies and allergy protocols. Additionally, health, safety, and wellness are built right into our curriculum, and our classrooms and spaces are safely designed for learning and exploration.