As a parent of a 3-year-old in Cedar Falls, you likely want to find the best preschool option to set your child up for success. Choosing where to send your toddler for their first school experience is an important decision. The right preschool will help foster your child’s development and prepare them for kindergarten.
Here are my top recommendations for the best preschools for 3-year-olds in Cedar Falls.
My Recommendations:
Montessori at the Y (MATY)
MATY offers an excellent Montessori-based preschool program launched in fall 2023 within the Cedar Falls YMCA, having absorbed the former Casa Montessori. We enrolled our daughter Caroline in the inaugural MATY class and have been very pleased.
MATY focuses on nurturing curiosity and independent learning critical to child development. Our middle daughter previously attended Casa Montessori, so we were excited the YMCA adopted this curriculum.
Key advantages include utilizing YMCA amenities like the pool, gym, and play spaces for hands-on learning. MATY also provides full-time care with flexible drop-off/pickup, plus included meals – extremely helpful for busy parents. Enrollment starts at age 3 for this program setting kids up for success.
Orchard Hill Church Preschool
This early childhood program for 3-year-olds meets twice a week for 3-hour sessions. Additional care options are available on non-class days as well as before and after class on teaching days. Our oldest child was enrolled for 2 years and we were very satisfied. The staff are friendly and competent, and we appreciated the program’s Christian foundations incorporated into the curriculum
Other 3-Year-Old Preschools in Cedar Falls
Farmstead Preschool
Farmstead Preschool is a faith-based, multi-age program for children ages 2-5 that operates two or three days per week. With a focus on hands-on learning, they encourage students to explore and think critically in a nurturing environment that utilizes their on-site farm and animals. Following state early learning standards, teachers facilitate discovery across all developmental domains – social, physical, cognitive, and emotional.
St Johns Preschool
Expanded to become Farmstead Preschool & Childcare Center, St. John Preschool provides preschool and childcare for 3-5 year-olds. They offer quality half-day preschool sessions. Childcare is available before/after preschool, on non-preschool days, and for non-enrolled children. Childcare activities complement preschool classes, encouraging exploration and play. Rest time provides an afternoon break. Nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks are provided daily.
Blessed Sacrament
Blessed Sacrament Early Childhood Center provides childcare and education for children from 6 weeks to 4 years old. They focus on teaching socialization, age-appropriate academic concepts aligned with state standards, music, physical education, and Catholic faith principles. The youngest students spend their days learning skills like socialization. Older preschool and pre-kindergarten students also participate in weekly classes focused on music and physical education.
Immanuel Lutheran
Immanuel Lutheran Preschool provides a loving Christian environment for children’s first learning experiences outside the home. They integrate Bible-based principles and lessons into the curriculum to help children ages 3-5 grow in their Christian faith and understanding of God. In addition to faith-based learning, they also use a research-backed curriculum that addresses language, literacy, math, science, physical skills, and social development.
Clover Patch Preschool
Clover Patch Preschool is a Christ-centered Catholic school providing a rigorous academic curriculum and emphasis on leadership, service, and problem-solving skills within a welcoming, family atmosphere. Established in 1891 with a long history, Clover Patch nurtures values like freedom and acceptance while holding students to the same state standards as other Iowa schools. They partner with parents to educate the whole child and make a faith-based education accessible and enriching.
Montessori System School
The Montessori System School & Childcare aims to encourage children’s self-discipline, self-knowledge, independence, enthusiasm for learning, problem-solving skills, and intellectual and social development. The school’s hours are 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, four or five days per week. The Montessori Method facilitates children’s natural desire to learn by providing specially designed activities and materials for them to explore at their own pace.
As a Cedar Falls parent, I highly recommend Montessori at the Y (MATY) and Orchard Hill Church Preschool to prepare your 3-year-old for educational and social success but others are good as well. Visit each preschool to get a personalized feel, as you want your toddler to thrive.
Attending a preschool is a milestone for your child. So, don’t forget to capture the beautiful moments of this success. As an experienced milestone photographer in Cedar Falls, I can help you get the best clicks. So, schedule an appointment with me for a milestone photography session today.
Comments