Formative Years: Growing and Learning Center is a childcare and preschool provider in Ames, Iowa (established 1986) that runs a summer day camp for children in grades K-6. Alongside infant-through-preschool care and before/after-school care up to age 12, the summer camp gives school-age kids a full-day program during the summer months.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Formative Years: Growing and Learning Center directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★S JI love Formative Years. My child had attended here for more than 2 years until we had to move. All teachers are amazing and the best. I always could feel that teachers took care of my child like their own. My child could learn not only shapes, colors, numbers, songs and names but also could learn how to interact with other friends&teachers. My child, who is going to be a preschooler soon, still misses Formative Years, friends, and teachers a lot.
★★★★★Heather LeCountMy daughter has just started going here this year! She loves it! All the teachers are amazing and really care about the children!
★★★★★Coleen FreemanMy kids were happy here. They loved coming here.
★★★★★Meg LindeMy boys went there for the summer last year, they had a blast. They went on a variety of fun field trips all over the middle of the state. The staff was great and they took the time to pay attention to my boys individually, which is great for elementary school care.
★B TThis daycare is terrible. The teacher did not stop kids when they were pushing and flighting. And they also have after school class. They ask the elementary school kids and toddlers in the same space together. The elementary school kids push the toddlers. The space in the daycare is small. Food served is also terrible. For example, for the breakfast, they give kids only banana and a small cup of cold milk. I won't send my kids there again.