Spotlight on KinderCare Learning Centers:
A Strong Start for Every Child

Children begin learning from birth. In fact, research has shown that babies begin to recognize words at seven or eight months of age. With so much capacity for learning, it is critical for parents to provide their children early on with a strong foundation to help them master the skills that will help them succeed both in school and in life. For close to 40 years, KinderCare Learning Centers have operated with the knowledge that children do their most important learning before the age of five. Because of this, the KinderCare philosophy is dedicated to early childhood development along with a focus on love and individual attention. “We need to ensure from birth on that children are able to be stimulated cognitively,” says Denise Dionizio, district manager for Knowledge Learning Corporation, the parent company of KinderCare and the nation’s leading private provider of early childhood education and care. “The first five years of a child’s life is an amazing time for growth and learning,” she adds. “Children need to develop the ability to use and integrate their senses in exploring their world.”

KinderCare is not simply a place to drop children off for day care, but rather a sensory-rich environment where children actively learn throughout the day. “We’re considered to be more of a learning center than simply child care,” says Erich Ohlendorf, director of KinderCare in South Windsor. “We’re curriculum based and help children get ready for school.” The centers start by providing age-appropriate environments that encourage children to learn, play and explore. From books and blocks to toys and tambourines, KinderCare provides children from birth through school age with an assortment of activities to engage their interest and stimulate their mind. “Children learn through play, by exploring and interacting with and testing out different things,” says Kellie Mingachos, director of KinderCare in Bethel. “By discovering things on their own, they really feel a sense of accomplishment.” KinderCare’s education department utilizes current research to create a proven curriculum that provides a balanced approach to learning, allowing for the development of the “whole child.” For every age level, a unique curriculum is based on developmentally appropriate, fun activities that help children develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.

A typical day at most centers, Dionizio says, usually involves a “balance of teacher-directed and child-initiated activities.” This can include dramatic play, math and science, reading and language, gross and fine motor skill development and outdoor play, as well as quiet activities such as mealtime and rest. Trained teachers, who are actively involved, enthusiastic and attentive, guide students in their hands-on activities. In the classroom or on the playground, age-appropriate concepts are integrated into all aspects of play, whether through a game, song or exploration in a Discovery Area. “By providing children with activities that match their developmental needs and abilities, learning occurs easily and naturally,” the KinderCare website states.

KinderCare Learning Centers are further distinguished in their individualized attention to each child. “It’s important for our staff to connect to each child in an individual way,” says Dionizio. Just as important is connecting to parents, who are encouraged to take an active role in their child’s development through regular communication with KinderCare teachers. “KinderCare teachers and staff provide daily updates on a child’s development, from daily activities to milestones both large and small,” Dionizio explains. “Our teachers are eager to understand parents’ needs, and listen to their suggestions. We all work together to promote healthy development, and share in the excitement of children’s growth.” In addition to an “open door policy,” where parents can observe their children during the day, many centers organize special events for families throughout the year. In Bethel, for example, these include a fall festival, pasta dinner nights and a summer carnival. “We’re really just like one big family,” says Mingachos.

KinderCare Learning Centers offer programs for every age level, including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners and school-agers. In each program, “teachers foster independence, responsibility and the importance of making good choices and respecting everyone,” says Mingachos. “We encourage development in all different areas –  physically, socially, academically and emotionally.” The following are features of the various programs:

• Infant Care
  The Early Foundations Infant program emphasizes the importance of positive, supportive interactions between teachers and children. Teachers sing, read and talk to the children to help with the critical development of their minds and bodies and build trust and self-esteem. Age-appropriate activities promote cognitive and social development in a warm, nurturing environment. Infants are encouraged to play and explore through stimulating activities and group interactions.

• Toddlers
  As children begin to walk, talk and develop relationships with each other, the Early Foundations Toddlers program is filled with sensory experiences that emphasize the importance of their environment and relationships. Teachers provide a balance of nurturing, playtime and learning throughout the day. Monthly thematic units provide a rich array of daily activities and experiences. Learning areas focus on dramatic play, creative arts, language development and sensory exploration. Children are encouraged to develop confidence, self-esteem and a love of learning.

• Two-Year-Olds
  At this age, children are beginning to understand group play and become better at communicating their thoughts. The Early Foundations Twos program emphasizes language development to help children turn their ideas into words and sentences. Through monthly thematic units and learning areas, children are encouraged to develop confidence, self-esteem and a love of learning. Children also have plenty of group activities to practice social skills, such as cooperation, sharing and taking turns.

• Preschool
  Children in preschool begin to improve coordination, learn complex games and interact more with their peers. KinderCare’s Early Foundations Preschool program introduces math, science and social skills in a logical, natural sequence to encourage learning one step at a time. Teachers also provide plenty of individual attention to support each child’s unique needs. In a rich classroom environment, children are encouraged to explore and are challenged to learn while making friends and developing self-confidence. They strengthen their cognitive skills with fun memory games and learn through doing in hands-on, creative projects. Through observation-based assessments and portfolios of children’s work, parents are provided with information about their child’s progress.

• Prekindergarten
  The Early Foundations Prekindergarten program promotes independence while preparing children for the next exciting phase: kindergarten! The program eases the transition by helping children become more familiar with an organized environment, as well as focusing on group play to develop social skills such as listening, sharing and cooperation. Children begin learning with vocabulary, letters and words through thematic units. They also develop independent learning skills through hands-on experiences.

• Kindergarten
  A comprehensive, skill-based program, KinderCare’s kindergarten program is designed to prepare children for the first grade and success in school. Lessons are tailored to meet each child’s individual needs and give children the opportunity to explore, question, communicate and create in a fun, supportive environment. Educational field trips and school presentations enhance the curriculum. The kindergarten program features small class sizes and full-day instruction along with before school and after-school care.

• Before & After School Care
  KinderCare’s Catch the Wave program provides an engaging environment where school-age children can spend time with friends before and after school. Many centers provide transportation to and from local schools, and offer fun-filled programs during holidays and out-of school days. The program helps children develop a sense of who they are and what they can do, promoting collaboration and positive group interaction. Children have a choice in daily planning, and independent learning is encouraged. The program offers exciting activities, hands-on exploration and daily homework time.

• Enrichment Programs
  Taught by trained teachers, the KinderCare enrichment programs feature small group sessions that last for four weeks with the option to sign up for consecutive sessions. Kelsey’s Learning Adventures programs in phonics, reading, math, Spanish and music are geared to each child’s skill level and learning style. The comfortable environment provides ample time to practice skills and learn within a small group of friends. Whether enrolling in KinderCare’s preschool or after-school programs, parents can be assured that they are making a positive choice for their child’s future. Quality child care programs can have an immense impact on a child’s life – physically, emotionally, academically and socially. KinderCare can help families grow together at each exciting step of development, and offer the opportunity for many positive experiences through every stage of life.