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Kensington KinderCare

Karen Colvard Bowers, Center Director

2901 Kensington Parkway PO BOX 425 Abingdon MD 21009
(410) 515-3100 Contact this center

Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years
Open:

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Elementary Schools Bussed To:
Homestead/Wakefield, Ring Factory, Emmorton, William S. James, and Abingdon.

Our center is accredited by NAEYC.

NAEYC Accreditation

Welcome to Kensington KinderCare

Welcome to Kensington KinderCare Learning Center in Mount Prospect, Illinois. Conveniently located near Route 12, most of the teachers at our center have been working with us long term. We strive to achieve excellent communication with all of the parents, as we believe parental involvement contributes significantly to child learning and success. Our teachers work hard everyday to help their students develop confidence for life. We would love to welcome you to the Kensington KinderCare family!

Our classrooms are places to thrive! 
In our safe and healthy classrooms, your child will be engaged in learning experiences that meet them where they are, both socially and academically. With fun daily activities, passionate teachers, and great friends, a lifetime of confidence starts here. Contact the center director to learn more about our child care options and schedule a tour! 

Karen Colvard Bowers, Our Center Director

Meet Karen Colvard Bowers, Our Center Director

At KinderCare Since: 1986

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Favorite Children's Book: Daisy-Head Mayzie

Meet Karen Colvard Bowers! She is the Center Director at Kensington KinderCare in Abingdon, MD. Karen attended Towson State University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been with KinderCare since June 1986 and has helped centers across the country provide quality care. Every day, Karen looks forward to meeting new families and watching children grow and learn new skills. "There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million." – Walt Streightiff. Outside of work, Karen enjoys fishing, going to the beach, and spending time with her family.

at KinderCare, our accreditation equals excellence. Contact one of our daycares today!

AMERICA’S MOST ACCREDITED

We’re so proud!

Nationally only 10% of daycares are accredited - nearly 100% of our learning centers are. That’s a big difference, and that means KinderCare kids are getting the very best. Here’s why.

Group of children and teacher at a KinderCare daycare center

SCHOOL-READY

What Learning Looks Like

Our talented early-childhood teachers set kids down the path toward becoming lifelong learners in a positive, safe, and nurturing environment.

Kensington KinderCare Programs

Infant Programs (6 weeks–1 year)

Leaving your baby in someone else’s care is a big step. Everyone at our centers—most importantly, our naturally gifted infant teachers—will work with you to make sure the transition goes smoothly. When you step into our infant classroom, you’ll see how much we want your infant to feel safe, loved, and ready to explore their world.

Toddler Programs (1–2 Years)

Everything in our toddler classroom is designed for little explorers. That’s because a lot is going on at this age. When your child is wandering all over the place, that means they’re learning and discovering new things every day. We’ll help them explore their interests (and find new ones!) as they play and learn.

Discovery Preschool Programs (2–3 Years)

This age is filled with so much wonder and curiosity. That’s why we offer a ton of books and toys and bring artwork down to kids eye level. Children in discovery preschool also begin to learn how we all work together in a classroom. Simple math and science, pretend play, and group play help them get used to a more structured school setting.

Preschool Programs (3–4 Years)

This age is all about expression, when kids really start to form their own ideas about what they want to play and how they want to create. Every day in our preschool classroom, your child will explore science experiments, create artwork, and play pretend—all the skills needed for their big next step: kindergarten!

Prekindergarten Programs (4–5 Years)

When you walk into one of our pre-K classrooms, you’ll see artwork and writing displayed around the room. Labels are everywhere to help kids connect letters with words. You’ll also see pictures on the walls that reflect the families in our community. Your child will also deepen their knowledge in language, math, science, Spanish, and social skills.

Before- and After-School Programs (5–12 Years)

You can count on us to provide reliable care for your school-ager while you’re at work, with safe transportation from our center to your child’s school and back! Whether your child wants to start a drama club, build a volcano, or create a comic book, they will have a place to follow their dreams. Your child will start and end the day with a whole lot of fun!

School Break Programs (preschool, prekindergarten, and school-age)

Winter break, spring break, summer break—when school’s out (but you still need to work), you can count on KinderCare to provide a safe and supportive learning environment that’s focused on fun. We welcome children ages 5–12 during school break times and make sure they have a sensational, screen-free experience they won’t forget.

Participating Child Care Aware Center

KinderCare partners with Child Care Aware® of America to offer fee assistance for Active Duty military families and flexible support to fit their needs when care at a Child Development Center on the installation is not available.

Learning Adventures - Enrichment Program

Cooking Academy™ (3 – 12 Years)

In Cooking Academy, kids learn new recipes from cultures around the world and develop a healthy relationship with food. They’ll whip up everything from Southwest rainbow lettuce wraps to pumpkin muffins, building their skills in STEM, communication, and more along the way. And yes—little chefs get to eat their culinary creations!

Music Explorers™ (2 – 4 Years)

KinderCare families are already giving a standing ovation to our newest Learning Adventures program: Music Explorers! Kids will learn to sing, move, listen, play instruments, and even create their own tunes. Our original curriculum blends math, science, social studies, literacy, and mindfulness (think yoga!) for a uniquely KinderCare way of learning the foundations of music.

Phonics Adventures® (2 – 4 Years)

Learning how to read is a whole lot of fun at KinderCare! We help kids grow to love books and words (and get ready for kindergarten) in our Phonics Adventures program. From discovering the basics of vowels to practicing poetry, kids learn all about letters and sounds in small-group lessons made just for their age group. (Bonus: Kids who attend our phonics program are more prepared than their peers for school—and we have the data to prove it.)

Our Teachers

We're the only company in early childhood education to select teachers based on natural talent. Being a great educator isn't enough though. KinderCare teachers are also amazing listeners, nurturers, boo-boo fixers, and smile-makers. Put more simply, we love our teachers and your child will, too.

Meet just a few of our amazing KinderCare teachers!

Daycare teacher at KinderCare helping young children

A KINDERCARE TEACHER WITH

An Artist's Heart

"My classroom is full of art!” says Mary Annthipie-Bane, an award-winning early childhood educator at KinderCare. Art and creative expression, she says, help children discover who they really are.

teacher with artist educator dedicated teaching with her whole heart
gallup great workplace logo

We put our best-in-class teachers in a best-in-class workplace. We're so proud to have been named one of Gallup's 37 winners of the Great Workplace Award. When you put great teachers in an engaging center, your children will experience an amazing place to learn and grow.

Family Stories

Don't take our word for it. Hear what our families have to say about our amazing center!

  • My son has special needs, and it was very difficult finding an in-home provider or a daycare facility that could care for him and help him grow. The staff at KinderCare has been amazing! The teachers are patient, structured, and diligent. My son is receiving the best care.

    Brian R. - KinderCare Parent
  • My son has been in Ms. Ebony's class for a few months now and all he does is talk about how much he loves her. When he first went to KinderCare he was a MONSTER at home. Since then, I have noticed a HUGE difference in his behavior. He's polite, sweet, and more helpful. Putting him in KinderCare has been the best decision we've made for him. I thank Ms. Ebony for her time and patience she puts in there along with all the other teachers and staff. Thank you for your hard work! It really does make a difference!

    Tori W. - KinderCare Parent
  • I wanted to express how lucky KinderCare is to have such wonderful people working for them and with our children. The ladies at the Kensington KinderCare and Karen Bowers, Center Director are a God send to me. They are the most caring, patient, giving people I have had the pleasure to meet in a long time. They always go the extra mile for the parent and the child. My granddaughter loves the school (looks forward to going everyday--she is 3) and all the teachers. They are such a positive force in her life. They have become like family to us. They really, really care! I would recommend this particular KinderCare to anyone who wants peace of mind when they drop their child off. There just are not enough good things to say about the administration and teachers at this school. I thank the Lord that I was lucky enough to find this school for her to attend.

    GiGi L. - KinderCare Parent
  • The purpose of this letter is to show gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful teachers at KinderCare Abingon - Kennsignton Parkway. We are proud parents, and our son has been attending the facility for over a year and a half. He will be turning three this year, and he is our miracle baby. He was born prematurely and we worried about his development. After removing him from in-home daycare, we placed him in a more academic and social environment by choosing KinderCare. Since enrolling, we have seen tremendous strides in his behavior and intellectual development. He has become more social and his vocabulary is increasing daily. Currently, his teachers are Ms. Carrie and Ms. Kristy, and we could not be happier with their progress and interaction with our son. Initially, we were worried about our son suffering from separation anxiety upon being enrolled in the school. our fears were quickly diminished as he runs to his teachers when we drop him off in the morning. We are also extremely pleased with how both teachers discipline him and keep him on track. Due to his prematurity, he received treatment from specialists who focused on his developmental needs. Ms. Carrie and Ms. Kristy were very open to the specialized teachers and were also receptive to their ideas and suggestions with regards to him. Our son is now caught up to his age physically, mentally, and emotionally. I believe the teachers at the facility, with the attention and care they give him, are directly responsible. We are also pleased with the way Ms. Carrie and Ms. Kristy constantly give feedback on his daily activities. They seemed very interested in his progress. Their dedication to their craft is evident as we can see each day how much they truly care for our son. Even though they have a class full of children, when they talk to the parents about their children, it seems like each child gets special attention and the teachers know the behaviors and personalities of each child. Words cannot describe how impressed we are with the teachers at this facility. The family atmosphere that the teachers create really eases our minds, knowing that our son is being well taken care of. From the bottom of our hearts we would like to thank all of the teachers and wish them continued success in molding the young minds of the future.

    Shaun and Haley T. - KinderCare Parent
  • I moved to Harford County the end of April with my 4 year old daughter. Since moving to Harford, CT, Rayne has been in two other day cares prior to KinderCare. She was asked to leave due to behavioral issues. When I came to Kindercare I advised Amber of my issues and concerns with Rayne. This was because of her behavior towards adults as well as children. Rayne can be, at times, overly aggressive and does not know how to channel her anger and disappointments.
    Amber advised that, although the staff is not experienced with a child with behavioral issues, they would be able and willing to do whatever was necessary. It has not been an easy task, but the entire staff at Kindercare (Amber, Karen, Thelma, Ebony, Kristi, Jessica and I'm forgetting one but blame my mind not my heart) has been so patient, kind and willing to take any steps. They took to heart the advice given by Project ACT to assist Rayne is developing her into a more calmer, compliant child. I do not know what I would do without the assistance of Kindercare. It is hard enough moving to a new area with no support, but KinderCare made it easy.
    I thank you and appreciate you every day. I know Rayne does as well, as she loves each of you dearly!

    Shonnel - KinderCare Parent
  • I loved KinderCare so much when my child was young at age two to school age. I was so impressed with how good the staff took care of my daughter while I worked. I especially remember one of the teachers name being Alice. My child was well taken care of and learned so much. I especially thought a lot of how well the center business ran smoothly and organized by Ms. Karen Bowers. To my delightful surprise 30 years later my Granddaughter is enjoying the same good care. And Ms Karen Bowers is still running the center today.

    Barbara V. - KinderCare Parent
  • Our daughter has grown so much with the help and love of the staff at the Kennsington Kindercare over the past couple years. She has developed friendships that have extended outside of the center. The staff there from Karen on down are all outstanding. They are special people with hearts of gold. I am always telling families in the area who need day care, this is the place to go.  

    Ben H. - KinderCare Parent

Share Your Story
If you have a story about your experience at KinderCare, please share your story with us .

Who Are KinderCare Families?

They hail from hundreds of cities across the country from countless backgrounds, and proudly represent every walk in life. What our families have in common, though, is the want to give their children the best start in life. We are so proud to be their partner in parenting.

Hear from just a few of our amazing KinderCare families.

Young family ready to go to their local KinderCare daycare center

A Globe-Trotting Family Finds A

Home in Houston

Four young children, four different passports, two languages, two full-time jobs…oh, and a few triathlons thrown in for good measure. Meet the globe-trotting Colettas—a family on the go.

home in houston inspiration family puts love first family busy with capital

Frequently Asked Questions

What accreditations does KinderCare have?

We are your trusted caregiver. Our centers are state-licensed and regularly inspected to make sure everything meets or exceeds standards, including child-to-teacher ratios and safe facilities. Our centers aren’t just licensed—most are accredited, too! Find out more.

Do you offer part-time schedules at Kensington KinderCare?

Everybody’s schedule is different. We’re happy to offer quality, affordable part-time and full-time childcare. Drop-in care may also be available. Reach out to your Center Director to learn more.

How does naptime work at Kensington KinderCare?

Our teachers meet every child’s needs during naptime. Our teachers know how to get babies to nap. In fact, they are pros at getting children of any age to nap. Visit our article on "10 Ways We Help Kids Get a Great Daycare Nap" to learn more.

Do you support alternative diets?

We strive to be as inclusive as possible. To that point, we provide a vegetarian option at mealtime, take care to not serve common allergens and can adapt menus based on your child’s food sensitivities. If your child has additional needs, we’ll work with you to figure out a plan.

Are meals included in tuition? Can I choose to send my child with lunch?

We provide nutritious meals and snacks developed by a registered dietician to meet the needs of rapidly growing bodies and minds. If your child has special dietary requirements and you would prefer to bring in their lunch, please make arrangements with the center director.

Does my child need to be potty-trained?

Every child begins toilet learning at a different age. Until your child shows an interest in toilet learning, we’ll provide diaper changes on an as-needed basis. When your child shows an interest, we'll discuss how to work together to encourage toilet learning.