Tammy Stilson, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years
Open:
Welcome to Arvada West KinderCare
Welcome to Arvada West KinderCare in Colorado! We are passionately committed to serving the children of our community, settled at the base of the Rocky Mountains. We nurture a warm, welcoming, and supportive classroom for children of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences. Our mission is that you feel welcomed and part of our KinderCare family the moment you walk through our center doors!
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!
Meet Tammy Stilson, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 1997
Education: Director's credential
Favorite Children's Book: Love You Forever
Meet Tammy Stilson! She is the Center Director at Arvada West KinderCare in Colorado. Tammy attended the Community College of Aurora, where she earned her Director's Certification, and she is currently earning an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been with KinderCare since 1997 and was an assistant director before that. Outside of work, Tammy enjoys crafting, doing puzzles, playing board games, and outdoor activities. "Don't wait for the storm to pass, learn to walk in the rain."
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.
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.
Arvada West 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.
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.
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.)
STEM Innovators (3-8 Years)
You’ve probably heard a lot about how important STEM education is for your child, but what does that really mean? Our STEM Innovators program takes kids’ natural ability to make sense of the world and applies it to robotics, chemistry, coding, geology, and more. While your child experiments, they’ll discover how to use technology to do amazing things!
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!
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.
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!
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My wife and I always thought that taking our son to a Montessori school was the best quality education and care we could find. We enrolled our son at Arvada West KinderCare at ten-months-old and he really thrived. Because Kinder Care incorporates Montessori among other methods, our son has developed independence, sensitivity, and a sense of responsibility that is uncommon for his age. He is 2 1/2 and playing very well with others, sharing, communicating clearly and politely, and is a happy, confident child. We owe much of that to the experienced staff at Arvada West KinderCare. They show such a high degree if care, it is though it is his second family.
One cloudy morning, I woke Bennett and he asked, "Where is the sun?"
I replied, "The sun is behind the clouds."
Then he said, "Well we can go to school; the sun is in Ms. Cricket's room!"
Thanks for everything!”Justin M. - KinderCare Parent
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Our five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter have thrived at Arvada West KinderCare for the past 3+ years. They love their teachers and feel right at home, and we are always amazed at how much they learn. Our son was sounding out words by age four. After one month of kindergarten, we feel like he is more than prepared and ahead of the game. Our kids have also loved all of the extracurricular activities that KinderCare offers, such as music and cooking classes.
”Jill P. - KinderCare Parent
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Our daughter loves going to school – she wakes up and asks if it’s a school day and then promptly informs us we need to go school NOW. She loves her friends but more importantly, we’re amazed at home how much she learns. She comes home every day with a new song or game and stories of her day. All the staff know her by name and are kind and caring. The Center Director and Assistant Director are fantastic – they know each parent and child by name and have excellent communication. Whether we contact them in person, over the phone, or email, we always get a prompt response. The open communication reassures us our precious daughter is being well cared for!
”Kristina L. - KinderCare Parent
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My two children (ages 3 and 1½) have been attending Arvada West KinderCare since my youngest was 6-weeks-old. The staff at Arvada West KinderCare treats my girls like their own. They show them love and affection, teach and guide them, and has their best interest at all times. My girls love Arvada West KinderCare, and when I am at work I feel so comfortable that my girls are well care for.
”Kelly C. - KinderCare Parent
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My son is in the Preschool program and he loves it! Everything about KinderCare Arvada amazes me. The teachers are extraordinary and extremely nice and have a good individual relationship with each child. My son comes home and you can just tell how much he is learning when he tells me about his day. I love the KinderCare App as well, being able to capture pictures throughout the day is awesome to see while I am at work!
Thank you guys for all that you do to make this a great experience for me being a first time mom and for my son.
Puts me at ease knowing my son is in great hands!
”Desiree G. - KinderCare Parent
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.
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.
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 Arvada West 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 Arvada West 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.