Dawn Clough, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years
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Welcome to KinderCare of Avon
Welcome to KinderCare of Avon Hello and welcome to KinderCare of Avon, in beautiful Lorain County. Our play-based curriculum is designed to teach every child to help them develop their cognitive, physical, social-emotional, and creative abilities. Research has shown that when it comes to kindergarten readiness, children that attend our centers test better at language and literacy, mathematical thinking, and scientific thinking than children who attend elsewhere. Every day, our staff works hard to help children develop confidence for life.
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 Dawn Clough, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 2021
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Master's Degree in Education Administration
Favorite Children's Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Meet Dawn Clough! She is the Center Director at KinderCare of Avon in Ohio. Dawn attended the University of Akron where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, and Cleveland State University where she earned a Master's Degree in Education Administration. She has been with KinderCare for two years, and before that she was a teacher and a center director. Outside of work, Dawn enjoys spending time with her family. Her favorite quote is, "Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel." - Socrates
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.
KinderCare of Avon 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.)
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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When our family first came to KinderCare, we had been fortunate to have an in-home nanny for the first 4 years of my daughter's life. With both parents working, this was such a blessing! Because of this, I was a bit nervous about moving to a childcare center, expecially regarding 1-on-1 time with a teacher/adult. So, prior to enrollment, I took the time to personally visit 3 centers in the Avon area. KinderCare stood out significantly as the best. It was the cleanest, had the most engaged activities and "extras" (like Phonics class), and the teachers were so friendly. Only at KinderCare did the teachers introduce Claire to two other girls in the class so they could play while I spoke with the staff. The teachers remembered both of our names and really made us feel like family! Once enrolled, the teachers gave her attention she needed and helped her to overcome her initial fears of being with so many other kids. Not only did she have more social skills than the other children upon entering Kindergarten, but she was also at a more advanced reading level than many of her classmates. Being at KinderCare helped Claire conquer her fears of larger groups and be able to interact with kids and parents from a variety of ethnicities and family structures. Deciding to enroll Claire at KinderCare has been one of the best decisions that I've made for her! As a summer KinderCare "schoolager," Claire knows all of her classmates from years prior and loves to attend the field trips. She has found an environment in KinderCare that helps her thrive!
When our son arrived, our family once again relied on KinderCare. Like any new (or new-again) parent, I was anxious about having an infant in childcare, especially because Claire had only attended as a pre-Kindergarten student. Once again, I visited KinderCare with my son, prior to enrollment. The teachers were gentle and loving with him. When he "officially" enrolled, we knew everything would be all right-the teachers formed such a close bond with the children, even at that young age! As a toddler now, Isaac gets excited for "school" as we drive to KinderCare in the mornings! He knows the routines and likes to show Mom and Dad where his cubby is or how he sits correctly in the chairs. He is happy and healthy!
As a family with two working parents, we are so thrilled to have found partners in our children's upbringing! We adore Ms. Emilie and know that she runs a well-oiled machine at KinderCare of Avon! The teachers are top-notch; you will be thrilled you chose KinderCare!”Alison N. - KinderCare Parent
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My son has been in the Infant A room since he was six weeks old and he's now eight months old. The center has the most kindhearted, loving, and patient teachers. They show my son affection often and he has the biggest smile on his face when he sees Ms. Michelle, Ms. Nichole, Ms. Rachel, or Ms. Julia. He loves their attention and snuggles and they've taught him so much. They each engage him in different ways but all clearly love children and love their jobs. I really love that they refer to the kids as "their" babies. Each of the teachers as well as Emilie, the Center Director, and Charity, the Assistant Director, are always happy to talk to me about any concerns or ideas I have, and they share so much about Dominc's day with my husband and I. Each of them knows Dominic personally and remembers his likes and dislikes, celebrates his milestones, and makes us feel important and heard. They take our opinions seriously and are always willing to make accommodations to make us comfortable and happy with the care he's receiving. In short, we absolutely love KinderCare and the Avon center staff! They're fantastic and really deserve some recognition.
”Oksana S. - KinderCare Parent
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I feel very comfortable leaving Brant in Ms. Michele's room as I know how dedicated she is to looking after the babies. M ichele is very good at following parent requests especially when it comes to the baby's likes and dislikes. Michele remembers all their little quirks and that is a big reason why the room is a calm and safe place. I know Brant is well looked after because the infant teachers pay close attention to him-they know his thumb sucking is a sign he's tired so they can put him down before he starts to cry, they know he adores bananas, they know he likes to be cuddled upright and face to face-not cradled-all these things mean I can feel comfrotable that Brant is well looked after, each day. I frequently see MIchele and Cristina down on the floor, playing, cuddling, an interacting with the babies. Brant is excited when he arrives in the morning too-he has a big smile for his teachers and can't wait for them to pick him up!
”Emily J. - KinderCare Parent
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Our experience in the Infant room has been great! The teachers are always smiling and welcome our baby with kind words each morning. The teachers interact with the children through play and exploration. They make beautiful wall displays and an overall fun and safe environment. My daughter smiles everyday I drop her off which gives me comfort she is happy there. The teachers are also very informative when I pick her up about her experiences throughout the day. I would recommend the Avon KinderCare to any new parent!
”Diane C. - KinderCare Parent
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Ms. Michele and Ms. Anni are absolutely wonderful!! They truly care for each and every child. My son is very happy to see them in the mornings. As a working mom its nice to know your children are in good hands here at KinderCare Avon. I couldn't ask for better teacher for my children. Ms. Michelle and Ms. Anni make you feel like they are part of your family. We just love them!!
”Sara S. - 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 KinderCare of Avon?
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 KinderCare of Avon?
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.