Amanda White, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 6 years
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Welcome to West Cedar Rapids KinderCare
Welcome to West Cedar Rapids KinderCare! We are located in eastern Iowa. We have been serving families in Linn County since 1979, and we provide exceptional care for all children. We build a warm, welcoming, and supportive classroom for children of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences. It's our mission from the moment you walk into our center that you feel welcomed and a part of our 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!
Meet Amanda White, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 2016
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Biology
Meet Amanda White! She is the Center Director at West Cedar Rapids KinderCare in Iowa. Amanda attended the University of Northern Iowa where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biology. She has been with KinderCare for seven years, and before that she was a teacher, program specialist, and an assistant director. Her favorite quote is, "Play is the highest form of research." - Albert Einstein. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys exercising, camping, being outdoors, and spending time with her family and dogs.
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.
West Cedar Rapids 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.
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!
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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Thanks so much for making it easy to start our baby in KinderCare. The teachers have made it comfortable for my wife to go back to work after maternity leave. We know that our baby will be well taken care of. We also love the art work and pictures that we are receiving on a daily basis. It makes us know that he is loved and played with when he is in your care at the center. Thank you so much!
”Chad - KinderCare Parent
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Our daughter came from another facility, so coming to West Cedar Rapids KinderCare was an eye opener. Since being here, our daughter’s development has amazed us. She learned sign language and excelled with her colors and words. The teachers are amazing! They listen to our concerns and suggestions with an open mind. KinderCare has opened our eyes to what our daughter was missing out on with her learning at another center.
”The H. Family - KinderCare Parent
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Before joining West Cedar Rapids KinderCare, our boys had only been cared for by in-home providers. However, after our oldest son had seen his seventh in-home provider, we decided we needed a change. That is when we joined the KinderCare family! We have been with the center for over a year now and we will never look back. The type of care they provide is over the top! Every teacher in every classroom knows our family. When we walk through the door every day, you hear “Good morning" and "Hello” coming from every direction. When our boys come home at night, they are happy and so excited to tell us about the projects they did throughout the day. When I get called one of their teachers' names at home, it doesn’t bother me. It makes me proud to know that the love and care provided goes beyond a typical 8-5 job--they treat you like family. Thank you, KinderCare, for the educational and compassionate atmosphere you deliver!
”The L. Family - KinderCare Parent
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We love West Cedar Rapids KinderCare because there are people like Sara and Melissa working there. They make you feel like you are part of a loving family that is always there for you. Every parent dreads the day they will have to bring their child to a child care provider. KinderCare staff makes that hard moment easy from the second you walk in the door. Their staff is not only well trained and educated to teach your young children, but they treat each child as if they are their own. I haven’t regretted taking my daughter to KinderCare for one second. My daughter learns numerous things on a daily basis, ranging from making stuff for me, to cooking, to learning how to write, read, and sing with her classmates, and everything in between. My daughter loves KinderCare and their staff. She wakes up on weekends wanting to go to school!
”The M. Family - KinderCare Parent
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My son is always upbeat when he comes home! I can see the impact that West Cedar Rapids KinderCare has made with his learning.
”The S. Family - KinderCare Parent
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Three years ago, my son was going to start preschool. With him being my first child, I was very nervous to have him go but knew it was going to happen eventually. My sister was working for West Cedar Rapids KinderCare at the time, so I felt more comfortable taking him somewhere with someone I knew, which made KinderCare the obvious choice. After meeting the head teacher, Melody, I felt even more comfortable with him going. She is very good with the kids and my son learned quite a bit from her! She is also very easy to talk to as a parent. Since my son started preschool, I have also taken one of my daycare kids here (last year) and my daughter is currently attending preschool at KinderCare. Ms. Melody and Ms. Amber are amazing teachers and I would recommend anyone to come to preschool here!
”Melissa A. - KinderCare Parent
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Our son is in the Infant Classroom and when we start walking through the daycare doors, he starts jumping from my arms with excitement! When I pick him up, he's a happy boy and I can tell he really enjoys himself with all the staff. We couldn't be any happier!
”B.'s Family - KinderCare Parent
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We have nothing but good things to say about all the teachers who have an impact on our children each day. Since we have started at West Cedar Rapids KinderCare, our son's speech and vocabulary have increased so much. Thank you all for everything you do each and every day, for not only our kids, but everybody's kids.
”Duane and Sara M. - KinderCare Parent
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You ladies are doing a great job with my little princess. She never seems to be unhappy or cranky and is always in a good mood when I pick her up. I love how the ladies do activities with her even though she is so young. Great job, Infant Teachers!
”Anonymous - KinderCare Parent
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I think the Infant Teachers at West Cedar Rapids KinderCare do a great job of taking care of the infants. I know from experience it is a tough job, and they all do a great job!
”Anonymous - 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 West Cedar Rapids 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 West Cedar Rapids 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.