Laura Cook, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years
Open:
Neighborhood:
Located near The Playstation, not far from Lindale Mall. Close to Bowman Woods and not far from Marion.
Elementary Schools Bussed To:
None
Our center is accredited by NAEYC.
Welcome to East Cedar Rapids KinderCare
Welcome to East Cedar Rapids KinderCare! We are located in eastern Iowa. We have been serving the families in Linn County for more than 35 years, and we provide exceptional care for all children. We build a warm, welcoming, and supportive classroom for children of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences. Everyone belongs in our circle — we love our families and meeting new friends!
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 Laura Cook, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 2011
Education: Bachelor's of Arts in Elementary Education. Child Development Associate's Degree.
Favorite Children's Book: Where the Wild Things Are
Meet Laura Cook! She is the Center Director at East Cedar Rapids KinderCare in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Laura attended the University of Northern Iowa, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She also holds a Childhood Development Associates from Rasmussen University. Laura has been with KinderCare for ten years now. Her favorite quote is, "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." -Dr. Seuss. Outside of work, Laura likes to go camping with her family.
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.
East 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.
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.)
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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We began our adventure with East Cedar Rapids KinderCare a little over three years ago. During that time, our son has progressed from the Infant Classroom through the Preschool Classroom. I am routinely in awe of the things that he learns in the Preschool Classroom. During our car rides home, he will tell me about an art project they did, what sound the letter "M" makes, and what other words have that sound (thank you, Phonics class!) It is heartwarming to see him say his good-byes to his teachers. He starts with those in his classroom, then on to his previous teachers and the Directors! Because we have such a strong feeling about the KinderCare curriculum, environment, and teachers, we also decided to enroll our little girl when she arrived! The teachers have made her feel comfortable in her new environment, and now they have her smiling and laughing all the time! We feel incredibly fortunate that we found KinderCare and this wonderful group of teachers and Directors. We have so much gratitude for the kindness, patience, diligence, and care they pass on to our little ones!
”Kori - KinderCare Parent
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I have two children who attend our local KinderCare and there is never a time I have to worry about them. My oldest has been attending KinderCare for about four years, and my youngest started there when she was around seven months (she is now two years old). My kids wake in the morning excited to see their friends and teachers, which as a mother gives me a sense a relief because I know they are being loved and cared for. I didn't have kids to have someone else take care of them, but sadly, life doesn't always work the way you want it to. Knowing that there are people with such big hearts educating my children when I am not around makes this mommy very happy. I love the group at our KinderCare and wouldn't want my children being led by anyone else.
”Becca - KinderCare Parent
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Our son has advanced so much developmentally since starting at East Cedar Rapids KinderCare! The staff are great and use age-appropriate ways to make learning fun. They make him feel special when he comes each day and are always welcoming when I drop by to check on him. At the age of two, he has several friends in his peer group that he talks about at home and enjoys going to see every day. We’re thankful to have a place to drop him off during the day where we know he is loved and cared for, and where he stays busy and is learning new things during the day as well!
”Vicky - KinderCare Parent
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My son has been attending East Cedar Rapids KinderCare for the past year. Being around other children and with the help of his teachers, he was potty trained within a month of starting! His teachers do a great job of keeping a structured environment, and giving one-on-one attention, as well as group activities to aid in working well with others. My son is better prepared for preschool thanks to KinderCare, and has a better sense of respect for teachers and other children. Thank you to all of the teachers for getting my son on track for his school years to come.
”Michelle - KinderCare Parent
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The East Cedar Rapids KinderCare staff have become a part of our family! As first-time parents, the staff at KinderCare embraced and accepted not only our son, but also us! The teachers have influenced our son's life in more ways than expected by teaching him manners, basic skills, sign language, creativity through art, and music. We are forever grateful to their undeniable commitment to teaching our son...and soon our daughter! Thank you, KinderCare staff!
”Kori - 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 East 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 East 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.