Maria Vargas, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years
Open:
Neighborhood:
Across from New Faith Church
Elementary Schools Bussed To:
All schools within District 162,163 (Matteson), and District 159.
Our center is accredited by the National Accreditation Commission.
Welcome to Matteson KinderCare
Welcome to Matteson KinderCare in Matteson, Illinois. We are located across from Bartel Grassland Reserve. At our center, we view all our families as our own and treat them with the love and respect they deserve. Our highly-regarded curriculum was designed to support each high point in your child's development. KinderCare warmly welcomes and supports all children regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or experiences. We love our circle of families, where everyone belongs!
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 Maria Vargas, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 2009
Education: Associate Degree in Early Childhood
Favorite Children's Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Meet Maria Vargas! She is the Center Director at Matteson KinderCare in Illinois. Maria earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood. She has been with KinderCare for thirteen years, and before that she was an assistant director. Outside of work, Maria enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite quote is, "You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child." - Dr. Seuss
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.
Matteson 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.
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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Nearly twenty-five years ago, I was fortunate to begin my professional journey at KinderCare Learning Center. While employed, I had the luxury of caring for children of various ages and stages, engaging with parents, working along-side dedicated staff members and learning skills that I would take with me on my future endeavors. Due to my work experience, there was no doubt in my mind that someday my children would be afforded the same opportunities that I had the pleasure of offering to other children. My first bundle of joy attended KinderCare in 1998 after I had to make tough decisions about returning to the workforce. Knowing what I knew about the quality of KinderCare’s brand, I had no hesitation in driving from Chicago’s city to the suburbs, twice daily, to ensure his child care needs. In 2007, my family was blessed with not one but two special “additions.” My boys were presented with special needs and after two failed enrollments at centers of convenience, I made simple sacrifices so that they could attend KinderCare Learning Center in Matteson, IL where I knew they would both receive the care and attention that they needed and where I knew that I would have peace of mind knowing that their safety, developmental, educational, and social-emotional needs would be nurtured. My boys are now five years old and enjoy all of the luxuries that KinderCare has to offer. They have the most fun with their “best” friends and simply love all of the KinderCare staff members. They have especially enjoyed summer camp, music and cooking classes, art projects , and believe it or not, the structured learning environment. Thank you KinderCare Learning Center for an awesome adventure!
”Jeanelle H. - KinderCare Parent
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I have two boys who attend KinderCare Learning Center in Matteson, Illinois. I just wanted to express how pleased I am with the services that are provided for my children and I. It's a great feeling to know that when I drop my children off at KinderCare they will be cared for. My youngest son, 3 years old, is being taught in a school environment. He looks forward to going to KinderCare daily and even asks to go on the weekends. My oldest, 8 years old, enjoys being able to socialize with friends, and especially loves the summer program. Matteson KinderCare has a great staff that genuinely cares about every child that walks through their door. To them I am grateful for everything they have done for my children and I. Keep up the great work!
”ShaKella W. - 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 Matteson 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 Matteson 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.