Shanita Berry, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years
Open:
Neighborhood:
Beside the shopping center with Fit Bar and CosmoProf
Elementary Schools Bussed To:
Creekside Elementary, Churchland Primary, Churchland Academy, Churchland Elementary, Northern Shores, Western Branch Primary, Western Branch Intermediate, Christopher Academy
Our center is accredited by NAEYC.
Welcome to Churchland KinderCare
Welcome to Churchland KinderCare, which proudly serves the neighborhoods of northwest Portsmouth, Virginia! We are located just off Churchland Boulevard. Our classrooms are designed around your child's unique needs, and our curriculum is built from the latest research in early childhood development. At Churchland KinderCare, we partner closely with families to ensure that every child has every opportunity to learn, grow, be loved, and have fun. We believe everyone belongs in our circle — we love 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 Shanita Berry, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 2016
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications
Favorite Children's Book: Harold and the Purple Crayon
Meet Shanita Berry! She is the Center Director at Churchland KinderCare in Portsmouth, VA. Shanita attended Norfolk State University where she earned a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications. She has been with KinderCare for seven years. Outside of work, Shanita enjoys participating in the community service group Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. "A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart!"
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.
Churchland 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.
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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I'd like to thank the staff at our KinderCare in Portsmouth, VA (Churchland) for the wonderful care they've provided our infant son. As first time parents, it was overwhelming to leave our son while we both returned to work. But, we quickly felt comfortable with our new routine, largely thanks to the care his teachers provided. In particular, Ms. Natasha has been a wonderful leader in the infant room. We appreciate all that she does to keep our days running smoothly, while having fun teaching our son. We look forward to her continued lessons as he grows! Thanks!
”Kitty - KinderCare Parent
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My five year old Will has been attending the Churchland KinderCare for the last five months. Prior to attending, he was at the La Petite Academy in Portsmouth for six months. During that time, we had so many behavioral issues with our son and the teachers not willing to work with him on them. Before leaving La Petite, my son was diagnosed with ADHD, which was very heart wrenching for my husband and me to come to terms with and hear.
Since the first day of KinderCare, they have not once judged us as parents or, more importantly, my son. Even after hearing the horror stories from his previous preschool, which was not willing to work through the difficulties associated with his diagnosis. It is wonderful to see my son being welcomed by his teachers, Center Director, Assistant director, and the amazing chef, Ms. Ann.
As parents, we have to put our trust in the place and staff that cares for our children while we are working. My son has the utmost respect for his Ms. Shameka, Ms. Whitney and Ms. Ann, who is one of the most amazing women I have met. Every morning, I am reminded by Ms. Ann and his morning teacher, Ms. Shameka on how well our son gets along with his friends and his teachers. Also, all the teachers have to do is give our soon a certain look and he knows that he needs to adjust his behavior.
I just want to thank KinderCare their teachers and staff, who are all well-educated, experienced and patient. I have never received a phone call from one teacher about not being able to deal with my son’s diagnosis; they just know! I truly appreciate that they also educate my child every day socially and academically. Personally, I believe that everyone here is amazing. I will always have you in my thoughts and prayers for the peace of mind you have given me.”Wendy - KinderCare Parent
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My husband and I began utilizing Kindercare in Virginia Beach almost seven years ago for our oldest son! He was able to make a smooth transition to elementary school from there. Our younger son went there from six weeks to four years in age. Both boys loved KinderCare and learned so much more than I even expected! Our youngest son still needed care when we moved from Virginia Beach, so we enrolled him at Churchland Kindercare. He has been there for about a year and the staff is just as great! However, it is going to be a bittersweet goodbye because he is moving on to big boy school this year!
”Maria - KinderCare Parent
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The Churchland KinderCare staff are amazing! The staff are experienced, professional, and provide excellent care of my children. It is with their efforts I can see progression in my children’s growth and development. The center directors (Mrs. Minerva and Mrs. Rhonda) are readily available whenever I have questions, concerns, etc. which eases the stress for this working mom. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate what each of them do every day!
”Lashawn P. - 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 Churchland 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 Churchland 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.