Jennifer Schlegel, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years
Open:
Elementary Schools Bussed To:
Owatin Creek, Lorane and Jacksonwald Elementary
Our center is accredited by NAEYC.
Welcome to Exeter KinderCare
Welcome to Exeter KinderCare, located off of Gibraltar Rd in Reading! From curriculum to teachers, our approach to early education inspires a love of learning. Our classrooms are designed around your child's unique needs, and our curriculum is built from the latest research in early childhood development to help little minds grow. Every day, our staff works hard to help children develop confidence for life. 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 Jennifer Schlegel, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 2001
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Favorite Children's Book: Shel Silverstein Poetry
Meet Jennifer Schlegel! She is the Center Director at Exeter KinderCare in Reading, PA. Jennifer attended Shippensburg University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She has been with KinderCare since 2001, and before that, she taught Kindergarten in a child care center. Every day, Jennifer looks forward to inspiring young children and helping them reach their true potential. "Be the person you needed when you were younger." Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys working out, attending concerts, and playing games 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.
Exeter 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.)
Computer Adventures
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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My two-year-old son has attended this center since he was eight weeks old. He loves all the teachers and it is evident that the teachers love him too! We get "Good Morning!" from everyone as we walk down the hallway in the morning, and "Good Night!" from everyone as we leave. The girls here are a great extension of our family and we appreciate them helping our little man grow!
”Jessica M. - KinderCare Parent
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I chose KinderCare for Brayden because he went there when he was a baby and they took wonderful care of him. Now that I need care again it was a no brainer that he comes back. I know I will have piece of mind knowing he is getting well taken care of and learning.
”Stephanie - KinderCare Parent
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My family and I recently moved to Pennsylvania and we were a bit nervous not knowing how our 3 year old would adjust to a new preschool (he had been attending his previous preschool since he was 5 months old). I must say the staff at KinderCare Exeter did an amazing job with the transition. He quickly fell in love with his new teachers and started making friends. He brings daily projects home related to the lesson learned for that day and often sings new songs learned at the center (some in Spanish!). My son has Celiac Disease which requires a Gluten Free diet. The staff took the time to meet with me and worked on a plan that would incorporate his GF diet. This was a huge relief for my family. We are so thankful for the wonderful staff at KinderCare Exeter and everything they do.
”Lydia M. - KinderCare Parent
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Both my children have been enrolled at KinderCare since infancy and we couldn't be happier! The teachers are wonderful and truly love their students. They learn through songs, reading and active play. Every month we get a newsletter telling us about the upcoming lesson for each classroom. Breakfast, lunch and snack is included, so no packing lunches! They very rarely close for weather issues which is great for parents who never get off for snow. You can meet with teachers when ever you want, you can call in any time with questions or to check on how the kids are doing. It's a great experience all around!
”Christy R. - KinderCare Parent
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We love KinderCare in Exeter Township! The staff there creates a wonderful environment which allows my children to learn and have fun. They offer programs such as music classes, Spanish classes, cooking classes, etc. that allows my children to explore while learning.
Every day my family is greeted by welcoming staff members. All the teachers go above and beyond to treat my children respect and kindness. My children look forward to seeing their teachers every day, because they know that their teachers truly care for them. While at KinderCare my children create projects that focus on a theme they are learning in class. These projects promote creativity, support a lesson, and promote fine motor skills. My entire family is very thrilled with how exceptional the staff and programs are at KinderCare Exeter.
”Lynn D. - KinderCare Parent
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Kinder Care in Exeter is the Best!! I have been a customer there since 2004 to 2010 and comeback 2013 with my youngest daughter. All the teachers and staff are terrific! They work very well with the children and allow for a safe, fun, learning environment. Some of the staff are still there since when I first enrolled my oldest kid in 2004. My older kids, now teenagers, always talk about the good times and memories they had there. We are very pleased and thankfull with the service and attention we've received from the whole KinderCare team.
”Maria S. - KinderCare Parent
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KinderCare is amazing! They have so many activities for all the children to participate in, they have music, cooking, math, Spanish. My Daughter always goes and leaves with a smile, their staff is very friendly, loving, kind and care for the kids, you never see a bad attitude. They do projects almost every day to help them learn in a fun way. They have fun activities too, they go outside and play, they have a playground, tricycles, swings and the staff organizes fun games too. Love their summer camps, the food is great too, well balanced and good taste, they are flexible and cooperate with your schedule and vacations.
We are very thankful with KinderCare and appreciate all the work their staff do everyday!
”Alejandro R. - KinderCare Parent
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I can not say enough great things about this facility! The teachers have been wonderful with my son. He has some developmental delays and he is thriving since he started attending in November!! He loves Miss Ericka and Missi! After interviewing several day cares we know we picked the best! My husband and I could not be happier with all of the wonderful staff in Exeter!!
”Chera W. - KinderCare Parent
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Our son has been enrolled at Exeter KinderCare for a little over a month now. My husband and I were both nervous as this was our son's first time in a daycare setting. His teachers, the director and assistant director and all the staff have all been incredible. From answering all of our questions to updating us daily on our son's day and progress, we could could not be more thrilled about our choice of enrolling our son here. Our son is now at the point where he knows it’s time to go to daycare and runs to the door at our home to leave. That action alone let us know we made the right choice.
”Leah 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 Exeter 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 Exeter 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.