Haley Elsasser, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years
Open:
Elementary Schools Bussed To:
SCHOOLS PICK UP AND DROP OFF FROM: Bloom | Brookview | Marsh | Spring Creek | Rolling Green | Eisenhower Middle School | Lincoln Middle School
KinderCare transports to Rockford Christian and Johnson
Private Schools: Parent must contact Montessori Magnet, Ellis Art Academy directly about transportation
Our center is accredited by NAEYC.
Welcome to Maray Drive KinderCare
Welcome to Maray Drive KinderCare, centrally located near Alpine Road and State Street in east Rockford, IL. Our dedicated staff works hard to provide a high quality learning experience in a safe and friendly environment. We challenge each child to reach their fullest potential through fun activities that encourage creative play and socialization. Come take a tour to see what sets us apart. After all, 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 Haley Elsasser, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 2012
Education: Associate's Degree in Art, Aim for Excellence National Director’s Credential
Favorite Children's Book: The Rainbow Fish
Meet Haley Elsasser! She is the Center Director at Maray Drive KinderCare in Rockford, IL. Haley attended Rock Valley College, where she earned an Associate's Degree in Art; and National Louis University, where she earned the Aim for Excellence National Director’s credential. She has been with KinderCare since 2012, and before that she was a teacher and an assistant director. "Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning." - Mr. Rogers. Outside of work, Haley enjoys fishing, relaxing at her cabin, and spending time with her family and dog.
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.
Maray Drive 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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Thank you for everything your center has provided to our family. Reliable coverage, flexibility with family schedules, trustworthy caregivers and teachers, and an intentional educational plan for all children in the center. I have felt our children are valued, and have been educated in emotional intelligence and working with others. I will continue to recommend Kindercare to my friends and colleagues.
”Vicky B. - KinderCare Parent
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When we leave our son at KinderCare, we leave with smiles on our faces. We know he is with instructors that he loves and that they love him just as much in return. They take the time to get to know your child as an individual.
”A. Johnson - KinderCare Parent
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Being new to the area, when I walked into KinderCare for the first time it was warm and inviting. The staff was also very attentive and caring. When we first enrolled, my daughter was eight months old and she took right away to the staff and the environment. I knew that my child would spend a large amount of their day here and seeing how caring all of the teachers were, made my decision feel even more right. Almost eight years later, I still feel the same way. The staff is awesome and I have grown to love them as family. My journey started in the Infant room and has taken me through every class up to the School Age class. I have absolutely loved every moment.
”Lakisha W. - KinderCare Parent
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KinderCare has become a second home for me and my children. I have been apart of the KinderCare family for thirteen years. My oldest child who is nine has grown up here along with y youngest who is three and a half. My children have developed a very strong love for learning. My oldest is an honorable student who developed a love for learning at a young age while learning through a curriculum guided by play. My three year old loves school and is very excited to come everyday. My children have been given a strong foundation during these crucial years of development, which will help guide them through every aspect of their life. KinderCare has truly become apart of our family.
”Stephanie M. - 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 Maray Drive 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 Maray Drive 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.