Lauren Gruhlke, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years
Open:
Neighborhood:
South Holland. Corner of 170th and South Park Avenue
Elementary Schools Bussed To:
Hoover Elementary
Schrum Jr High
Greenwood School
McKinley Jr High
Taft School
Eisenhower School
New Beginning Elementary
Wolcott School
Reavis Elementary School
Franklin Elementary School
Our center is accredited by the National Accreditation Commission.
Welcome to South Holland KinderCare
Welcome to South Holland KinderCare in Illinois! Conveniently located near 170th Street, our center has designated learning centers, such as dramatic play and blocks, which will prepare your child for success in school and beyond. Our students love to learn, by participating in activities such as child-initiated discovery and rich social play. Our teachers work hard every day to help their students develop confidence for life. We love our KinderCare family, where we feel 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 Lauren Gruhlke, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 2015
Education: Associate Degree
Favorite Children's Book: The Giving Tree
Meet Lauren Gruhlke! She is the Center Director at South Holland KinderCare in Illinois. Lauren attended Moraine Valley Community College where she earned an Associate Degree. She has been with KinderCare for eight years, and before that she was a teacher and an assistant director. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys crafting, and supporting her child's sports. Her favorite quote is, "Every child is a different flower. And all together make this world a beautiful garden."
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.
South Holland 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
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.)
Spanish
Spanish Adventures provides young learners with a foundation for later success with the Spanish language. Music, games, children's Spanish literature, and other tools give children multiple opportunities to hear, practice, and see Spanish language to develop vocabulary and conversation skills. Curriculum includes lessons on greetings, numbers, colors, animals, family, body parts, and pets, as well as how to engage conversationally during common scenarios at home, a restaurant, or at the zoo.
Sign Language
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 have a 2 year old son that has been in the South Holland KinderCare since he was 6 weeks old. The teachers in his classrooms were BEYOND great--he was using Sign Language before he turned 1..he knew his ABC's by the time his was 15 months old..he was FULLY potty trained before he turned 2 years old. So needless to say, the teachers, directors, and the rest of the staff are amazing. They genuinely care for the children in their center and it definitely shows! My wife and I are expecting a baby girl soon..and she WILL be attending this center (hands down)!!!
”Ronald L. - KinderCare Parent
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My son has attended Kindercare of South Holland since he was 6 months and he is now 3 years old. As a first time mom I was nervous about sending him to daycare and not being able to monitor him. The staff eased my nerves and they completely took my son in and treated him like family. He has learned so much and has gained so many new friends and also extended family. It is a loving and safe environment and I am able to be at peace after dropping him off every day. There is constant communication between the director, teachers and the family. The curriculum has been amazing and I am always surprised at how much my son is learning, as well as his ever-evolving social skills. My son is excited to come to school everyday to be around his teachers and friends and for that I am extremely grateful that he has a home away from home where he is safe and treated like family.
Thank you Kindercare!!”Rochelle R. - KinderCare Parent
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My daughter had just turned 2 years of age and was showing signs that she needed to be in a more educational and social environment. She had been staying home with my mother while me and my husband worked outside of the home. I had checked into several places before I got to KinderCare. There was such a sigh of relief and thankfulness upon my arrival and talking with Ms. Samone. She made me feel more relaxed about the idea of having my child outside of the home while working. My daughter was placed in the Discovery Preschool room with Ms. Dacia & Ms. De'Andria!! What can I say about "Double D"! They work well together from the time my daughter was with them. Both women were always so pleasant!! The kids loved and respected them. They both had a genuine care and concern for each child in the room!! I could go on and one about these two!! I appreciated them for everything they did for my daughter. It was hard to leave. If we were not being relocated for work we would still be apart of the family at KinderCare. My daughter learned so much during the time she was there. Her thirst for knowledge and ability to retain information remains high! All the staff in the building were consistently friendly. Overall, the atmosphere was pleasant and genuine!! It's hard to find customer service at that level now a days. I appreciate it and I'm grateful for the experience!! Keep up the GREAT work!!!
”Angela C. - KinderCare Parent
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I absolutely love KinderCare in South Holland, IL. My daughter has been here since she was three years old and she loves being here. I feel that my daughter is safe and I always have a peace of mind leaving her with the care fo the staff. The center director and staff are friendly, caring, and take good care of ALL of the children in the center. I feel that it's my daughters home away from home! My only wish is that KinderCare offered extended school and care, so that my daughter can stay where she loves. It has been a mother's ideal home away from home for my daughter. Thank you KinderCare for giving me a peace of mind!
”Sharita H. - KinderCare Parent
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My husband and I are thrilled that our son has been chosed as the Artist of the Month for September. Our son has been attending Kindercare since he was three years old and now he is in Kindergarten. Our son has really prospered here and now he is reading! Thank you Kindercare for the good education that our son is receiving!
”Sonya P. - KinderCare Parent
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My child has attended South Holland Kindercare since Aug. 2010. I am honored to say I have no complaints. The facility is a very warm,fun,safe and secured environment. I admire many things about kindercareincluding their open door policy for parents and the daily communication.
The staff at Kindercare are all very positive,nurturing,loving, patient,professional adn experienced. Their attitudes and actions show that they genuinely care about each child. I am truly amazed by the curriculum including the additions that were added this year. There are lesson plans and activities for infants through kindergarten, including the before and after school programs. Reading , math, and writing are essentials for life, but Kindercare also includes social,emotional and various life skills needed to survive as well. The staff at Kindercare has an outstanding and creative way to allow the children to experience different things, settings and environments within their classrooms. A Parent intrusting their child's care and education into someone elses hands in their absence is very difficult, but I am pleased to say Kindercare has given me peace of mind.
Thank you Kindercare and Staff.”Menia B. - KinderCare Parent
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My children have attended KinderCare for many years and I absolutely love the staff, and Director and Assistant Director. My children have learned so much and we are really excited about all the great things that are happening daily in the school.
”David C. - KinderCare Parent
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KinderCare is a fun and loving environment. The teachers are great, they take the time to explain your child's progress and developmental milestones. My daughter has been here since she was three months old. The Director Kelsy and Assistant Director Shauntell are great too!
”Jocelyn 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 South Holland 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 South Holland 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.