Kellee Cantey, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years
Open:
Elementary Schools Bussed To:
Anthony Burns, Hampton Oaks, Kate Waller Barrett, Ann Moncure, Park Ridge, and Winding Creek.
Our center is accredited by NAEYC.
Welcome to Stafford KinderCare
Welcome to Stafford KinderCare! Our center is conveniently located near I-95 close to the historic Potomac River. When you bring your child to our center, you can be sure that countless time and energy has been poured into the planning of their day. From the design of the classrooms to the fun activities and instructive lessons, no detail gets overlooked. Feel free to contact us or book a tour — 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 Kellee Cantey, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 2008
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education
Favorite Children's Book: Storm is Coming!
Meet Kellee Cantey! She is the Center Director at Stafford KinderCare in Virginia. Kellee attended Rasmussen College, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been with KinderCare since 2008, and before that she was a teacher, program specialist, and an assistant director. Outside of work, Kellee enjoys spending time with her family, and together they like to have barbeques. Her favorite quote is, "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I will learn." - Benjamin Franklin
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.
Stafford 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!
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.)
STEM Innovators (3-8 Years)
You’ve probably heard a lot about how important STEM education is for your child, but what does that really mean? Our STEM Innovators program takes kids’ natural ability to make sense of the world and applies it to robotics, chemistry, coding, geology, and more. While your child experiments, they’ll discover how to use technology to do amazing things!
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 daughter has been attending KinderCare for about two years now. The curriculum has been great and exceeded my expectations. She comes home every day telling me stories about how much fun she had and what she is learning. The teachers have all been phenomenal! They work with not only my daughter, but myself to make sure we're both comfortable. I have loved our time at KinderCare.
”E. Family - KinderCare Parent
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The care my family and I receive at KinderCare Learning Center is wonderful; I truly appreciate how attentive the staff is to the needs of my family. My son has attended the center for a year now. He was in the Preschool room and the program was so great that he was advanced going into Kindergarten. I would recommend KinderCare to any and all families looking for care for their children.
”S. Family - KinderCare Parent
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My husband and I had our first child, Olivia, last October and one of the most difficult decisions we’ve made thus far as new parents was trying to find the best daycare for Olivia. We were worried about finding the right fit – a daycare that would provide genuine loving care to our daughter in our absence while also helping her grow developmentally during such an important time of her life. We did our research and visited different centers to be sure we were doing our due diligence. When we came to the Stafford Kindercare, we both felt immediately the warmth and passion from the staff about their work which took a little of the edge off of our anxiety about leaving our daughter with “strangers”. Our daughter is now 9 months old and has been with her “ladies” in the infant room for 6 months. She has received nothing but the best of care from all of the staff members. From the moment she started smiling, my husband and I always noted that she offers a big smile to her care providers when we drop her off in the morning. When we pick her up in the afternoon, she is always clean, dry, well fed, and happy. Her care providers have helped her through some important developmental milestones, including eating more solid foods, clapping, waving, and now crawling and pulling up. The ladies in the center have won our hearts with the excellent and nurturing care they provide our precious daughter.
”C. Family - KinderCare Parent
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I want to thank you all for your hard work and dedication to KinderCare. My 2 girls have loved the enviroment and learning experiences while at your center. The teachers have been wonderful and always shown dedication and love towards both of them as well as all the children in their care.
”F. Family - KinderCare Parent
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As a Single Parent, I thank the center Teachers and Staff for their hardwork and care they have given my daughter. during her time at this location. Continue your excellent service and program for others to hopefully benefit from more than we have thus far.
”G. Family - KinderCare Parent
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“I transitioned my son from an in-home daycare to KinderCare at 10 months old. I was very nervous about the transition but the staff at KinderCare made it an easy transition and quickly made me feel very comfortable. All the teachers in the infant and toddler room are so caring and I truly know they have my son's best interests at heart. Not only are his needs being met, but he comes home learning new things every day. I especially enjoy getting sent home pictures of craft time and the art projects he has completed. It's always a good sign when your toddler wants to stay at daycare and play longer when you go to pick him up at the end of the day. I would recommend KinderCare to anyone looking for good care in Stafford.”
T. Family - 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 Stafford 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 Stafford 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.