Jacquelyn Gabrey, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years
Open:
Elementary Schools Bussed To:
Butterfield and Quail Run Elementary.
Our center is accredited by NAEYC.
Welcome to Ina KinderCare
Welcome to Ina KinderCare, situated between I-10 and the vibrant Casas Adobes area north of Tucson, Arizona! Our team of child development experts share a passion for educating and nurturing children, and helping them foster a confidence for life. We're all one family, so we actively partner with parents to review each child's progress throughout the year. Here, 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 Jacquelyn Gabrey, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 1996
Education: Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education
Favorite Children's Book: The Monster at the End of the Book
Meet Jacquelyn Gabrey! She is the Center Director at Ina KinderCare in Tucson, Arizona. Jacquelyn attended Rasmussen University, where she earned her associate degree in Early Childhood Education. Jacquelyn has been with KinderCare for twenty-five years. Jacquelyn lives by these words every day, “You have the opportunity to change a child’s life for the better. We are the first step in their education journey, so we need to be sure they gain a love of learning while with us.” Outside of work, Jacquelyn enjoys sightseeing, driving off-road, and hunting for collectibles.
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.
Ina 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
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.)
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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Being a first-time mom, I was hesitant to take my daughter to a child care center. I thought it would be hard for my daughter to adjust, but Ina KinderCare ended up becoming an extension of our family! I couldn't be happier with KinderCare, and my daughter even cheers when we arrive in the parking lot. I love that it is something she looks forward to. As a parent, I love how they keep me informed and everyone knows my daughter by name. I always recommend KinderCare because I know my friends will be just as happy there as I am. I feel confident leaving my daughter there and know this as her happiness shows how great they are with her. She has picked up great social skills, counting, her alphabet, and more--all by attending KinderCare's Infant and Toddler programs. We know that she is having fun, but we also know she is learning. We love KinderCare and look forward to continuing our relationship with them for many years to come.
”Alicia D. - KinderCare Parent
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Our experience with KinderCare for the last two years has been outstanding! We foster medically fragile children: some with physical needs, others with developmental delays. We know in our hearts that the staff is a huge part of why these children flourish and thrive. The Teachers in the Infant and Toddler Classrooms are highly skilled with a focus on growing strong little bodies and curious, happy minds. They are always open to any physical therapy requests we have, offering more tummy time, keeping up on the latest on DME (durable medical equipment) care, and offering one-on-one attention to get our kiddos up to speed with loving care and kindness. The administrative staff is just as supportive--not only do they encourage and nurture our kiddos, but they also give us support and encouragement to continue with this calling to be foster parents. It is not an easy road being a foster parent: There are many difficult days and heartaches from dealing with the court system, but the staff let us know every day that they appreciate our efforts. They are an integral part of our success with these kiddos, and a core part of our team. I can’t imagine doing this wonderful, difficult, amazing thing without all of them! We could go anywhere in Tucson, but we choose Ina KinderCare for the education setting coupled with knowledgeable, loving staff. Thank you for all you do for our family.
”Jules N. - KinderCare Parent
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I am a single mom raising a two-year-old child, but with all the help and support from the wonderful people at KinderCare, my son is learning more than I could ever teach him. They sing, play games, teach manners, and are even helping with potty training. Thank you, Ina KinderCare! Special thanks to Ms. Donna, Ms. Leah, Ms. Kathy, and Ms. Foster, who have worked directly with my son.
”Gina B. - KinderCare Parent
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Ina KinderCare and their team have been a lifesaver! I am a single mom with three boys and the staff, including the Director Ms. Jacki and Assistant Director Ms. Sarina, are fantastic! I love the care and attention that my kiddos receive while they are there and my boys absolutely love their Teachers! My younger boys come home singing songs, reciting the alphabet and their colors, and talking about what they did in school today. My older school-age son has been able to make friends and he loves the activities that are planned for him after school--well, after help with homework, that is... Overall, the staff and KinderCare as an organization have put my mind at peace while I am at work and knowing that my boys feel they truly cared for makes my confidence that much stronger! Thank you, KinderCare, I appreciate you guys!
”Carrie F. - KinderCare Parent
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It is with great pleasure that I write this testimonial for the Ina KinderCare center in Tucson, Arizona. The center is well-organized, safe, clean, and comfortable. The most important feature is the staff, all of which are professional, caring, and incredibly patient. We have only been at this school for six months and I was very nervous to switch child care providers. Prior to the switch, I met with the Teachers and administration, and felt very reassured about the move. They listened to all of my concerns and made it a seamless transition. My youngest son (age four) has some emotional issues and can be very trying, to say the least. After a short 'honeymoon' period, he fell back into his routine of defiance and aggressive behavior. The Teachers could have easily labeled him as a 'problem child' and written him off. Instead, they communicated with me, took the initiative to pull outside resources, and together we created a special system to recognize and encourage my son's positive choices. It is evident that they care deeply about every child. Although it is a work in progress, I am very pleased with the results and emotional growth that I have witnessed in my son in recent months. In addition to the emotional support provided by the Teachers, I love the structured environment and stimulating activities I observe. Every month has fun, themed days that create excitement for my children. We enjoy seeing the Teachers dress up and I like how the themes provoke interest and questions about other cultures. Since I am a single mother without much family nearby to help, I rely heavily on KinderCare to be the 'village' that helps me raise my children and shape their futures. We have been through several child care providers and I am confident that this center is the best place for my kids when they cannot be with me.
”A. C. - 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 Ina 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 Ina 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.