Jennifer Kazda, Center Director
Ages: 6 weeks to 6 years
Open:
Elementary Schools Bussed To:
Currently, our center does not provide transportation to public or private schools. Our center specializes in the care and education of children ages 6 weeks through the age of 5 years old.
Our center is accredited by NAEYC.
Welcome to Westbrook KinderCare
Welcome to Westbrook KinderCare, located in Westchester, IL. Located at Westbrook Corporate Center, we offer a research based, age appropriate curriculum that meets and exceeds the needs of children. We build a warm, welcoming, and supportive classroom for children of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences. It's our mission from the moment you walk into our center that you feel welcomed and a part of our KinderCare family!
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 Kazda, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 2006
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Child Development Associate
Favorite Children's Book: Where The Wild Things Are
Meet Jennifer Kazda! She is the Center Director at Westbrook KinderCare in Westchester, Illinois. Jennifer attended Lewis University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. She has also earned a Child Development Associate credential from Rasmussen University and an Illinois Director's Credential from National Louis University. She has been with KinderCare since 2006. "Teachers help students find important things they've lost every day. Sometimes it is a paper, backpack, or jacket... other times it is courage, confidence, or a smile." Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys music, sports, and spending time 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.
Westbrook 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.
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.)
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!
Infant and Toddler Mini Camps
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 child has been at this KinderCare since he was a toddler. He's moved through all the rooms with a breeze until he got to prekindergarten. We had a hard time with his behavior until recently. The new teacher, Miss Jazmun, really takes time to work with my son. His behavior has changed at home as well as in the classroom. She has brought so much structure and management to the classroom and it's extremely refreshing. I can see the change she has brought to the classroom and center alike. My son loves coming to school now and his learning growth is evident through our conversations about what he learned in school. Most recently he talked about learning about dinosaurs and weather. Our talks are very detailed about the things he's learned and it makes me so proud! I'm glad he has another year with her!!!
”Parent - KinderCare Parent
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My child has been going to KinderCare for a while now and I must say with the new center director Mrs. Gail things have totally changed. There have been some teachers that have left but some of the new replacements are fantastic. For instance, my child isn't in prekindergarten yet but, I cannot wait until they reach Miss Jasmine's class. She's so fun and exciting when she interacts with the children. You can tell they love her dearly and my daughter loves her too and she's not in her class yet. I always see her teaching the kids when I peek into her classroom and they are so much more calmer now than with previous teachers. Please keep Miss Jasmine around, as well as Miss Destiney, my child's current teacher! I do my best to teach my child at home but, while in Miss Destiney's care my child has learned and grown so much. I love her!!! Thank you Mrs. Gail, Miss Jasmine and Miss Destiney!!!
”Parent - KinderCare Parent
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My daughter has been attending KinderCare since she was seven weeks old. I was nervous about leaving her for the first time but the Teachers and Director made all of my worries fade away with their communication and caring actions. I loved the first day photos that were sent home. I showed my family and friends that her first day at school was a wonderful success! Any worries that I have had about her development the teachers and director helped me gain resources and designed activities that I can do with her at home to address my concerns. The teachers have helped my daughter get to the next level developmentally and physically. I recommend KinderCare to all of my family and friends. I couldn't imagine having her any place else. My family and I consider the Teachers and Director as family. They are amazing!!!
”Mr. Finnegan - KinderCare Parent
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My daughter was previously taken care by a relative at home. We decided to enroll her at KinderCare. We could see a significant development in just two weeks! She loves the classroom, curriculum, teachers and director. It makes her happy which is a reassurance that we picked the right place for our little one.
”Mauren - 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 Westbrook 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 Westbrook 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.