Expert insights for Rockford families — plus press coverage from Rock River Current, MyStateline, WREX-TV, and more.
Press coverage from Rockford's top media outlets.
— 4 min read
Rock River Current reporter Kevin Haas published the first major profile of Rockford Daycare & Academy, covering how Bryan and Amanda Amezquita filled the long-vacant former Rockford Day Nursery site with a new Montessori-inspired preschool academy.
— 4 min read
MyStateline reporter Ma'rico Holland and WTVO Eyewitness News covered Rockford Daycare & Academy's opening, spotlighting Amanda Amezquita's vision of bringing her 15 years of RPS classroom experience into a new kind of childcare academy for southeast Rockford families.
— 3 min read
Both WREX-TV (13 WREX, Rockford's CBS affiliate) and ABC Eyewitness News featured Rockford Daycare & Academy's grand opening on social media, reaching a combined audience of tens of thousands of Rockford-area residents.
— 5 min read
On April 23, 2026, Rockford Daycare & Academy celebrated its official ribbon cutting alongside the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Rock River Current reporter Kevin Haas covered the ceremony, and Chamber Director of Communications Audrey Moon called it 'no better investment than our kids.'
— 4 min read
Rock River Current ran its second major story on Rockford Daycare & Academy in April 2026, covering the official ribbon cutting ceremony. Reporter Kevin Haas detailed the academy's capacity for 300 children, its 14-teacher team, Brightwheel AI integration, and the Amezquita family's commitment to the Rockford community.
— 3 min read
Rockford Daycare & Academy is proud to be an official Associate Member of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, listed under the Child Development/Day Care category — a recognition of our commitment to the Rockford business community and the families we serve.
— 6 min read
For 107 years, Rockford Day Nursery stood as one of Rockford's most enduring institutions for working families. Its unexpected closure in November 2024 left the community searching for answers — and left dozens of children without childcare overnight. This is an honorary look at its legacy, and the new chapter that's begun at 2323 S. Sixth St.
Kindergarten Readiness — — 7 min read
Illinois kindergarten teachers aren't just looking for kids who know their ABCs. Here's what actually matters — and how quality preschool gets children genuinely ready.
Bilingual Education — — 6 min read
Research is clear: children who learn two languages early gain cognitive advantages that last a lifetime. Here's what bilingual early education actually looks like — and why it matters for Rockford families.
Learning at Home — — 5 min read
Montessori isn't a brand — it's a philosophy. You can bring its most powerful ideas home with materials you already have. Here are 5 activities our educators love.
Family Resources — — 6 min read
Quality childcare in Rockford can be expensive — but YWCA assistance can help. Here's a plain-language guide to eligibility, the application process, and what to expect.
Preschool Readiness — — 5 min read
The question every parent of a toddler eventually asks: is my child ready for preschool? Here's an honest, practical guide from our Rockford early childhood educators.
Kindergarten Readiness — — 8 min read
After years teaching in Rockford Public Schools District 205 classrooms, I know exactly what RPS 205 kindergarten teachers look for on the first day — and I know which children walk in ready to lead and which ones spend weeks catching up. Here's the honest breakdown, and why we hold our Pre-K graduates to a higher standard.
Bilingual Education — — 7 min read
You don't have to be fluent in two languages yourself to raise a bilingual child. Here's a practical, research-backed guide for Rockford families who want to give their children the gift of bilingualism — starting in the toddler years.
Bilingual Education — — 6 min read
You don't need fancy materials or a second language yourself to build bilingual vocabulary with your preschooler. Here are 10 easy, playful activities that make Spanish feel as natural as English — starting today.
Bilingual Education — — 6 min read
Decades of research confirm it: bilingual children develop stronger executive function, better attention control, and greater mental flexibility than monolingual peers. Here's what the science says — and why it matters for your child's entire school career.
Learning at Home — — 5 min read
Sensory play isn't just fun — it's one of the most important things a toddler's developing brain can do. Here are 10 ideas that require zero special supplies and give your child enormous developmental benefits.
Learning at Home — — 5 min read
The single most impactful thing you can do for your child's school readiness takes 15 minutes and costs nothing. Here's the research on reading aloud — and how to make the most of every storytime session.
Learning at Home — — 5 min read
A backyard, a park, or even a windowsill is all you need. Nature-based learning is one of the most powerful — and underused — tools available to Rockford families. Here's how to turn everyday outdoor moments into rich learning experiences.
Family Resources — — 6 min read
Illinois CCAP can cover most or all of your childcare costs if you qualify. This guide walks Rockford families through eligibility, how to apply, and how to use your benefit at a licensed preschool.
Family Resources — — 7 min read
Quality preschool doesn't have to break the budget. Rockford families have access to several subsidy programs, free pre-K options, and assistance programs that most parents don't know about. This is your complete guide.
Family Resources — — 6 min read
Touring a daycare or preschool can feel overwhelming. What do you look for? What questions do you ask? This guide gives Rockford parents a practical, honest framework for choosing the right early childhood program for their child.
Kindergarten Readiness — — 6 min read
The summer before kindergarten is one of the most impactful windows in your child's early education. Here's a practical, week-by-week framework for using June, July, and August to build the skills that matter most.
Kindergarten Readiness — — 5 min read
Writing their own name is one of the most meaningful early literacy milestones — and one of the most misunderstood. Here's what's developmentally normal at each age, and how to support the skill without pressure or frustration.
Kindergarten Readiness — — 6 min read
Children who arrive in kindergarten with strong number sense — not just the ability to count, but a genuine feel for quantities and relationships — become stronger math students at every grade level. Here's how to build it at home, starting now.
Community — — 4 min read
On June 7, 2026, fathers and their children showed up to Rockford's South Side and rebuilt a basketball court from scratch — together. Here's the story of "Rebuilding to Rebound."