Originally reported by Ma'rico Holland, MyStateline (WTVO/WQRF Eyewitness News) — February 18, 2026. [Read the full article at MyStateline →](https://www.mystateline.com/news/new-rockford-daycare-center-aims-to-provide-classroom-readiness-for-children/) Video coverage: [Watch on YouTube →](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YLjpVPNQRQ)
New Rockford daycare center aims to provide classroom readiness for children — MyStateline (WTVO Eyewitness News) — Ma'rico Holland, February 18, 2026
New Rockford daycare center aims to provide classroom readiness for children (video) — Eyewitness News WTVO WQRF on YouTube — February 19, 2026
On February 18, 2026, [MyStateline](https://www.mystateline.com/news/new-rockford-daycare-center-aims-to-provide-classroom-readiness-for-children/) — the digital home of WTVO and WQRF Eyewitness News, Rockford's NBC affiliate — published a report on Rockford Daycare & Academy's opening by reporter Ma'rico Holland. The story was accompanied by a [video segment published to YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YLjpVPNQRQ), reaching thousands of viewers across the Rockford region.
"We Are Going to Be Looked at as an Academy"
The MyStateline report focused on what distinguishes Rockford Daycare & Academy from a conventional childcare center. Amanda Amezquita, who spent 15 years teaching in Rockford Public Schools at Dennis and Beyer elementary schools, explained her vision directly:
"I just wanted to bring my own center, a new vibe based on my philosophy. We are going to be looked at as an academy or a school similar to the school system RPS 205. We just have the daycare hours, so we are wanting our school and our academy to be looked at in a school room setting because we are going to be focusing on kindergarten readiness."
A Personal Investment in the Community
The story resonated with Rockford families in part because of Amanda Amezquita's direct connection to the neighborhoods the academy serves. "I was a teacher at Dennis and Beyer. We are right down the street from Beyer," she said. "So essentially these are still my families. They're still my students. So I'm really excited to be in the community, in the same community, with my same families."
MyStateline also reported on the broader context: according to a 2025 study by Tootris, annual childcare costs in Illinois can reach as high as $19,000. Amanda Amezquita said she researched local rates carefully to price the academy fairly for working families in the area. She also noted that her own children would be attending the center — a personal guarantee of quality.
"We are not driven by money. We are not driven by sales or selling seats. We want what's best for our kids," she said. "Our children will be attending this center as well. We are ensuring that this is quality care that I would want for my own children."
Video Coverage on Eyewitness News
The accompanying Eyewitness News video segment, published to YouTube on February 19, 2026, featured on-camera interviews with Amanda Amezquita and B-roll footage of the facility. The 1:52 segment received significant engagement and helped introduce the academy to thousands of Rockford-area viewers who may not have seen the print coverage.
Where can I watch the Eyewitness News video about Rockford Daycare & Academy?
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