Ribbon cutting ceremony: Thursday, April 23, 2026 — hosted by the [Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce](https://business.rockfordchamber.com/event-calendar/details/rockford-daycare-academy-ribbon-cutting-1711488) at 2323 S. 6th St., Rockford, IL. Covered by [Rock River Current reporter Kevin Haas](https://www.rockrivercurrent.com/2026/04/rockford-daycare-academy-cuts-the-ribbon-on-new-preschool-in-rockford/).
Rockford DayCare & Academy cuts the ribbon on new preschool in Rockford — Rock River Current — Kevin Haas, April 23, 2026
Rockford Daycare & Academy Ribbon Cutting — Chamber Event — Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce — Official Event Listing, April 23, 2026
On Thursday, April 23, 2026, Rockford Daycare & Academy officially celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted in partnership with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony marked a significant milestone: the permanent revival of early childhood education services at 2323 S. Sixth St. — a location that had served Rockford families for over a century under the former Rockford Day Nursery before its abrupt closure in November 2024.
"No Better Investment Than Our Kids"
Audrey Moon, Director of Communications for the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, was among the speakers at the ceremony. Her remarks captured the community spirit of the event:
"It takes real courage to see a need in the community and to step in and try to fill it, and I can't think of a more worthy investment than our kids. As a parent, too, there's no better feeling in the world than knowing I'm dropping my kids off and they're loved, they're nurtured, they're being taught something. What a gift you're bringing to this area."
The Amezquitas: From Rockford Classrooms to Running One
Rock River Current reporter Kevin Haas covered the ceremony and provided additional biographical context on the founders. Both Bryan and Amanda Amezquita are 2013 graduates of Harlem High School and 2017 Rockford University graduates. They each taught with KinderCare before moving into Rockford Public Schools. Amanda taught at Dennis and Beyer elementary schools; Bryan has taught at Dennis and continues to teach at Legacy Academy.
At the ceremony, the Amezquitas were joined by their children — 6-year-old Bryson and 2-year-old Amaya — who both attend the academy. "We made sure we hand-selected and chose the teachers that we felt matched our philosophy, but also matched our youngest learners," Amanda said. "We have our son and our daughter here, so we want to make sure that this is a special place for them where they could feel safe, feel loved."
By the Numbers at the Ribbon Cutting
- 12 classrooms in operation at 2323 S. 6th St., Rockford, IL 61104
- Capacity for approximately 300 children
- 14 teachers hired and in place at the time of the ceremony
- Tuition: $285/week for 2-year-olds; $275/week for ages 3–5 (includes 2 meals + snack)
- Brightwheel AI technology integrated for parent communication, milestone tracking, and billing
- Waitlist open for infant and toddler expansion
Chamber of Commerce Recognition
The formal Chamber ribbon-cutting recognized Rockford Daycare & Academy as an official Associate Member of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce under the Child Development/Day Care category. The chamber event drew community members, chamber representatives, teachers, and supporters who gathered to celebrate what the academy represents for southeast Rockford.
Can I still enroll my child at Rockford Daycare & Academy?
Yes — we have open enrollment for children ages 2–5. We also maintain a waitlist for our planned infant and toddler program expansion. Contact us at (815) 980-4653 or Admin@rockford-daycare.com to inquire about current availability.
Where is the ribbon cutting ceremony covere