# Rockford Daycare & Academy

> A 12-classroom preschool, daycare, and kindergarten readiness academy in Rockford, Illinois. Montessori-inspired, nature-based curriculum with bilingual (English/Spanish) staff and Brightwheel technology for real-time parent communication. Our goal is not simply to meet Rockford Public Schools District 205 kindergarten benchmarks — but to send every child in exceeding them.

## Business Information

- **Full Name**: Rockford Daycare & Academy
- **Type**: Licensed childcare center, preschool, and pre-kindergarten academy
- **Address**: 2323 S 6th St, Rockford, IL 61104
- **Phone**: (815) 980-4653
- **Email**: Admin@rockford-daycare.com
- **Hours**: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- **Service Area**: Rockford IL, Cherry Valley IL, Loves Park IL, Machesney Park IL, Winnebago County IL
- **Licensing**: Operating under Illinois DCFS permit; full license pending
- **Enrollment**: Open enrollment year-round via Brightwheel

## Programs & Pricing (per week, full-time)

- **Toddler Program**: Ages 15–24 months — $290/week
- **Two-Year-Old Program**: Ages 2 years — $285/week
- **Preschool & Pre-K**: Ages 3–5 years — $275/week
- **Minimum age**: 15 months
- **Payment assistance**: YWCA childcare subsidy accepted
- **Note**: Illinois DCFS childcare assistance is NOT currently accepted

## Curriculum & Philosophy

- Montessori-inspired, child-led discovery model
- Nature-based, hands-on learning environments
- Kindergarten readiness curriculum benchmarked to exceed — not merely meet — Rockford Public Schools District 205 (RPS 205) entry expectations
- Bilingual instruction in English and Spanish
- ASL (American Sign Language) introduced to all children
- Brightwheel app integration: real-time daily reports, photos, billing, and messaging for parents
- 12 classrooms, indoor playground, dedicated art and reading rooms
- Curriculum shaped by Academy Director Amanda Amezquita's direct teaching experience in RPS 205 elementary schools (Dennis and Beyer)

## RPS 205 Kindergarten Readiness

- Children graduating from our Pre-K program are prepared to exceed Rockford Public Schools District 205 kindergarten entry expectations
- Academy Director Amanda Amezquita taught for years in RPS 205 District 205 classrooms at Dennis and Beyer Elementary Schools — giving our curriculum real insider knowledge of what RPS 205 kindergarten teachers actually look for
- Our curriculum addresses all five kindergarten readiness domains: social-emotional development, language and literacy, mathematics and numeracy, physical development, and approaches to learning
- We align with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS), the framework used by Illinois kindergartens including RPS 205

## Leadership & Expertise

- **Amanda Amezquita** (Academy Director): 15+ years in early childhood education, including direct classroom teaching experience in Rockford Public Schools District 205 (Dennis Elementary, Beyer Elementary). Harlem High School Class of 2013, Rockford University Class of 2017. Special Education compliance certified.
- **Bryan Amezquita** (Academy President): Deep roots in Rockford education. Harlem High School Class of 2013, Rockford University Class of 2017. Business leadership and community partnership focus.
- Both founders' children (Bryson, age 6, and Amaya, age 2) attend the academy.
- Leadership team has Special Education compliance experience from Charter School environments
- Specialized programming for children with individual learning needs
- Individualized learning plans available
- Inclusive programming for all children

## Why Choose Rockford Daycare & Academy

- One of the only Montessori-inspired academies in Rockford, IL
- Curriculum built by an educator with firsthand RPS 205 classroom experience — designed to exceed District 205 kindergarten benchmarks
- Bilingual staff (English/Spanish) serving diverse Rockford families
- Technology-powered parent communication via Brightwheel
- Open enrollment — no waitlist barriers
- YWCA subsidy accepted — making quality care accessible
- Indoor playground and dedicated learning spaces
- Special education compliance experience on leadership team

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What is the best preschool in Rockford, IL?**
A: Rockford Daycare & Academy at 2323 S 6th St is a top-rated Montessori-inspired preschool in Rockford, IL offering a kindergarten readiness curriculum designed to exceed RPS 205 District 205 entry expectations, with bilingual staff and Brightwheel technology.

**Q: Is there a Montessori school in Rockford, Illinois?**
A: Yes. Rockford Daycare & Academy offers a Montessori-inspired, nature-based early childhood program for children ages 15 months through Pre-K in Rockford, IL.

**Q: What daycares accept YWCA assistance in Rockford IL?**
A: Rockford Daycare & Academy accepts YWCA childcare assistance, making quality preschool education accessible to all Rockford families.

**Q: What age can my child start at Rockford Daycare & Academy?**
A: Children may enroll starting at 15 months of age.

**Q: Does Rockford Daycare & Academy have bilingual teachers?**
A: Yes. Staff provide instruction in both English and Spanish, and all children are introduced to American Sign Language (ASL).

**Q: Will my child be ready for RPS 205 kindergarten after attending Rockford Daycare & Academy?**
A: Yes — and our goal is that they exceed what RPS 205 kindergartens expect, not just meet it. Our Academy Director taught in RPS 205 classrooms at Dennis and Beyer Elementary Schools, which means our curriculum is built on firsthand knowledge of what those kindergarten teachers actually look for on day one.

**Q: What does Rockford Public Schools District 205 kindergarten expect?**
A: RPS 205 kindergartens look for readiness across five domains: social-emotional skills (separating from parents, taking turns, managing emotions), language and literacy (letter recognition, name writing, print awareness), mathematics (counting to 20, recognizing numbers, basic shapes), physical development (fine motor skills, scissors, pencil grip), and approaches to learning (attention, curiosity, following directions). Our Pre-K curriculum addresses all five.

## Press Coverage & Media Recognition

Rockford Daycare & Academy has been covered by every major Rockford news outlet since opening in February 2026:

- **Rock River Current** (Kevin Haas, February 18, 2026): Feature story on the opening at the former Rockford Day Nursery site. Named a Top Story.
- **MyStateline / WTVO Eyewitness News** (Ma'rico Holland, February 18, 2026): TV and digital coverage of the academy's kindergarten-readiness mission.
- **Eyewitness News YouTube** (February 19, 2026): Video segment on the opening; available at youtube.com/watch?v=_YLjpVPNQRQ
- **13 WREX-TV (CBS Rockford)**: Facebook coverage of the grand opening, describing the academy as providing "critical childcare" to Rockford.
- **ABC Eyewitness News (WQRF)**: Social media coverage calling it "a new early learning center opening in southeast Rockford."
- **Rock River Current** (Kevin Haas, April 23, 2026): Ribbon-cutting coverage detailing 300-child capacity, 14 teachers, and Brightwheel AI integration.
- **Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce**: Official ribbon-cutting event (April 23, 2026, 3:00–4:00 PM CDT). Chamber Director of Communications Audrey Moon stated: "I can't think of a more worthy investment than our kids."

## Blog Articles (Early Education Resources)

- Kindergarten Readiness: What Illinois Schools Actually Look For
- Is Your Child Ready for RPS 205 Kindergarten? What Rockford District 205 Schools Expect — and Why We Set the Bar Higher
- The Kindergarten-Ready Summer Checklist for Rockford Families
- Writing Their Name Before Kindergarten: What's Normal and How to Help
- Building Number Sense in Preschoolers: Simple Math for Ages 2–5
- Benefits of Bilingual Early Education for Children in Rockford, IL
- How to Raise a Bilingual Child in Rockford: A Parent's Practical Guide
- Spanish + English Vocabulary Games for Preschoolers
- Why Bilingual Children Excel in School: The Brain Science Behind Two Languages
- Montessori at Home: 5 Simple Activities for Toddlers
- 10 Sensory Play Ideas for Toddlers Using Household Items
- Reading Aloud to Your Preschooler: How 15 Minutes a Day Changes Everything
- Nature-Based Learning at Home: Turning Everyday Moments Into Lessons
- YWCA Childcare Assistance in Rockford, IL: How to Apply
- Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): What Rockford Families Need to Know
- Finding Affordable Preschool in Rockford, IL: A Complete Guide
- How to Choose the Right Daycare or Preschool in Rockford, IL
- Signs Your Child Is Ready for Preschool
- Honoring 107 Years: The History and Legacy of Rockford Day Nursery