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Address: 1125 W Florence Ave, Peoria, IL 61604
Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years
Open hours:
Center Director: Laura Houck
Welcome to Florence KinderCare
Welcome to Florence KinderCare! We are located in Peoria, IL, where we love serving the families nestled here on the Illinois River. We provide a state-of-the-art curriculum in each of our programs to ensure that your child is getting the best education at every age level. We build a warm, welcoming, and supportive classroom for children of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences. Everyone belongs in our circle — we love our families and meeting new friends!
Address: 1125 W Florence Ave, Peoria, IL 61604
Elementary schools bussed to: Thomas Jefferson, Hines, Glen Oak, Northmoor Primary, and Woodrow Wilson grade schools.
Meet Laura Houck, Our Center Director
At KinderCare Since: 2024
Education: Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies, Bachelor's Degree in Human Ecology, Master's Degree in Child Life and Family Centered Care
Favorite Children's Book: The Country Bunny and the Little Golden Shoes
Meet Laura (Catherine) Houck! She is the Center Director at Florence KinderCare in Peoria, IL. Catherine attended Bryant and Stratton College where she earned an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies, Mercyhurst University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Human Ecology, and Wheelock College where she earned a Master's Degree in Child Life and Family Centered Care. She joined KinderCare this year, and before that she was a director. Catherine's favorite quote is, "Fight for things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." - Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Outside of work, Catherine enjoys reading, making pottery, playing games, having game nights, and spending time with 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!
Florence 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.
Before- and After-School Programs (5–12 Years)
You can count on us to provide reliable care for your school-ager while you’re at work, with safe transportation from our center to your child’s school and back! Whether your child wants to start a drama club, build a volcano, or create a comic book, they will have a place to follow their dreams. Your child will start and end the day with a whole lot of fun!
School Break Programs (preschool, prekindergarten, and school-age)
Winter break, spring break, summer break—when school’s out (but you still need to work), you can count on KinderCare to provide a safe and supportive learning environment that’s focused on fun. We welcome children ages 5–12 during school break times and make sure they have a sensational, screen-free experience they won’t forget.
Learning Adventures - Enrichment Program
Cooking Academy™ (3 – 12 Years)
In Cooking Academy, kids learn new recipes from cultures around the world anddevelop a healthy relationship with food. They’ll whip up everything from Southwestrainbow 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.)
Spanish
Spanish Adventures provides young learners with a foundation for later success with the Spanish language. Music, games, children's Spanish literature, and other tools give children multiple opportunities to hear, practice, and see Spanish language to develop vocabulary and conversation skills. Curriculum includes lessons on greetings, numbers, colors, animals, family, body parts, and pets, as well as how to engage conversationally during common scenarios at home, a restaurant, or at the zoo.
Sign Language
Family Stories
“ Selecting the right daycare was a tough decision, especially for a first time mom. I could not have been more certain I made the right choice with KinderCare. They have exceeded my expectations in every way! At 15 months she has quite the vocabulary going and although I would like to personally take credit I would say they have had a lot to do it. Her communication skills have really improved since joining. KinderCare is more than just a daycare. The skills they are teaching are life skills. Above and beyond any expectation I could have had. Not only do I feel confident and comfortable leaving my child at KinderCare but I know she's excited too, and that's the best part.
Show moreTrish T. - KinderCare Parent
“ I have a son with down syndrome who attends Kindercare. I've had bad experiences with other centers, looking at him as the child with a diagnosis instead of just a child. My experience at Kindercare as been a breath of fresh air. When you have a child who can't verbally tell you about his day, you need to feel comfortable when he is in the care of others and the staff at Kindercare makes me feel just that. He has learned so much and the love they have for him is genuine and unconditional and he loves them too!! He doesn't even want me sometimes when I pick him up. One of the things I like the most about Kindercare is the director is very involved with the children. My son is attached to her as well. It's very important to make a mother feel like her child is safe and getting treated equally, especially when her child has special needs. The staff at Kindercare makes it easier for me to go to work knowing my children are in good hands!!
Show moreCilecia R. - KinderCare Parent
Frequently Asked Questions
What accreditations does KinderCare have?
Do you offer part-time schedules at Florence KinderCare?
How does naptime work at Florence KinderCare?
Do you support alternative diets?
Are meals included in tuition? Can I choose to send my child with lunch?
Does my child need to be potty-trained?
About KinderCare
Child Care You Can Trust
IT’S MORE THAN DAYCARE, IT’S KINDERCARE!
Whether your child is just starting to explore the world or on their way to big-kid school, we have exactly what they need to foster their love of learning and build confidence. See proof that our Early Foundations® curriculumprepares kids for kindergarten, elementary school, and beyond!
Accreditation
LEADING THE WAY AS AMERICA’S MOST ACCREDITED CHILD CARE PROVIDER.
Accreditation means that every aspect of our programs, from teacher training and classroom safetyto our top-notch curriculum, is backed by third-party experts who’ve given their seal of approval.
Learn more about accreditation
Meet Our Classroom Heroes
From ABCs and 123s to social-emotional skills and problem-solving, our amazing teachers build kindergarten readiness and Confidence for Life™.
See how they bring learning to lifeat every age and stage!
Babies Are Reaching New Milestones
Babies are giggling, wiggling, and exploring the world one tiny step at a time! In our infant classrooms, little ones are discovering language, experimenting with problem solving, and practicing social and emotional skills.
Toddlers Learn Through Creating, Playing, and Exploring
Toddlers are on the move! At this age, that’s totally normal as they learn and discover the world around them. In our toddler classrooms, they’re building confidence through creating art, learning their ABCs, imaginative play, and so much more.
Discovery Preschoolers Practice Independence
Discovery Preschoolers are channeling their creativity, learning how to express themselves, practicing motor skills, and experimenting with language and literacy in new, exciting ways.
Preschoolers Are Building So Many New Skills
Preschoolers are exploring science experiments, creating artwork, and playing pretend with friends. We’re also boosting literacy and social skills through letter-building and group art projects!
Prekindergarteners Are Doing Art, STEM, Letters, and More
Prekindergartners in our classrooms are organizing their ideas, problem-solving, and showing their creative side through hands-on, engaging activities—all the skills needed for their next big step: kindergarten!
Teachers You Can Trust
When we say we’ve got the best teachers around, we really mean it. You can rest assured that every team member clears rigorous national and state background checks. Plus, our hiring process includes the Gallup® Talent Assessment to make sure we hire educators who have that special something it takes to work with kids.
8-time Gallup® Exceptional Workplace Award Winner
Every year we check in with our amazing team to survey how engaged they are, and for 8 years running we’ve earned the Gallup® Exceptional Workplace Award! We’re the first and only early childhood education provider recognized, and one of just two companies worldwide to receive the honor eight years in a row.
Peace Of Mind From Drop-Off To Pick-Up
Child care isn’t just about caring for children—it’s about families and communities too! We’re committed to valuing the experiences and traditions you bring with you and honoring them within our community. Whenever you step through our front door, you’ll know that you’re in a place where your family is safe, happy, and celebrated for who they are.
Read on to see the KinderCare difference.
Stay In Touch With The KinderCare App
Ever wonder what your little learner does all day? Download the KinderCare App. With a few taps, you can send messages to your center director, check on your child’s progress, and even get photos of all the fun they’re having.
Here’s a sneak peek of how it works!
Find Your Partner In Parenting
Our teachers join forces with families to help kids become lifelong learners while building confidence to live happy and healthy lives.
Take a moment to watch a KinderCare teacher and mom chat about how we’re the ultimate partners in parenting.
Hear From Families Like Yours
When it comes todeciding on a child care center, we know there’s nothing quite like hearing from the KinderCare community.
“As a parent, I entrust my greatest blessing to the staff at KinderCare every day, and I am grateful for the loving care and guidance he receives."- Becky T.
Get Judgment-Free Tips And Innovative Ideas
If you haven’t yet, check out our KinderCare blog. It’s where you can find answers to your questions about parenting, education, and health and safety, and even get inspired to bring more learning home.
See how you stay in the loop.
