New Day Care and Academy Fills Former Rockford Day Nursery
February 18, 2026
Original coverage in the Rock River Current by Kevin Haas.
A new day care and early childhood education academy has filled the former Rockford Day Nursery, restarting services there over a year after the site’s abrupt closure.
Rockford DayCare & Academy is now accepting enrollment for 2 to 5 year olds. It has a waitlist for its eventual expansion to serve infants and toddlers as well. The 12-classroom day care and preschool center is at 2323 S. Sixth St., just across from J.L. Clark.
The new year-round academy is the vision of local parents and educators Bryan and Amanda Amezquita, who set out to provide essential kindergarten readiness skills while also ensuring children develop the academic, social and emotional foundation they need for success in school. The said they have a Montessori-inspired and nature-inspired approach to learning.
“All of our teachers match our philosophy,” said Amanda Amezquita, who serves as the center director and has 15 years of early childhood education experience. “We intentionally chose teachers who are caring, who are kind, who have education in their background and have the same philosophy of kindergarten readiness more than just academic. Working on our social and emotional skills are essential to that kindergarten readiness.”
Rockford Day Nursery had operated for more than a century before its sudden closures in November 2024, which left several parents suddenly without child care. The nursery was founded in 1917 as a small operation in a West State Street basement before expanding several times over the years, according to information previously shared by Birth to Five Illinois. It had been on Sixth Street, the former Clarcor site, since 2004, according to property records.
“It was so sad that it closed. The community always needs child care, especially in this area,” Amanda Amezquita said. “Providing the child care option while also providing the education piece we feel fills a huge need for our location.”
JPM Rockford, a business partner with the Amezquitas, bought the building for $675,000 from Rockford Day Nursery on Aug. 12, according to records from the Winnebago County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. The firm also made an investment into the operation of the new Rockford DayCare & Academy.
Much of the day care equipment was left inside when the building was purchased. Rockford DayCare & Academy also invested in new equipment for classrooms and play, such as books, mini basketball hoops, climbers and bikes. The property also provides motor-skill opportunities inside and out with indoor play spaces and five outdoor playgrounds to fit various age groups.
The site is opening in phases with 2-5 year olds first before they eventually expand to younger students.
“We want to sustainably grow,” said Bryan Amezquita, who serves as the center’s president and its technology and innovation leader. “We want to be able to show this community that we’re going to be here long-term.”
The Amezquitas had been searching for a space for their early learning academy for about three years before landing the building. The couple are both 2013 Harlem High School graduates and 2017 Rockford University graduates. They’ve shared a passion for early childhood education along the way, both teaching with KinderCare and in Rockford Public Schools. She has taught at Dennis and Beyer elementary schools. He taught at Dennis and now Legacy Academy.
“Now it’s coming full circle to do what we’ve been wanting to do since we were 15,” Bryan Amezquita said.
The couple said their 2-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son will also attend the academy, a sign they say shows they’re building a program that fits their standards as parents.
“Our kids are going to be going here as well,” Bryan Amezquita said. “So our mindset was, who would we want taking care of our kids.”
The couple said their work will also focus on parent education and providing parents the resources and guidance they need.
“There’s no rulebook, so parents don’t automatically know how to support a child,” Amanda Amezquita said. “Having our background, and having the parent resources, I feel is going to be so important for our area.”
The center incorporates Brightwheel artificial intelligence technology to generate reports that track milestones and provide at-home learning recommendations. The tech also provides reports on attendance, billing, lesson planning and allows for real-time messaging.
The school is also home to the couple’s nonprofit Swap & Shop, a free clothing exchange designed to reduce waste and save families money.
The center’s rates are $285 a week for 2 year olds or $275 for 3-5 year olds. That includes two meals and a snack provided.
“We’re here to support the children. We’re here to support the families. We’re here to support the community,” Amanda Amezquita said. “The money isn’t the driving factor for us, and obviously you can tell that by our rates.”
Info | Rockford DayCare & Academy
Where: 2323 S. Sixth St., Rockford
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Online: rockford-daycare.com
Phone: 815-242-2425
Email: Admin@rockford-daycare.com
Facebook: Go HERE
Instagram: @RockfordDayCare