There’s a good chance you’ve heard the buzz about Rosies Daycare Center—the warm, cheerful new space tucked inside a lovingly repurposed old school building at 603 Bridge Street in Ellwood City.
And behind every color-splashed craft wall, every happy preschool circle time, and every laugh from the group of kids, you’ll find one very determined, very passionate hometown woman: Mackenzie Annarumo.
Mackenzie, who grew up just down the road in Fombell, now lives two doors down from her childhood home. With her husband of four years (together for ten!) and their preteen son, she’s turned her love of community into something truly special. When she’s not leading a classroom, you’ll likely find her crafting something adorable, swimming, or soaking up sunshine at the beach (when she has the free time).
But sunshine isn’t just a hobby—it’s the spirit she pours into her work.
The Spark That Started It All
The road to Rosies began back in 2023. Mackenzie was searching for a daycare location that wasn’t just big enough but also needed—a place where her dream could actually make a difference.
“When I found the perfect building,” she says, “I jumped on it.”
By 2025, Rosies Daycare Center officially opened its doors—bright, buzzing, and exactly what Ellwood City had been waiting for.
Opening a daycare in Ellwood City was a no brainer to Mackenzie.
“Ellwood City is my home. My husband grew up here too. There’s a huge need for quality childcare everywhere, and Ellwood needed it—so I did everything I could to meet that need.
From Beauty School to Early Childhood Advocate
Believe it or not, Mackenzie didn’t always picture herself owning a daycare center. But like many great stories, hers started with motherhood.
After earning her cosmetology license, she discovered firsthand how tough childcare availability could be. Working nights and weekends meant missing precious time with her son. When she took a job at a daycare, everything changed.
“I fell in love with the industry,” she says. “Every day I make a difference in children and families’ lives.”
But she also saw what not to do. Toxic work environments. Owners prioritizing profits over people. Restrictions that kept her from improving the classroom experience. That’s when determination kicked in.
So she went to college—while working and raising a child—and earned not only her associate degree but also a bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and Special Needs. She moved up from group supervisor to director. Ten years later, she turned all that experience into something of her own.
Inside Rosies
Rosies isn’t just another daycare—it’s a place with heart, intention, and a little old-school charm (literally—the building used to be a school, and Mackenzie kept some of that nostalgic magic alive).
Here’s what families can expect:
- AM Preschool Class for ages 3–5
- Daily crafts and circle time for younger rooms
- Indoor “gym” room for big motor play
- Breakfast, lunch, and PM snacks (or bring your own!)
- A top-tier communication app with photos, updates, and videos throughout the day
- A family-first philosophy that keeps parents in the driver’s seat
Rosies is licensed by the state.
Why Parents Are Loving It
The community has responded with overwhelming excitement. Mackenzie gets multiple emails a day—families wanting tours, job-seekers wanting to join her team, and plenty of praise from those who’ve already stepped inside.
“That’s what keeps me going,” she says. “Seeing the shock and joy on people’s faces when they walk through the center—it’s everything.”
Even better, she’s creating a workplace where staff want to be. Schedules are flexible. Teachers choose the age group they feel connected to. Respect, value, and warmth aren’t just for the kids—Rosies extends it to its team, too.
The Hard Part?
“The biggest challenge is there are not enough hours in the day,” Mackenzie laughs. With mountains of paperwork and a busy center to run, she does a lot of juggling.
But as she proudly puts it, “I thrive under pressure.”
Enrollment Made Simple
Parents can enroll by emailing to schedule a tour. If there’s space, they’ll get to walk the halls, ask questions, feel the vibe, and decide if Rosies is the right fit. If they want to join, Mackenzie hands over the paperwork—and the adventure begins.
Looking Ahead
Mackenzie has big dreams: events for the community, continued growth, and most importantly, watching the children flourish.
“I want the kids to remember us for a lifetime,” she says. And with the warmth pouring out of Rosies Daycare Center, there’s no doubt they will.
Rosies Daycare Center isn’t just a business. It’s a heartbeat of Ellwood City—built on experience, fueled by passion, and wrapped in the genuine care of someone who’s grown up loving this community.
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