About Kiddi Kollege and Our Premiere Preschool Child Care in Kansas
Want to learn more about Kansas City’s premiere child care and preschool centers? Established in 1957, Kiddi Kollege has a rich history that’s matched only by our love for our pre-k students and their success! Explore the history of Kiddi Kollege and our tradition of preschool excellence below.
Trying to choose the right preschool? Use our free checklist to make the best choice!
Our History of Pre Kindergarten Child Care Inspires
Kiddi Kollege Inc. started from humble beginnings back in the mid-1950’s. The owner, Geraldine Dolinar, originally launched the business out of her own basement in Kansas City, Kansas.
In the 1950s the words “Child Care Center”, “Preschool”, or even “Day Care” had yet to be spoken. The care of young children at that time usually fell to the local church or the domestic caregiver.
Few people thought about children’s education at such a young age in addition to their care, but Geraldine recognized this opportunity. She was not satisfied with the level of attention that the local children were receiving when it came to their education.
At the time she had her third child (who is our current Regional Director) there was an opportunity to address this issue in the local community. She noticed a demand was growing for high-quality childcare with a focus on early childhood education and found a sizable demand for families needing this service. She told the families of the community if she did decide to open a care center, that she would start an educational center, “a preschool… she would not be a babysitter” (Geraldine would always correct anyone who called Kiddi Kollege a day care).
So Geraldine decided to do it herself and develop an early childhood education program. Ultimately, she became an entrepreneur while also giving her the option to care for and educate her own children.
She has always said that opening this business was one of her proudest accomplishments, and she was especially proud of opening the business at a time when opportunities for women were less than abundant. After the first center opened she continued to reinvest in her business by opening several additional early childhood learning centers throughout Kansas City.
Trying to choose the right preschool? Use our free checklist to make the best choice!
Continuing the Tradition of Early Childhood Learning Centers
Geraldine’s legacy continues through her family and the Kiddi Kollege learning centers throughout Kansas. Now, the third generation (Geraldine’s grandchildren) currently work in the centers and are looking ahead to the future, continuing to offer this valuable service to the community.
Geraldine started many traditions that set a standard among early childhood education centers, which are still at the core of our philosophies today including incorporating math, science, art, music, and manipulative play.
Another tradition we continue at Kiddi Kollege is the preschool graduation. We conduct our preschool graduation every May. It is a great treat for the parents and every graduation is treasured by our parents and staff. Educators in the community are always impressed by how prepared our graduates are for kindergarten.
Kiddi Kollege’s Vision for Preschool and Individualized Education Programs
One reason Kiddi Kollege has managed to stay in business all these years is the way we work. We remain focused and consistent in our services by having a strong vision for what we do. This vision helps us keep the big picture in mind – helping children and their families build bright futures.
- We exist to stimulate the minds of children; to guide and inspire.
- Parents want the best for their children. So, we must embody excellence.
- We must work with passion, commitment, and enthusiasm to make learning fun and play time stimulating.
- Learning is universal and essential to human development.
Trying to choose the right preschool? Use our free checklist to make the best choice!
Preschool and Child Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. All of our centers provide before and after school care. All of our Johnson County schools bus to nearby elementary schools for morning drop off and afternoon pick up. We also provide breakfast and an afternoon snack to school age students.
Each location has different openings depending on enrollment. Some classes may have a waiting list when others could have an opening. It’s always best to call the location you’re interested in and ask if there is a current waiting list for your child’s classroom. Infant rooms typically have a waiting list, so we encourage families to call up to a year in advance.
Yes. Each center has sibling discounts for multiple children enrolled from one family. Please call to receive more information about pricing.
Yes. If your child has any food allergies we will work with you to meet their needs. Our locations are are also a peanut-free establishments.
The location director will provide you with a packet that has all the paperwork you will need to start the enrollment process. This packet includes family information and medical documents you will need to provide.
Children must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of a fever reducer (such as Tylenol) and/or provide a doctor’s note to return to their classroom.
We offer affordable early childhood education and child care in Kansas. For specific pricing, please call the location you wish to enroll your child at.
All Kiddi Kollege teachers are first aid and CPR trained along. Our teachers and staff are also trained to find the signs and symptoms of abuse. Each teacher must complete 12 hours of continued early childhood education each year to remain on staff at Kiddi Kollege.
Each center has either a built in storm safety room with cinder block walls and interior safety locks which are not accessible by the children. Every storm shelter is located directly in the middle of our buildings to provide the best protection against inclement weather and other safety threats.
Some of our locations have basements with secure areas that provide safety and shelter for our children and staff during safety events.
We live in the Midwest. Storms can happen within seconds and we provide our families and children with peace of mind. When weather hits we can protect our kiddos appropriately and efficiently.
Always. We are a licensed child care center in the state of Kansas and must follow adhere to the state student to teacher ratio in every classroom at all times.
Our program is a Cognia accredited program. Many local schools such as St. Michael the Archangel and St. Thomas Aquinas High School also accredit their programs with Cognia. Our schools strive to go above and beyond the normal standards to achieve excellence in every aspect.
Trying to choose the right preschool? Use our free checklist to make the best choice!
Other Families Love Kiddi Kollege.
Yours Will Too!
Hear from parents in Leawood, Lenexa, Olathe, and Overland Park about how Kiddi Kollege has helped their children.
Need Help Picking the Right Preschool?
How do you know you’re choosing the right preschool for your family? Ensure you find the perfect early education center to fit your child’s needs with our free checklist! Inside you’ll find all the key aspects you need to consider when making this important decision.
