What makes a child care center feel like home? The answer can be difficult for parents and children to put into words. But there’s always that special something you feel when you walk into a child care center that makes you know it’s going to be a good fit for your family. At Kiddi Kollege, we work hard to make sure all of our early education centers feel like a home away from home; a place where you know your child is in good hands. How do we do it? It starts with these factors:
- Family is Our Foundation
- Kind and Trusted Staff
- Connection Between Children, Staff, and Parents
- Children Always Come First
- Cozy Spaces
Neither you nor your child wants them to spend their days in a place where they’re just another number. It’s not beneficial for their emotional or intellectual development. So, let’s break down what exactly makes Kiddi Kollege feel like home to our staff and families.
Family is Our Foundation
Kiddi Kollege’s child care centers have always felt like home, we started in a basement, after all! In the 1950s, one mother named Geraldine Dolinar, or Ms. D, saw the need for educational childcare after having her own children. She instantly got to work running a child care center out of her basement, one that accepted every child and helped them grow. She treated them all like they were her own children (and some of them were!), making everyone feel safe and secure.
As Ms. D’s child care center expanded out of her basement and into multiple locations, it never lost that family atmosphere. This was in large part thanks to Ms. D’s commitment to making everyone at Kiddi Kollege, from the children to her growing team, feel supported. Even as she moved up to a director position, she took the time out of her busy day to visit with individual staff, children, and parents. This personal touch from the owner of the early learning center quickly trickled down to the rest of the organization. Staff members, many of whom are her children and grandchildren, emulate Ms. D in everything they do and treat everyone at Kiddi Kollege like they are family.
Kind and Trusted Staff
Sending your children off to child care centers can be nerve-wracking for parents and children alike. You are trusting your children with complete strangers and hoping for the best. At Kiddi Kollege, we ensure everyone on our team shares the same mission: to keep your child safe and help them grow. To make this happen, we hold a rigorous hiring process that includes:
- Detailed interviews
- Background checks
- CPR/first aid certification requirements
- Ongoing continuing education
- Training periods during which new hires are never left alone with children
Our leadership team strives to support our staff members so they can best support your child.
Connection Between Children, Staff, and Parents
Children, staff members, and parents are all a team working together at our early learning centers. Just as Ms. D made sure she was available to anyone who needed her, our staff strives to do the same. Our staff members make it a point to learn the names and faces of every child and parent they see. That way, families are greeted by name first thing in the morning, making them feel welcome. And when parents have a question about their child, they know exactly who to talk to and can do so easily.
Our staff members also utilize interpersonal communication with parents and children to keep everyone updated. Teachers specifically use the Brightwheel app to stay in touch with parents throughout the day, letting them know how their child is doing, alerting them to any milestones, and sending pictures of their safe and joyful little ones. We know sending your child off to an early learning center can be a difficult thing, so we do everything we can to help the transition be as painless as possible.
Children Always Come First
Ms. D opened her home to countless children with the intent that they be felt seen, heard, and valued. That mission has carried on down the generations and continues to be a part of every Kiddi Kollege child care center. But our staff don’t just get to know the children we care for; we are always finding new ways to help them feel safe and continue to grow. For example, all of our preschool programs follow a regular schedule that lets children know what to expect every day. When children know what’s coming, they are better able to manage their day and feel in control.
Our child care centers also teach children interpersonal communication so they can better express themselves when big feelings arise. This, in turn, allows our staff members to better support children and give them the space to feel their feelings and know they are safe.
Cozy Spaces
The moment you step into one of our child care centers, you know your child will love it there. We keep our hallways and classrooms decorated with colorful walls, seasonal decorations, and smiling staff members to create an inviting environment. We also pride ourselves on our safe and engaging playgrounds that your child will love to spend afternoons on. But we don’t stop there. Every one of our classrooms comes equipped with safe, cozy spaces for your child to use to calm down. These areas are filled with soft pillows, family photos, and calming tools. Children are still learning how to navigate big feelings, which is why we’ve created spaces for them to do just that.
Child Care Center FAQs
How does your early education center help children feel comfortable and safe?
Our early education center focuses on consistency, warm relationships, and familiar routines so children feel secure, supported, and confident throughout the day.
What makes your preschool program different from others?
Our preschool program blends structured learning with play, emotional development, and strong interpersonal communication skills to prepare children for both school and life.
How do your teachers communicate with parents during the day?
We prioritize interpersonal communication through daily conversations and digital updates, including photos, messages, and milestone sharing through our parent communication app.
What qualifications do staff members have at your child care center?
All staff members complete background checks, CPR and first aid training, ongoing education, and supervised onboarding to ensure your child is always in capable hands.
What does a typical day look like in your preschool program?
A typical day includes learning centers, group activities, outdoor play, rest time, and opportunities for creativity, all within a predictable and comforting routine.
How do you handle big emotions and behavior challenges?
Our child care center teaches children interpersonal communication strategies so they can express emotions safely, while staff provide calm guidance and emotional support.
How do you help children prepare for kindergarten?
Our preschool program builds early literacy, problem solving, social skills, and independence, ensuring children are confident and ready for the next step.
How do parents stay involved at the child care center?
We encourage strong partnerships with families through open communication, regular updates, and opportunities to connect with teachers and administrators.
Do children have quiet spaces when they need a break?
Yes, every classroom includes cozy spaces where children can relax, reset, and manage emotions in a calm and supportive environment.
How can I tell if your child care center is the right fit for my family?
The best way is to schedule a tour, meet our staff, see the classrooms, and experience firsthand how our child care center truly feels like home.
Find Your Child’s Home Away from Home at Kiddi Kollege
From the very beginning, Kiddi Kollege has been a place where children of all ages have been able to feel at home while they learn and grow. That sentiment has been passed down from our founder Ms. D to her children, grandchildren, and all the staff members at Kiddi Kollege. And as we’ve opened more child care centers across the Kansas City area, we’ve kept that personal touch present in every location. Schedule a tour at Kiddi Kollege today to experience our welcoming environments firsthand and find the right early learning center for your child.
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