FOR THE LOVE OF KIDS

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • charlotte@myjarrell.com photos by Christianna Bettis Photography

Loving, Christ-Centered Education

AT KIDS' ZONE LEARNING CENTERS

Since taking over leadership of Kids’ Zone Learning Center, Whitney Hicks has striven to follow her mom’s motto, “You must win a child’s heart before you win their mind.” The child care center aims to accomplish that mission through a close-knit family atmosphere and Christ-centered education at every location in Jarrell and Georgetown.

Whitney describes herself as a steward of her parents’ dream of building child care centers throughout her local communities. Donna and Steve Brown opened the first Kids’ Zone in Salado in 2000 and have added three locations along the I-35 corridor in northern Williamson County. Both brought unique skills to the table—Donna, who taught public school for 25 years, cared for the children while Steve added his business know-how.

SECOND GENERATION

Six months after Whitney returned home from college at Texas A&M University, her mom was diagnosed with lung disease pulmonary fibrosis and passed away in 2015. “God brought me back to Central Texas because He knew I would be needed to help with the business,” says Whitney, who now owns Kids' Zone.

Almost 90 staff members have joined her in carrying on Donna’s legacy of caring for children in a loving Christian environment. “Our main goal is that we run these businesses like Mom would,” Whitney says.

That means keeping Kids’ Zone a close-knit family. “We are not a corporate place. We know every single person who walks through the door,” she says. She adds that Kids’ Zone loves more than just the children, “My mission in life is to love my employees and make sure if they’re well-loved, they’ll love the kids we serve as well.”

Rashad, TJ, Hayden & Tripp

Benjamin & Ms. Lisa

Alese, Luke, Alice, Ms. Rachel, Miles, Emily, Laila, Nounke Katherine & Benjamin

AT THE CENTER

Infants and children up to 12 years old are welcome at the center, which teaches Pre-K through 3rd grade and offers private education as well as an after-school program. Kids’ Zone is Texas Rising Stars certified and teaches FrogStreet, ABC Jesus Loves Me, and ABEKA curricula. The center also prides itself on maintaining a safe environment with coded doors, cleanliness, and trustworthy staff, while tenured teachers ensure consistency for children. “They’re going to see the same face every day,” Whitney says.

To meet the growing demand for child care, Kids’ Zone is opening a new location in Jarrell, with plans for a few more down the road. “Even before County Road 313 was built, Mom and Dad had a vision that Jarrell had a need. With the rapid growth of Jarrell, we want to continue to fulfill that need of offering Christian-based, great child care,” Whitney says. "As we continue to grow, we will always remember the importance to offer the individualized environment."

EVERYONE IS FAMILY WHEN THEY WALK INTO KIDS' ZONE!

Emily & Laila

WHITNEY HICKS, OWNER

512.746.2333 • KidsZoneLearningCenter.org

The new Jarrell location is open at 107 S. 7th Street by Dollar General.

Families and community members may visit the center during OPEN HOUSE 6pm - 7:30pm January 11.

Jarrell: 104 Copper Lane, 512-746-2333 Jarrell West: 105 Western Sky Trail, 512-598-3900 Jarrell Downtown: 107 S. 7th Street, 512-746-4144 Georgetown: 4802 Moreland Drive, 512-868-8300