3 minute read
What's New
What’s New: A New Kind of Childcare
Kids 'R' Kids to open in Sioux Falls
By Natalie Slieter | Photos by Maggie Sweets Photography
Sioux Falls will have a new childcare option this summer. Mike and Leslie Smith are opening Kids ‘R’ Kids of Prairie Hills, located in south Sioux Falls at the corner of 85th Street and Western Avenue. Kids ‘R’ Kids is the oldest childcare franchise in the United States, with 175 locations around the world.
Mike says that KRK lives by the principle of “Hug First, then Teach”, which demonstrates their whole child approach and the love that they have for the children and families they serve.
“We are looking to be an extension of the families that we are caring for and really be a second home for them,” Mike said.
KRK has many unique features for Sioux Falls parents. Some relevant health-focused features include an on-site chef to prepare healthy meals and snacks, an infrared sanitation system to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria in the air (including COVID-19), and a “boo boo” room where a child can go if they aren’t feeling well that helps limit exposure to other children if they happen to be contagious.
The children are very excited about an indoor turf area where they can experience outdoor-like physical activity all year long. Large garage doors can be opened to let in fresh air to the indoor turf area which has four individual playground areas with age appropriate equipment for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and grade-school children.
Some other unique features include interior glass walls for safety purposes that also help children as they transition to different classrooms. There will be cameras in every classroom. These cameras are viewable on parents’ mobile devices through an app so they can check in on their children throughout the day.
KRK’s proprietary curriculum is nationally recognized by NAEYC. Their Brain Waves Curriculum uses certain activities to target different areas of the brain. This helps strengthen the brain’s neural pathways and supports language, cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development.
STEAM Ahead is another curriculum offered by KRK, which uses science, technology, engineering, art, and math to promote invention, collaboration, and imagination in children. KRK also has an enrichment program that brings in professionals from the community to teach on specialized subjects.
Kids ‘R’ Kids will care for children from the age of six weeks to 12 years old, year round. KRK is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Currently, Mike says they are 25% full with the most interest for those under the age of two years old.
“Parents can expect their kids to receive the same love and care that they would receive when they are at home,” Mike said. “We are excited to bring Kids ‘R’ Kids to Sioux Falls and cannot wait to start serving the families of our great community.”
Learn more about Kids ‘R’ Kids by visiting kidsrkids.com/prairie-hills/ or by calling (605) 215-1341. n
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