Kiddie Academy is looking to expand its brand of “education-based childcare” this year. The company is going deeper into Texas, and adding Southern states like Georgia and Tennessee. In all, the plan is to add 60 new franchises.
With all of the far-flung ambitions, the baseline for these big growth plans sits in Abingdon, Md., where the company is headquartered. That’s where Kiddie Academy debuted a flagship location earlier this year, which is set for a community grand opening on Saturday, April 16. It’s designed to be a model for the other franchises that open around the country.
The company has curriculum aligned with Maryland’s pre-K standards, snacks from a commercial kitchen (it was nachos on the March day we visited) and a turf playground. Tech plays a big role, too. Here are a few ways:

Computers for 2-year-olds

Kids who attend start using computers as soon as possible. They get exposure to using a mouse, as well as touchscreens. The software that the kids use is able to track their progress, so instructors can go back and tweak the game-based lessons. Tech plays a big role in the education program, but they’re not on the screen all day. Director of Education Richard Peterson said they limit the computer time to five minutes a day.

Smartboards

The older toddlers get internet-enabled whiteboards. These allow instructors to bring up outside material like the morning weather report or YouTube videos to help them teach students. The building has WiFi throughout, enabling access. But Peterson assured us there were limits on what students could access.

Interactive tables

Gathering around the table is a way to promote interaction, and tech factors in here, too. The horizontal 40-inch TV touchscreen allows students to collaborate. The tables are also equipped with two microphones that record the interactions. That allows teachers to play it back later in the day, and see how the students interacted, Peterson said.

Cameras to check in

Family members can check in on kids throughout the day with Watch Me Grow. Throughout the building, 24 cameras stream what children are doing, and parents or grandparents can check in through a smartphone app. Another system called AcademyLink allows parents to communicate about what happened during the day, and share pictures.

Solar power

Being eco-friendly is a major theme. The prime example is that the building is fully solar powered. In fact, they generate so much energy that Kiddie Academy sells some of the power back to BGE, Peterson said.