The second Clark County location for the organization will open this Saturday
VANCOUVER — Kiddie Academy of Vancouver-Salmon Creek will host its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Fri., Oct. 18 and a community event for children and families on Sat., Oct. 19.
The 20,000-square-foot facility began construction at the start of 2019, and now is open for enrollment of children from the ages of six weeks to 12-years-old. The location has an 11,500-square-foot building and 8,500-square-feet of outdoor play space.
The facility is much like its counterpart in Fisher’s Landing, but with a larger play area and technological upgrades. The two Clark County locations are a part of over 210 locations established across the country since 1981.
“I think first and foremost, we’re just we’re excited to offer just another high quality childcare option for the community,” said owner John Swartz. “There’s just a tremendous need for another choice when it comes to childcare, so we’re excited to open our doors and officially, you know, show off our school and show off our education team.”
Saturday’s event will focus on showcasing Kiddie Academy’s original Life Essentials curriculum for all age groups. Four classrooms will be open for parents and children to explore, with different activities pertaining to curriculum in each.
New technologies are prevalent throughout the space with WatchMeGrow live streaming video in each class. Decorative USA Skypanels are used to bring in more natural light, and electronic passcode security doors are at every entrance to the building.
Kiddie Academy has a strong focus on STEM elements in their lessons, games and activities for students. The schools make and effort to pair social and emotional learning with intellectual learning, Swartz said.
“I mean, we’re excited just really to continue to continue to grow,” Swartz said. “We’re serving two elementary schools, Salmon Creek Elementary and Southbridge Elementary, and we’re still enrolling in those programs if parents need a before and after school care option.”
The facility is expected to create some 25 new jobs in the area in the way of teachers and support staff. The location has the capacity to enroll 180 students, and is accepting applications for enrollment prior to the event.
Cost for the services at Kiddie Academy is likely to be higher than many other childcare facilities in the area, but they attribute this to the greater level of education and learning it affords, Swartz said.
In the near future, partnerships with more local businesses and schools will be a key part of involving the community and working to provide scholarships for students whose families cannot afford tuition, Swartz said.
“And then, we’re excited to celebrate with our current parents,” Swartz said. “You know, we are growing like crazy and so this is a chance for those parents that have been with us since the beginning to really, you know, celebrate.”
For the grand opening, Three Creeks Community Library, also located in Salmon Creek, will partner with the academy to offer services at the event. Students and their families will be able to apply for library cards and learn more about literary resources nearby.
Chuck’s Produce and Street Market in Salmon Creek is also partnering to contribute all the healthy snacks and drinks for the event. Soon, the school will also be partnering with the nearby The Hampton memory care facility to do a trick-or-treat event with seniors.
The grand opening will last from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, and will have fall festival activities, face-painting and lunch appetizers. Kiddie Academy of Vancouver-Salmon Creek is located at 2203 NE 129th St. in Vancouver.
For more information about the academy or the grand opening on Oct. 19, you can find them online at kiddieacademy.com/academies/vancouver-salmon-creek/ as well as on Facebook. For specific questions, you can contact Swartz (360) 355-3133 or at vancouver-salmoncreek@kiddieacademy.net.
