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It's All in the Family
By Jean West Rudnicki
When it comes to the business of caring for kids, it's a family affair at the Kids 'R' Kids Quality Learning Centers in South Shore and League City West. For Mike and Kay Sadler, along with daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and Greg Plummer, it's more than a family-owned business, it's a source of pride and dedication to ensuring the kind of care and education they'd want for their own kids. In fact, the Plummers' five-year-old daughter, Bailey, and four-year-old son, Jake, are both enrolled. For proud father, and now grandfather Mike, "Having an influence on the children - that's the reward," he says.
The couples opened their first Kids 'R' Kids center in South Shore six and a half years ago. The move came at a time shortly after Greg and Tracy married. Tracy wanted out of the corporate world, and Mike was ready to move in a new direction away from real estate development.
Always a close family, they began to look at opportunities they could embark upon as a team. Kay was no stranger to child care having worked 20 years at Mother's Day Out, and working with kids was a natural for Greg, who ran the City of Pasadena pool program where he taught hundreds of kids to swim. With thoughts of raising a family of their own soon, Tracy suggested the family investigate the child care industry.
Though they looked at many, it was Kids 'R' Kids that embodied their own attitude of "kids should be hugged first, and then taught." They were impressed with the Kids 'R' Kids family tradition, as well. Established in 1985 by Pat and Janice Vinson, this Georgia couple, with more than 40 years experience in the pre-school industry, along with their son and daughter, are active participants in the business. The Vinsons personally interviewed Mike, Kay, Tracy and Greg several times "to get to know them" before awarding the franchise. It was this level of personal attention that reassured the Sadler/Plummer family that Kids 'R' Kids was the right choice. Even today with 143 locations in 13 states, the Vinsons remain readily accessible should any of the four have a question or seek advice.
That same "hands on" involvement reflects Mike, Kay, Tracy and Greg's approach at Kids 'R' Kids centers, as well. Unlike some owners, these four are on property every day, a fact that is not missed by parents. "They know they can come to us," says Tracy. There is a "trust factor" between the parents and owners, says Mike. The parents know the family will always listen and actually implement changes, when appropriate.
The 14,000 sq. ft., stand-alone facility is bright, open and cheery. Greg admits the facilities are what impressed him first, saying, "It was like nothing I'd ever seen." Glass walls allow visibility into all classrooms and also create a feeling of spaciousness and light. Monitors are located in the reception area and there are telephones in each room to allow teachers immediate access to assistance if needed. Parents can also speak to their children if necessary. Webcams allow parents all-day visibility into their child's classroom and dining area via Internet log-on. "Nothing can happen that someone can't see," says Greg. There are ten classrooms to accommodate kids from six weeks to 12 years, a full kitchen and café area, a 2,400 sq. ft. gym, as well as five large, partitioned outdoor playgrounds to allow age appropriate recreation. The centers also have two full-sized passenger buses equipped with seatbelts for greater protection when transporting the kids.
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