Kiddi Kollege of Leawood

Kiddi Kollege Inc. started from humble beginnings back in the mid 1950’s. The owner, Geraldine Dolinar grew the business out of her own basement in Kansas City, Kansas. In the 1950s the words Childcare Center, Preschool, or even Daycare had yet to be spoken. The care of young children at that time usually fell to the local church or the domestic care giver. Few people thought about children’s education at such a young age in addition to their care, but Geraldine recognized this situation. She was not satisfied with the level of attention that the local children were receiving when it came to their education. At the time she had her third child (Her youngest daughter who is our current Regional Director), she saw an opportunity to the solve a problem in the local community, while also being able to care for her daughter.

During the late 1950’s another opportunity arose that helped this new venture gain traction: Women were entering the workforce and finding it hard to find care. She networked with the women to in the community to find a sizable demand for women needing this service. She told the families of the community if she did decide to open a care center, that she would start an educational center, “a preschool… she would not be a babysitter”. (Geraldine will correct anyone who calls Kiddi Kollege a Day Care to this day)

So, Geraldine decided to do it herself and develop an educational program. Ultimately, she became a entrepreneur while also giving her the option to care and educate her daughter. With her success she opened her first brick and mortar center in the mid 1960’s. She has always said that opening this business was one of her proudest accomplishments, and she was especially proud of opening up the business at a time when opportunities for women where scarce compared to today.

After opening her first center she started many traditions that set a standard among early education centers. To name a few, she had learning centers that included math, science, art, music, and manipulative play. Another tradition started at Kiddi Kollege is the preschool graduation. We conduct our preschool graduation every May. It is a great treat for the parents and every graduation is treasured by our parents and staff.

After the first center opened she continued to reinvest into her business later opening two more locations in Kansas City Kansas in the 1970’s. In the 1980’s she opened up two more locations in Olathe Kansas. The 6th & 7th Kiddi Kolleges where opened in Overland Park and Leawood. Now, the third Generation (Geraldine’s grandchildren) currently work in the centers and are looking ahead to the future, continuing to offer this valuable service to the community.