Photo: Mariah Brink
Edina welcomes its first Kiddie Academy.
When former Minnesota Viking Robert Blanton and wife Erin struggled to find an acceptable childcare facility, they decided to take matters into their own hands. Together, they opened Edina’s first Kiddie Academy franchise.
Unlike a typical educational experience, Kiddie Academy focuses on the emotional and social aspect of development in infants, toddlers and preschoolers. It also offers before and after school programs for ages 12 and under.
The eclectic curriculum is based on individuality and is child-led, meaning children are taught at their own pace. “We keep it challenging enough to where they can succeed and hard enough to where it’s not too easy and they get bored,” Blanton says.
The academy accommodates Minn. winters with a 5,000-square-foot indoor playspace, designed to help build gross motor skills. Teachers are required to hold lesson plans within the playspace, showing Kiddie Academy is a fun place to learn.
“When it comes to kids, we have a passion that all kids deserve great care,” Blanton says. “We are really proud to bring it to the Minneapolis area.”
