EduKids Early Childhood Education Centers

Our 20th Anniversary here at EduKids Early Childhood Education Centers is well underway with student, parent and staff celebrations. The administrators, teachers and support staff of all 11 EduKids Early Childhood Education Centers are continuing to commemorate their two decades of providing high quality childcare in Western New York and positive growth to 11 locations.

We are so proud to have been involved in the care and education of thousands of local children over the years. With 20 years in the early childcare business, we continue to dedicate ourselves to providing a home away from home for those kids in our care, and to making EduKids a fun, safe learning environment.

We started celebrating our successful history this past Spring ‘09, when students and staff took part in creative team competitions to put together the Top 20 Fun Facts about EduKids, and produced a timeline and map of the company’s history in Western New York. In July, students and their families enjoyed a picnic and game day; in August, they participated in anniversary parades in each of the communities that EduKids serves.

Upcoming events designed to reinforce EduKids‘ links to WNY’s families and neighborhoods include Guest Reader Day, where former EduKids families will read to current students; Community Appreciation Day, where the children will make edible treats to deliver to community partners as a thank you for their support; and a 20th Anniversary Tree Decorating Contest in December.

EduKids began as a single early childhood center, with only three students, in Orchard Park, NY, when I was unable to find an educationally focused childcare program for my son. I was disappointed in the limited programs available to families in this area, so I dedicated myself to opening an outstanding facility with an experienced and loving staff; a place where children would feel safe and loved while their developmental and educational needs were being addressed. Two decades later, my original vision and mission remain at the heart and soul of every EduKids Center.

Today, I’m proud to say that EduKids’ 11 centers are spread throughout Western New York in Amherst, Lancaster, Cheektowaga, North Buffalo, Orchard Park, Williamsville, Buffalo, West Seneca, Hamburg, and our newest center in Elma. All of our centers provide extended hours for busy families, nutritional meals, and focus on learning, literacy and creative play.

EduKids’ Education Director, Kate Dust and I have consistently strived to achieve nationally recognized educational excellence for the Centers, and in honor of the anniversary, recently received a commendation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Seven of the 11 centers are NAEYC accredited and our EduKids team is currently in the process of receiving accreditation for the remaining centers.

“Establishing and maintaining the high quality and standards represented by NAEYC Accreditation is something of which to be proud,” said Dr. Mark R. Ginsberg, Executive Director of the NAEYC. “[EduKids’] reputation for excellence is well known and respected” in the early childhood field.

– Nancy Ware, founder and owner of EduKids