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Toddler smiling while sliding down a slide at a Kiddie Academy outdoor playground — Kiddie Academy’s unique approach lets children learn in the way that works best for them. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Every parent’s dream is to watch their kids make lifelong friends, exceed academic milestones, gain confidence and fill their home with artwork. For Birmingham couple Zachary and Whitney Clifton, they got to see their sons do all of that—and all before entering kindergarten.

We spoke with the Cliftons to learn why they chose Kiddie Academy of Meadowbrook-Birmingham—a curriculum-based early childhood learning center located just off the intersection of U.S. 280 and Highway 119—how it’s helped set their sons up for success and why they continue to recommend the school to other parents in the Magic City.

Why the Cliftons chose Kiddie Academy of Meadowbrook-Birmingham

Family of four smiling together at a playground, parents with two young sons — Zach and Whitney Clifton with their sons Edward and Oliver at Kiddie Academy of Meadowbrook-Birmingham. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Both born and raised in the Birmingham area, Zachary and Whitney Clifton are the proud parents of two sons; Edward, 7, and Oliver, who will soon turn 3. They first came across Kiddie Academy of Meadowbrook-Birmingham in 2018, when they began looking into area daycares for Edward.

“When we toured Kiddie Academy of Meadowbrook-Birmingham for the first time, it hit all of my checkboxes. It was a safe, healthy environment with toys on the floor and walls covered in art. We were impressed by every one of the teachers we interacted with, and we loved that it was curriculum-based and so convenient to where we lived in Greystone.”
Whitney Clifton

1. Health + safety is essential when choosing a local daycare

Teacher smiling and guiding a toddler as he plays with colorful puzzle-piece toys at a classroom table — At Kiddie Academy, parents rest easy knowing their children are in a safe, nurturing environment—and they can check on them at any time. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

As any parent understands, safety was one of the Cliftons’ biggest priorities when choosing a daycare. In addition to following the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) requirements for childcare, Kiddie Academy of Meadowbrook-Birmingham goes a step beyond by including additional training and safety measures for its staff, including:

Secure entryways, safe hiring practices + authorized pickup procedures to prioritize the wellbeing of every child
Wellness education, enhanced hygiene, a clean environment + symptom monitoring to reduce the spread of germs

2. Find a Birmingham daycare that challenges + encourages kids’ natural abilities

Teacher smiles with two young children playing with alphabet blocks in a classroom with shape flashcards on the wall — At Kiddie Academy of Meadowbrook-Birmingham, kids learn at their pace in ways that excite them in a healthy, safe environment. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

But safety isn’t the only reason Kiddie Academy of Meadowbrook-Birmingham stood out to the Cliftons—they also loved its unique approach to childhood learning.

“Our curriculum is based on learning through play. Kids are encouraged to explore and to challenge themselves in a student-led class environment—our teachers just help facilitate that.”
Ashley Bates, Director, Kiddie Academy of Meadowbrook-Birmingham

That approach was helpful for the Cliftons’ oldest son, Edward. Academically gifted for his age, Edward was able to challenge himself while still learning alongside peers and friends—like Ben, Edward’s best friend since the age of ten weeks.

“Kiddie Academy’s curriculum has given our kids the confidence to grow their natural, gifted abilities, whether that’s academics or athletics or being social.”
Zach Clifton

3. Nurture kids’ social skills as part of their academic learning

Young children playing together on a shaded outdoor playground structure — At Kiddie Academy, Oliver has grown into a social butterfly in spite of his smaller stature. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

According to Zach and Whitney, Kiddie Academy helped set Edward ahead of the curve during the transition to pre-K and kindergarten. Because he had already developed classroom routines, independence and social skills, Edward was quick to talk with teachers, make friends, follow classroom expectations and speak up when he needed a greater academic challenge.

Now, they’re seeing that same pattern in their younger son, Oliver.

“Oliver is the same way; while we’ve met other kids Ollie’s age who are still at the stage of learning animal names, Oliver can have a full conversation with you. Social aspects at Kiddie Academy have had a huge impact on him.”
Zach Clifton

The Cliftons also appreciate the school’s inclusive environment; Edward and Oliver have grown up interacting with classmates with different abilities and needs, helping them understand that everyone brings something unique to the classroom.

“After leaving Kiddie Academy and going to a public school, one of Edward’s classmates had Down syndrome. Edward was one of the only kindergarteners to walk up, ask him to play and want to be involved in his life. That meant so much to us as parents.”
Whitney Clifton

Want to become part of the Kiddie Academy of Meadowbrook-Birmingham family?

Group of three women, a man, and two young boys smiling together at a playground — The Cliftons with Kiddie Academy of Meadowbrook-Birmingham Director Ashley Bates (right) and educator Lexi McIntosh. (left). (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

After seven years of childcare, the Cliftons and Kiddie Academy of Meadowbrook-Birmingham staff genuinely feel like family.

“If any of our parents struggle with leaving their kids’ side, I give them my personal cell phone and text them updates and pictures of their child throughout the day to reassure them. We want every parent to have that personal connection and feeling that they’re leaving their child with a family friend.”
Ashley Bates, Director, Kiddie Academy of Meadowbrook-Birmingham

If you’re looking for a daycare where your kids can build the skills, confidence and curiosity they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom, reach out to the Kiddie Academy team to find out how to get started.

Kiddie Academy of Meadowbrook-Birmingham: Website | Facebook | YouTube
Address: 5412 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35242

Want to learn more about Kiddie Academy of Meadowbrook-Birmingham? Visit the Kiddie Academy website to learn about its programs, enrollment options and approach to care.

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