Local Business Profile: Kids Country Daycare in Fairlawn Has Growth Spurt

Melissa Hennigin said she has known since she was a teenager that she wanted to work with children.

"It's a dream come true for me," said Hennigin, the director of Kids Country in Fairlawn. The business offers what Hennigin described as "age-appropriate education childcare" for children age six weeks to 12 years. Kids Country helps potty train, holds kindergarten classes with Spanish and gym activities and before and after school care for students who attend area schools.

How long have you been in business? Owner Christine Wilhelm-Burkholder started Kids Country in 1993 in Stow. There are currently six  Kids Country centers, including the Fairlawn.

How many people are employed? Kids Country employs 150 people, 30 staff members work in Fairlawn.

Where is the company headquartered? Our company's corporate office is located in Hartville, Ohio. The Fairlawn Kids Country currently leases space at the Sterling Complex, 387 Ghent Road. In June, City Council approved a plan for a new Kids Country on Smith Road, set to open in 2012. Our new location will be 2955 Smith Rd. (next to CF Bank).

What is your product/service? We provide educational childcare for children from infants through school age. Our classrooms each have a developmentally appropriate curriculum that is used each day. We also provide all meals, a weekly Spanish class, transportation to local schools, a state-chartered private kindergarten and Date Nights for parents. We are also nationally accredited through an organization that monitors our program for excellence in our industry. We were fortunate enough to win "Program of Excellence," last year through this organization, competing with centers from all over the country.

What is your goal for the company?  Our goal is always to exceed the expectations of our families, providing the best care while teaching the children through many experiences. We provide a very cozy environment, making children very comfortable and eager to learn.

Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 330-668-5662.