At Kids World Learning Center, we’ve always been inspired by the vision of our founder, Michelle Smith-Lank. From a parent in our community to the owner and director, Michelle’s journey is not just our story; it’s the blueprint of our success. Her transformative vision has turned KWLC into a beacon of persistent innovation, family-friendly services, and high-quality care that serves over 200 families and counting. Our evolution from a modest neighborhood daycare to a leader in early childhood education across Georgia reflects the relentless dedication and innovative spirit Michelle has instilled since becoming the owner.
Our Founder’s Journey
Before Michelle became the owner, she was a parent deeply involved in the KWLC community. Every day, during the bustling times of pick-up and drop-off, she envisioned ways to elevate our center, making it not only a place for care but a pillar of quality and innovation. In 2005, Michelle was presented with the opportunity to lead KWLC. She stepped up without hesitation, driven by a desire to craft cutting-edge programs that would stand as a pinnacle of childcare.
A Vision Brought to Life
Michelle’s roots in education and her family’s military discipline have profoundly shaped her approach. From humble beginnings, she expanded KWLC across multiple properties on Savannah Avenue and Lindberg Street, enhancing every facet of our programs to exceed industry standards. This expansion was driven by our shared commitment to offer more than just daycare; we strive to provide a high-quality, nurturing, educational environment where children and families flourish together.
Building on a Legacy of Excellence
Under Michelle’s leadership, we’ve transformed KWLC into a sanctuary of learning and growth, achieving accreditations like NAEYC and becoming Eco-Healthy Certified. Though we’ve been honored as Statesboro’s Leading Childcare Program, it’s not just about the accolades—it’s about the 200+ families we serve, including Michelle’s very own, who continue to be an integral part of our Kids World community.
Innovation in Every Step
We pride ourselves on the innovative programs that have sprung from Michelle’s vision. Michelle has spearheaded initiatives such as the integration of STEM programs to enhance our educational offerings and partnerships with local universities to provide ongoing training for our staff. From hosting celebrity reading programs to enhancing our meal programs with locally grown foods, our efforts reflect an unyielding commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences as educational as they are entertaining.
A Commitment to Community and Quality
Our core values—family first, community partnerships, and quality matters—are at the forefront of everything we do at Kids World. Every aspect of our center reflects these guiding principles, from our progressive programs to our state-of-the-art facilities. Michelle’s firm belief in our core values has propelled us to become pioneers in the field as the first childcare center in Georgia to achieve a Quality Rated designation.
A Leader Beyond Our Walls
Michelle’s influence extends beyond KWLC as she contributes to broader endeavors. Her roles, including serving as President of the Georgia Childcare Association and participating in state-wide initiatives, have allowed her to shape early childhood education across Georgia. Her dedication to improving our sector is evident in her efforts to enhance Quality Rated participation and her contributions to policy-making through various prestigious boards and committees.
More Than Just Childcare
At Kids World Learning Center, Michelle’s vision goes beyond the basic expectations of childcare. She personally ensures that our curriculum not only meets but exceeds state standards and has cultivated a culture where staff are encouraged to innovate within their teaching, bringing fresh ideas to their classrooms and fostering an environment where children are not just cared for but are actively learning and growing. Through her leadership, we’re continuously exploring new methods and technologies to enhance our educational offerings, ensuring Kids World remains at the forefront of early childhood education.
Looking Ahead
As we continue growing and serving more families, Michelle’s vision remains our guiding light. We’re constantly aspiring to greater heights, introducing diverse initiatives and expanding our facilities to cater to the evolving needs of our community. At Kids World, we don’t just care for children; we nurture future leaders, thinkers, and innovators, thanks to a vision that started with one woman’s dream and has grown into a thriving reality.
