The Kaleido*Kids’ Story 

Once upon a time there was a girl who had a dream to pursue her passion of educating young children in a space that she designed & created special just for them- a home away from home where they could learn, play & make new friends with their teachers guiding the way. The calling was strong, she just didnt know how to get there but she knew she had to follow it! Kaleido*Kids is the realization of that dream that sparked inside over 30 year ago…

I’ve always had a (BIG!) soft spot in my heart for kids but it wasn’t until college when I really became interested in how they develop and learn through early childhood. My undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin- Madison encompassed early childhood education, infant & child development, child psychology, child & family studies and, my primary are of interest, linguistics/language development. I also received my Director Credential in Early Childhood Education.

As far as direct experience in early childhood edcuation, for five years I worked as an assitant teacher with young infants and then worked my way up to a Lead Teacher with 2–3-year-olds. During the summers I worked a second job with a team of speech pathologists and behavioral therapists providing therapy for young children with speech & language delays. 

When I moved back to Chicago, I decided to make a switch and pursue another area of interest - marketing and advertising. I completed my Master’s in Business and worked for 10 years within the marketing/advertising industry (our team worked on products specific to kids, which was a lot of fun!) I learned a lot during this time and really enjoyed the experience, but in 2013 I felt the time was right to return to my true passion in life, caring for and educating young children. So with this unique combination of early childhood education and business/marketing experience, I began a new path and started looking for a space to build the school. Two years later, in October 2015, Kaleido*Kids opened its doors.

All that said, most importantly, this school would NOT be here today if it wasn’t for my mom having faith in me and supporting me every step of the way (and my dad, in spirit!) along with the rest of my crazy family - Lisa, Christy, Carolynn, Jonas, Kris, Gabriel, Maya, Laila…AND extended family & friends as well! I’m forever thankful for everything they’ve done to help make this school a reality. 

One last note, I know that deciding on a childcare provider is an extremely important decision for you and your family and there are many options to choose from in Chicago. My promise to you is that I will do all I can to make sure you and your family are happy here. I am very involved and invested in the school- Im here every day! 

I hope you will consider KALEIDO*KIDS and please know that we will do everything we can to exceed your family’s expectations. 

I look forward to meeting you!

Sincerely, 

Lori 
Kaleido*Kids Owner & Executive Director