Kiddie drop off comes to south KC shopping strip

By Josie Jones

In response to the needs of fast-paced family life, an hourly drop-off child care franchise, KidsPark, has opened at State Line Station shopping strip, 1024 W 136th St. among Target, World Market, Brickyard Fitness, Real Deal-Martin City and other notable businesses.

KidsPark caters to children aged 2 to 12, offering unscheduled drop-offs on weekdays and weekends, both day and night, as well as regularly scheduled preschool options.

The California-based franchise claims it puts a modern twist on childcare while maintaining the traditional values of the concept.

Local owner Flossie Brinkmann and her husband Cody brought the concept to Missouri after relocating with their two young children. They began to face the challenges of not having friends or family nearby to help watch their children. With the passion and means to start a business, they embarked on their latest endeavor. “This concept helped us when we needed drop-in care for date nights,” Flossie said.

What makes KidsPark stand out from other childcare providers is its drop-in and drop-off options. Parents can run errands and drop their kids off for an hour, or they can drop them off in the morning on their way to work and pick them up later in the evening.

KidsPark’s extended hours, open until 10 pm on weekend nights, along with its no-reservation policy, make it a convenient option for parents. “There is no reservation, so you can drop off whenever you need; we are open extended hours,” Flossie said.

The center has at least two care providers there at all times. Both Director Kelsie Fedor, Assistant Director Britney VanEpps, and another associate have Early Childhood Education degrees and vast careers in child care. The center maintains Missouri’s 10 children per 1 teacher requirement.

KidsPark provides a safe environment and a variety of crafts and toys for every child at any stage. “With our open floor concept, we actually have different areas within KidsPark,” Flossie said.

A space called the Blue Crew, specifically designed for school-aged children, highlights fun activities and toys including Legos for elementary-aged children. As a separated area for older children, smaller toys that may pose a choking hazard are kept safely out of the hands of younger children.

“We have a variety of toys for different age groups out on the floor that are safe for those younger kids as well as older kids,” Flossie stated.

With this strategic layout, KidsPark aims to reach full capacity of 55 kids in the upcoming months.

The center offers special event workshops for children, a “Busy Bee” curriculum for ages 2 and 3, and school break camps. A Super Hero event is planned for April 5 and an egg painting event on April 19.

Cost is $12 per hour per child and a $40 one-time registration.

This is the first KidsPark in Missouri. (Another KidsPark is located in Olathe, Kansas.) If the model is successful, the Brinkmanns say they would love to expand the franchise.

Flossie also shared her thoughts on the most significant qualities that childcare should offer and how KidsPark embodies them. “Having a structured environment is essential so it’s not chaotic,” she said. “The kids have a purpose [for being there].”

Learn more at kidspark.com.