KidsPark provides flexible, affordable childcare solutions that support working families, particularly low- and middle-income parents, while highlighting the essential role of immigrant workers in the childcare industry.
KidsPark, a national franchise, is dedicated to offering accessible and responsible hourly daycare for families who may not require full-day childcare. This innovative approach allows parents to drop off their children at any time during operating hours, paying only for the hours they need without the necessity of reservations.
Founded 37 years ago, KidsPark has grown significantly, with daycare centers now operating in nine states. Sisters Beth Christie and Heather Alanis joined the franchise 17 years ago, opening the first KidsPark center in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. “We have families who use us five days a week, or parents who just drop in as needed,” Beth explained.
KidsPark aims to support low- and middle-income parents, for whom traditional childcare costs can be prohibitively high, often forcing them out of the workforce for extended periods. Many parents juggle conflicting work schedules to ensure that one is always available for their children. However, affordable childcare is still needed during the overlap when both parents are working. “The hourly drop-off allows them to minimize their childcare costs,” Beth noted.
Currently, parents pay $12 per hour for one child, with an additional $6 per hour for each sibling—rates that are often lower than those of independent babysitters. “Having quality staff that can take good care of your children while keeping rates low for parents is definitely a balancing act,” Beth added.
KidsPark primarily hires young individuals, often college students, with all current teachers in their 20s and the directors in their 30s. From the outset, immigrants have played a crucial role in the success of KidsPark Arlington. “We’ve always relied on people who have come here from another country, or are first- or second-generation,” Heather stated.
Many of these young workers are pursuing careers in nursing or education. “It’s just fun to see caregiving as a personality type,” Beth remarked. “The young women who work for us tend to be very family-oriented.” Over the years, the center has employed cousins and sisters, fostering a collaborative environment among staff members, all of whom come from immigrant backgrounds.
Immigrants and children of immigrants also bring valuable bilingual skills, which benefit children from diverse backgrounds, particularly in a multicultural area like Dallas. This region is home to many immigrant workers who play vital roles in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. “We want our staff to reflect our customers,” Beth emphasized. “We’ve loved having teachers that are bilingual.”
According to Beth, “The teachers that have come from immigrant families have generally been the kindest, most diligent, hard workers.” She expressed admiration for the young women who have worked at the center, noting their strong work ethic and the love they bring to their roles.
As KidsPark continues to grow, its commitment to providing flexible, affordable childcare remains steadfast, ensuring that working families have the support they need while recognizing the invaluable contributions of immigrant workers in the childcare sector. This model not only addresses the childcare crisis but also highlights the importance of community and collaboration in fostering a nurturing environment for children.
For more insights on the role of immigrant workers in the childcare industry, refer to the American Immigration Council.