Nationwide — Meet Alicia and Abdul Yahaya, the owners of Open Minds Child Development Center, a Kansas-based Black-owned enterprise that is making waves in early childhood education with its latest leap forward: a grant-funded expansion that amplifies its reach and impact in Johnson County, Kansas. They now own three state-of-the-art facilities and employ over 60 educators and staff, serving 200 students, from infants to age 5, setting a new benchmark for excellence and leadership in the sector.
This expansion is propelled by a multi-six-figure grant from the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust, aligning with Governor Laura Kelly’s statewide mission to augment childcare availability. This initiative is a pivotal move towards increasing childcare slots in Kansas, with the recent funding round adding 1,468 new slots, culminating in a total of 5,655 new opportunities for Kansas families.
Alicia, with her visionary leadership and two decades of experience in early childhood education, has been pivotal to the center’s success. Abdul brings his engineering background into the mix, applying strategic problem-solving and innovative thinking to the business side of operations. Together, they form a formidable team, driving Open Minds not just towards expansion but towards a revolution in childcare quality and accessibility.
“The journey of Open Minds is one of passion, innovation, and a deep commitment to our community,” Alicia shares. “With Abdul’s strategic approach and our shared vision, we’ve been able to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive and explore global experiences from a young age.”
The latest addition, “The Nest at Open Minds Child Development Center” in Olathe, Kansas, epitomizes innovation and care. Covering 4,650 square feet and located near two TITLE I PART A elementary schools, this facility ensures that top-tier childcare is accessible to lower-income families. Opening its doors by December 2023, “The Nest” will focus on full-day, year-round childcare, emphasizing academic, physical, and social-emotional health in partnership with the Systems of Care Initiative (SOCI).
Open Minds Child Development Center is committed to foundational excellence, fostering holistic development that nurtures cognitive, social, emotional, language, physical, and creative growth. This dedication prepares students for a bright and promising future, instilling a lifelong passion for learning.
As Open Minds Child Development Center expands its operations, it highlights the significant contributions of Black-owned businesses to both the educational and business communities. The center’s recent growth not only reflects the success of a Black-owned enterprise in a crucial industry but also emphasizes the importance of quality early childhood education for community development and overall success.
About
Open Minds Child Development Center, a beacon in Kansas City’s early childhood education landscape, is renowned for its inclusive, supportive environment. As a Black-owned enterprise, it stands as a testament to excellence in holistic child development, laying a solid foundation for lifelong learning and success. Learn more at OpenMindsCDC.com
For press inquiries, contact Sheila Ellis-Glasper at sheila@seg.media or (785) 580-5835
