Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies

Specialties

Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies is a private preschool that teaches children from 6 weeks through 12 years. We are a franchise, so all the Academies are individually owned and operated. If you are interested in being an owner and making a difference in a child’s life, contact the corporate office. Our philosophy is to «Hug First, Then Teach». The founders, Pat & Janice Vinson, are still active in their company today — and the second generation is moving into executive roles after operating their own Kids ‘R’ Kids Academies for over 12 years.

History

Established in 1985.

Pat and Janice Vinson — the founders of Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies, built their first preschool in Doraville, Georgia in 1985. They found that there was a definite need in surrounding neighborhoods for educational childcare that was fun and safe. So in 1986, they built a second school and soon after a third school. Operating 3 schools was more difficult than originally thought, so that’s when they decided to franchise their business model and mantra. They sold their first franchise in 1988 and now have 157 locations throughout the nation with 5 more opening in 2015. Kids ‘R’ Kids has now expanded to China, and with the new corporate office already built in Beijing, multiple Academies are planning to open in several cities next year.

Meet the Business Owner

Patrick Vinson D.

Business Owner

Patrick D. Vinson is the founder and CEO of Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies. He was born an entrepreneur. His father passed when Pat was only 14, so he had to drop out of school to support his mother. Pat’s first job was with Henry Self where he was mentored and worked as a plumber. Pat also worked part-​time as a welder with Mr. Bob Clark, and eventually moved on to work with Mr. Jenkins doing lawn mower and bicycle repair. During this time with Jenkins Mower and Bike repair, Pat was approached by a customer named Bob Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence was impressed with Pat’s work ethic and told him he thought he could sell real estate. Back in the 60’s, Mr. Lawrence became Pat’s sponsor as he worked his way into selling houses. Ray Jones eventually bought out Mr. Lawrence and Pat now was an agent with Ray Jones Realty. Throughout this time of growing up and learning from the best, Pat and his mother, June Vinson, reconstructed their home to become Kiddie City Day Nursery in 1961. Pa