
HAWTHORN WOODS, Ill. – A new Kiddie Academy opened today in Hawthorn Woods, located at Rt. 22 and Quentin Rd., across from Mariano’s. The new facility will offer e-learning as well as full-day private kindergarten classes and child care for infants starting at six weeks old.
“We’re very excited to be able to serve our local communities,” said Tosi Ufodike, Executive Director of Kiddie Academy. Ufodike and her husband, an executive at a Chicago-based Fortune 500 company, moved to Hawthorn Woods in 2018 from Louisiana. The couple has two children.
This is not Ufodike’s first foray into the child care industry. She is the author of “50 Parent Commandments” and also owned a successful nanny agency in Atlanta.
Ufodike’s Kiddie Academy offers 10 classrooms, a chef who cooks hot meals, and an impressive outdoor space with plenty of room for play activities and fresh air.

However, many parents will be most impressed with the curriculum, which is called “Life Essentials,” a philosophy that focuses on character education, STEM-infused technology and health/fitness experiences to nurture and build upon a child’s inquisitiveness and create momentum for learning.
“The teachers here have more than 34 years of combined experience,” said Ufodike regarding her team.

COVID-19 and e-Learning Challenge Working Parents
“Considering the e-learning struggles that parents are facing this year, we are very excited to offer e-learning,” said Danielle Ilgenfritz, Kiddie Academy director. Ilgenfritz has more than 10 years of experience in Early Childhood Education.
Kiddie Academy is located at 105 Roman Lane in Hawthorn Woods, Ill. Hours are 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
A jungle gym in the play area The Kiddie Academy in Hawthorn Woods Tosi Ufodike, Executive Director Plenty of room to play The secure lobby at Kiddie Academy