Kiddie Academy of Edina

Hello, my name is Erin Blanton and my family and I are so excited to share our passion for early childhood development with our Twin Cities’ friends, families and neighbors. As a mother of three (Jack, now 7 and Olivia, 5 -- only 2 and 6 months when we first opened our doors) and Mara, our littlest one who joined us in May 2022, I know first hand what an important and personal decision choosing the right child care is for your family. I love that we’re able to provide families the support and tools necessary to make a comfortable and confident transition. After spending more than a decade as a media and marketing professional in the Twin Cities, I look forward to helping create unique experiences for our little ones at Kiddie Academy of Edina, building relationships with new community partners and getting to know all of our Kiddie Academy families!

Hello, my name is Robert Blanton and I'm thrilled to bring the first Kiddie Academy to the state of Minnesota and amazing community of Edina. My wife Erin and I began the journey of opening an educational childcare center in 2017. As two full time working parents on a quest to find care for our son, we simply couldn't find a facility that checked all of our boxes (i.e. a nurturing staff, clean and safe environment, education-based curriculum, indoor/outdoor active play space, clean and balanced nutrition and an overall feel-good atmosphere). We found that Kiddie Academy was all of this and so much more. After completing my undergraduate education at the University of Notre Dame in 2012, I was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings and had the privilege of playing professional football for the Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys before retiring in 2018. During my career in the NFL, I obtained a Masters degree from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. I've always had a passion for children and helping shape, empower and educate the future leaders of tomorrow. I look forward to sharing this incredible school with you!