Our Hours

Mon 7:30am - 6pm
Tue 7:30am - 6pm
Wed 7:30am - 6pm
Thu 7:30am - 6pm
Fri 7:30am - 6pm

Contact Us

Virtual Tour

Virtual Tour

What Makes Our Kiddie Academy Special

Our Life Essentials® curriculum is uniquely focused on the development of the outcomes that prepare children for life. At Kiddie Academy of [ACADEMY], your child will grow socially, physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Our highly trained educators are there every step of the way to guide, nurture, and cultivate your child’s development.

What You Can Expect

Kiddie Academy makes every day fun and educational for your child and convenient for you.

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What You Can Expect

Kiddie Academy makes every day fun and educational for your child and convenient for you.

Request Information

What You’ll Love

  • Nutritious lunch and snacks provided
  • State-of-the-art classrooms designed around children’s needs
  • Schedules that are convenient for full-time working families
  • Communications and photos about your child’s day through our Academy Link® app

Highlights of Our Academy

    [AMENITIES]

Our Awards & Accreditations

Meet Our Team

Payton Bright

Academy Director

Payton is the dedicated Director of Kiddie Academy of Kirkland, with over 7 years of experience in early childhood education and management....   Read More

Payton Bright, Academy Director

Payton is the dedicated Director of Kiddie Academy of Kirkland, with over 7 years of experience in early childhood education and management. She is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children, leading a team focused on providing high-quality care and education. With a strong background in child development, Payton has held roles as Lead Teacher, Pedagogical Coordinator, Assistant Director, and Academy Director. She has pursued ongoing professional development in child psychology, leadership, and family engagement, holding certifications that enhance her ability to support children's growth and safety. Payton is passionate about ensuring the individual needs of children are met while promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development. Her leadership fosters inclusivity, trust, and strong relationships with families and staff. Her approach combines empathy, education, and expertise, making the Kiddie Academy of Kirkland a trusted place for children to learn and grow.

Pepin Payzant

Assistant Director

Pepin is an experienced professional with over 10 years in Early Childhood Education and a master's degree in the field. As Assistant...   Read More

Pepin Payzant, Assistant Director

Pepin is an experienced professional with over 10 years in Early Childhood Education and a master's degree in the field. As Assistant Director at Kiddie Academy of Kirkland, she oversees day-to-day operations, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports the teaching team in delivering a child-centered curriculum. Pepin is committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn and grow. She collaborates closely with teachers, families, and staff to foster inclusivity and prioritize both educational excellence and emotional well-being. With a broad understanding of early education’s impact, she works to meet the unique needs of young children. Pepin is also dedicated to staff development, mentoring teachers to enhance their skills and maintain inspiration. Additionally, she collaborates with leadership to develop policies and procedures that ensure program effectiveness and exceptional care for children.

Diana Castro Negrete

Program Lead

Diana is the Program Lead at Kiddie Academy, ensuring teaching methods align with the Life Essentials Curriculum and supporting teachers, students, and...   Read More

Diana Castro Negrete, Program Lead

Diana is the Program Lead at Kiddie Academy, ensuring teaching methods align with the Life Essentials Curriculum and supporting teachers, students, and administrators. With over 5 years of experience as a Pre-K teacher, Diana has developed a deep understanding of students' diverse needs. She oversees program development, ensuring it is both academically enriching and tailored to learners' needs. Diana provides mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities for teachers to enhance program quality and improve learning outcomes. She promotes the use of developmentally appropriate teaching methods and effective evaluation techniques. Diana values communication and collaboration between faculty and administrators to create a unified approach to education. Passionate about advocating for children’s rights and fostering equitable learning opportunities, she works to build strong relationships with families and ensure each child’s success. Diana’s goal is to provide a safe space for children to explore their potential and help teachers reach theirs.

Olive Amado-Cortez

Executive Director

With 18 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and over a decade with Kiddie Academy at KAGS group, Olive brings a...   Read More

Olive Amado-Cortez, Executive Director

With 18 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and over a decade with Kiddie Academy at KAGS group, Olive brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role as Executive Director of the Bellevue and Kirkland Kiddie Academies. Her journey through roles as Teacher, Program Supervisor, and Academy Director has shaped her expertise and dynamic leadership style. In her role, Olive collaborates with directors, staff, and families to ensure the centers deliver outstanding programs that foster children’s development, strengthen family bonds, and inspire staff. Her leadership focuses on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, driving the success of both academies. Passionate about creating inclusive environments, Olive ensures children thrive, teachers are empowered, and families feel supported. Her ability to balance strategic vision with meticulous attention to detail has solidified Bellevue and Kirkland Kiddie Academies as models of high-quality early childhood education.