Our History
Beginning in 1886, ten socially conscious women formed a “Circle” to aid the less fortunate. Two years later, in collaboration with their husbands and sons, the International Order of The King’s Daughters and Sons was founded. Growing out of support from the original founders the Plainfield Circles were formed. A bed for new mothers at Muhlenberg Hospital, the sponsorship of visiting nurses, a clinic and summer camp for small children, gave the expanding Circles meaning and purpose. In 1906, the Plainfield Circles incorporated a non-profit agency with the primary interest of caring for children of working mothers. They purchased a small house on West Third Street and The King’s Daughters Day Nursery was begun with three children. As parents learned of the services, the need for a larger facility became apparent and 502 West Front Street, the school’s present location, was purchased. To reflect a renewed commitment to cognitive training’s role in early care and education, in 1982, the Board of Trustees changed the name to The King’s Daughters Day School.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the organization’s founding, the Children’s Foundation was formed. This ever-increasing, non-reversible trust provides funds for the organization’s operation. Thanks to the generosity of foundations, corporations, and individuals, The King’s Daughters Day School continues to honor the founders’ mission of providing subsidized, high quality early childhood services to families in need.
About KDDS
An Accredited Program
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), high quality early childhood programs provide children with activities that support their learning and development, provide safe indoor and outdoor physical settings where children learn and play, use an age appropriate curriculum, assess children’s learning and development, develop long-lasting, trusting relationships with families, and engage in multi-tiered continuous quality improvement systems. We recognize that there is a great need for high-quality early childhood programs that are accessible to all and that learning is an ongoing process that occurs at various stages and at different rates.
The King's Daughters Day School meets or exceeds standards applicable to specific age groups for classroom activities across a wide range of cognitive and developmental skills, teacher expertise and professional development, child to adult ratio, safety, nutrition, inclusiveness and nurturing in the classroom, interaction with children, communications with parents or guardians, and program administration. Our curriculum is researched-based and child-centered, focused on developmentally appropriate practices. Our qualified and certified teachers use the High Scope Educational Approach to guide teacher planning and daily educational practices. We use the Pyramid Model framework for supporting the social and emotional development of our children. Our classroom staff uses the skills learned through the program to ensure that all children understand behavior expectations, learn valuable social skills, and receive additional support if necessary.
As a part of our commitment to ongoing quality improvement, we constantly monitor, reflect, and revise policies, and practices. The King’s Daughters Day School is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and participates in New Jersey’s quality rating system, “Grow NJ Kids.”
For more information please visit NAEYC and Grow NJ Kids.
Snow day, fun day!
Meet Our Leadership and Administrative Team
Khamele McLeod-Cato, Ph.D.,
Executive Director
Lily Soto,
Family Worker
Deborah Rogers, CPA,
Business Administrator
Kayla Colon, Business Administrator Assistant
Crystal Ruiz, Education and Family Support Coordinator
Emma Esaw,
Business Administrator Assistant
Meet Our Board Officers and Members
Brittany Kirkland, Ed.D.
President
Khamele McLeod-Cato, Ph.D.,
Vice President and Executive Director
Channing Fitzgerald
Recording Secretary
Tamika Collins
Board Member
Ray-Andrew Giddings, Ed.D.
First Vice President
Aida Chiles
Treasurer
Nehemie Juleus
Vice President(Buildings & Grounds)
Beau Howard, J.D., M.B.A.
Board Member
Hamilton Raymond, Ed.D.
Board Member
Amber Brown
Second Vice President
Joseph Firetto
Assistant Treasurer
Ranelle Roberts
Board Member(Parent Representative)
Jacqueline Jackson
Board Member
“ The King's Daughters Day School is a high-quality early care and education program where children engage in experiences that nurture their development and special relationships are built with parents to build strong, successful families and thriving communities.”
— Khamele McLeod-Cato, Ph.D. Executive Director
