Hi.Kiddo Childcare Centre, Taman Wahyu, Kuala Lumpur

In a world where early education often gets tangled in the race for achievements and academic pressure, Hi·Kiddo Childcare Centre (set within 99 Residences KL North) in Taman Wahyu, Kuala Lumpur, offers something refreshingly different: joy. Principal Shelly Eng’s guiding principle is profoundly simple — “I just want to make children happy.” This is not a marketing slogan or a business strategy. It’s her deepest intention, the very soul of Hi·Kiddo.

And it shows.

From the moment you step into the cheerful, light-filled space, there’s a warmth that feels intentional — like walking into a hug. Here, children aren’t just taught. They are celebrated, understood, and above all, made to feel that they belong.

Built on Passion, Not Profit

Founded in 2024 by two like-minded friends, Hi·Kiddo is more than just another preschool. “We didn’t build this for profit. We built it because we share the same passion for inspiring the next generation,” says the Principal. With a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and PERMATA certification under her belt, she speaks with quiet confidence and heart.

She adds, “Kids are part of the team. They’re not clients, not customers — they’re our little people, our priority.”

This foundational belief informs every decision made at Hi·Kiddo, from the centre’s spacious, thoughtful classroom design to the deliberate pace of its growth. Unlike many centres that enrol for the sake of numbers, Hi·Kiddo carefully considers the fit of every child, ensuring they thrive socially and emotionally within the group.

A Place That Feels Like Home

The name “Hi·Kiddo” itself is a warm greeting — a cheerful, daily “hello” that mirrors the kind of environment the team strives to create. “We wanted children to feel welcomed every time they walk in.”

Step inside and you’ll notice a space filled with storybooks, sensory toys, and a beautifully designed Kiddo Playground — a favourite among the children. Everything is built with purpose. The layout encourages free movement, independence, and collaborative play, while safety is paramount. The premises are fully equipped with CCTV monitoring, a single main entrance, and two emergency exits. Regular sanitisation, handwashing, and personal hygiene routines are a daily norm.

But above all, the space whispers serenity.

The Power of Storytelling & Play

Hi·Kiddo believes that young minds learn best not through drills or rote memorisation, but through play-based learning infused with storytelling and Montessori elements. Every day, children are immersed in stories that spark their curiosity and creativity — often leading to themed hands-on activities, dramatic play, and even life lessons woven into the tale.

“Storytelling is one of our core methods. It sparks their imagination, and help children develop analytical skills and think outside the box.” The Principal elaborates, “Stories can teach empathy, patience, problem-solving — far more than a worksheet ever could. Plus, children remember a story. They carry it with them.”

For children aged four to six, there’s also structured exposure to English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mathematics — but always wrapped in joy, never in stress. The academic foundation is present but never overshadows the emotional and social learning that takes centre stage.

Nurturing the Whole Child

Hi·Kiddo’s philosophy revolves around understanding each child’s unique needs. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach,” says the Principal. “We observe their interests and build from there.”

Social-emotional development is a key focus. Children learn by doing, by falling and trying again. “We encourage them not to give up easily. We help them build resilience, kindness, and teamwork,” she shares. “Teamwork makes the dream work — that’s something we always remind them.”

Mealtimes are also part of the learning experience. Cooked fresh onsite, meals are thoughtfully prepared with nutrition in mind, loaded with vegetables and fruits. Children learn to enjoy healthy eating and to eat mindfully in a shared, family-style setting.

Small Ratios, Big Impact

Hi·Kiddo operates with intentionally low teacher-student ratios to ensure personalised attention and meaningful engagement. With four certified teachers and one supporting staff, they keep ratios as low as 1:4 for 2-year-olds, 1:6 for 3-year-olds, and 1:8 for 4 to 6-year-olds.

“We want every child to feel seen and heard,” says the Principal. “That’s how confidence grows — when a child knows they matter.”

And their teachers? Passionate, compassionate, and deeply trained. “We only hire those who truly care,” She emphasises. “All our teachers are diploma holders and PERMATA-certified.”

Regular in-house mentoring, reflective reviews, and external training are provided to ensure the team remains consistent, knowledgeable, and inspired.

Building Character Beyond the Classroom

At Hi·Kiddo, education doesn’t stop at ABCs and 123s. Field trips, festive events, and enrichment activities are thoughtfully curated to broaden the children’s horizons. They’ve partnered with external vendors for DIY workshops that boost hand-eye coordination and creativity, and they even organise charity-related outings to instil empathy and social responsibility.

“Whether it’s a donation drive or a craft activity, we want them to understand the world beyond themselves,” the Principal shares.

Parents are always welcome to participate — from festive celebrations to biannual parent-teacher meetings. Daily updates via the Diibear app ensure families are always in the loop about what their child learned, ate, and experienced each day.

“Our relationship with parents is a partnership,” she added “We work together to give every child the best start.”

A Vision of Confidence, Compassion, and Curiosity

What kind of graduate they hope to raise, they said without hesitation “Confident, kind, and curious learners — children who know who they are, who respect others, and who are ready to take on the world.” It’s a big dream. But if the smiling children at Hi·Kiddo are any indication, it’s a dream that’s already coming true.

The Principal reflects, “We hope that when our students look back, they’ll remember Hi·Kiddo as a place where they were happy. Where they were seen, loved, and allowed to be themselves.”

And truly, in today’s world, what could be more valuable than that?