How KD Academy is redefining childcare as a pillar of KC’s economic growth

Editor’s note: The following story was written and first published by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC). Click here to read the original story.

In the heart of Kansas City, a state-of-the-art facility — embodying innovation in early childhood education and economic development — works day-in and day-out to meet the demands of a 24/7 workforce, said Myron McCant.

“I built this place with a willingness to take on the financial risk and liability for the sake of the families and babies in the neighborhood and beyond,” said McCant, who owns KD Academy with his wife, Penny McCant. “I knew if I didn’t do this, they might never have had the opportunity to be part of something like this.”

KD Academy’s facility at 2141 Prospect Ave. is a beacon to workers who lack high-quality childcare options, especially from within Kansas City’s underserved communities.

But with 30 years of combined experience, KD Academy is more than just a daycare — it’s a foundational piece of Kansas City’s workforce ecosystem, the duo said. By addressing the challenges faced by working families and employers, KD Academy is proving that childcare is not just a service — it’s critical infrastructure.

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KD Academy isn’t just a business, McCant said, it’s a movement aimed at strengthening Kansas City’s workforce and empowering families.

“I want to see this community thrive,” he explained. “I want people to have better economic opportunities, better housing, and a pathway to success. Our role is to support every worker — from the janitor to the firefighter to the elected officials — so they can do their jobs knowing their children are in good hands.”

Myron McCant and Penny Dale-McCant, KD Academy; photo by Brian Escobar, EDCKC

24/7 economy demands 24-hour care

In today’s fast-paced world, traditional business hours are obsolete for many. The global economy requires industries like healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and technology to operate around the clock. But for working parents, this poses a challenge: how do they balance their careers with reliable childcare?

KD Academy’s answer: a model designed to support shift-based workers, ensuring they have access to reliable childcare regardless of their work schedule.

Elements at the core of the model:

• Eliminating the shift work dilemma — KD Academy removes the tough choice between career advancement and childcare. This is especially crucial in high-demand sectors, enabling parents — particularly working mothers — to remain in the workforce without compromising their children’s care.
• Strengthening employer productivity — By offering round-the-clock childcare, businesses benefit from reduced absenteeism, lower turnover rates, and increased productivity. Employers can now provide a valuable resource to their workforce, improving retention and job satisfaction.
• Future-proofing KC’s workforce — Sustainable economic development depends on attracting and retaining top talent. KD Academy’s approach aligns with the city’s growth sectors, ensuring that Kansas City remains competitive in industries that demand a flexible and reliable workforce.
• From the ground up — Before launching KD Academy, Myron McCant spent 20 years in commercial printing sales but always had a dream of becoming a developer. His vision was not just to create another childcare center, but to build a community asset that supports both families and businesses.

KD Academy at 2141 Prospect Ave., Kansas City; photo by Brian Escobar, EDCKC

Economic renaissance

McCant believes Kansas City is on an upward trajectory, he said, and his timing for launching KD Academy was perfect.

“Kansas City was a late bloomer, but the wave has caught on,” he said. “This city is becoming a hub for innovation and economic opportunity, and I’m proud to contribute to that momentum.”

His passion for community development drives his work, McCant added.

“My heart is in helping those who didn’t have the same opportunities I had,” he said. “I always surrounded myself with people who led me to great opportunities. Integrity and wise counsel have been key to my success.”

Overcoming barriers

KD Academy’s journey was far from easy. Securing funding was a significant hurdle.

“We went through seven lending institutions, and each one denied us — even though we had strong cash flow, great reserves, and no debt,” McCant recalled.

But persistence paid off. Thanks to strategic partnerships and unwavering determination, he said, KD Academy secured the resources needed to bring its vision to life.

The ensuing success was fueled by strategic partnerships, notably the Central City Economic Development (CCED) Grant and property tax abatement facilitated by the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA) through the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC). 

“We were the second awardee and received a $1 million grant in the first round, which was instrumental in building this facility,” McCant said. “CCED is essential to sustaining our community and creating real economic opportunities.”