Our Story
The owners & founders of Kool Kidz are husband and wife Phillip & Sylvia Hortis.
The Kool Kidz name, system and original business model actually started out as Fun Skool established in Liberty Avenue, Rowville then in other locations located in the South Eastern region of Melbourne Victoria. The Kool Kidz reputation throughout this journey has always been outstanding. From day one, we have concentrated on quality outcomes for children and families which is driven by our genuine passion for children, dedication and commitment to quality childcare and early education.
“I have been actively involved in the childcare industry since 1994 when the idea was conceived to develop my first childcare service in Liberty Avenue, Rowville in Victoria with a registration capacity of 60 children. The learning curve was very steep with no real assistance available; I pushed on with my devoted and very supportive wife Sylvia who really is the backbone of our success. I have to say that since we opened we never looked back and have enjoyed every minute.
The journey over this time has been both very challenging and rewarding as we have developed several services since. Along the way our three boys, Zachary, Alexander and Peri have provided us with the essential parent’s perspective, making it really clear the expected levels of service we were providing to our families.
I have been very fortunate through my initial success at Liberty Avenue to be able to fund other childcare ventures from scratch, which meant involvement at every level of development. I was responsible for finding appropriate sites, design, permit applications through to new business start-ups which included fit-outs, etc.
I have always been very hands on which I believe has given me the right grounding and essential industry knowledge to be able to advise others.”
Phillip Hortis – Licensor
After many years of successfully developing and refining the Kool Kidz childcare concept and business model, Kool Kidz introduced a business model which is the first of its kind in Australia and is making a huge impact. Kool Kidz realises that the only way to achieve exceptional quality of care and education is through privately owned, family-run childcare and kindergarten services where the owner works on the premises, engages with families and staff, and takes full responsibility for the operation of the business.
We know we are making a very real difference to many families, and if you would like to be part of that difference we are very keen to talk with you!
