DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Kiddie Academy of Downingtown is expanding its educational approach by incorporating sports-based physical activities into its early childhood curriculum, drawing on the professional coaching background of co-owner Arvind Aravindhan to support children’s physical and cognitive development.
The educational child care center, which officially opened in November 2025, is owned by Arvind and Dr. Karpagam Aravindhan along with Srini and Indhu Manickam. Aravindhan, a former professional tennis player and founder of two tennis academies, said his experience coaching children ultimately led him to pursue early childhood education.
The center has integrated age-appropriate activities such as modified tennis using foam balls and smaller rackets, along with soccer and taekwondo, into Kiddie Academy’s Life Essentials® curriculum. The goal is to reinforce learning by combining physical activity with classroom instruction during children’s early developmental years.
“When I look back at my tennis career and the opening of two tennis academies, the most rewarding moments for me weren’t during matches, but when I was coaching young children,” Aravindhan stated. “Discovering a love for teaching is exactly what inspired us to transition into early childhood education with the Manickam family.”
Aravindhan said the program is intended to help students develop both physically and intellectually.
“Through activities like tennis — modified for young learners with foam balls and smaller rackets — soccer and taekwondo, we create opportunities for our students to develop physically and intellectually,” he stated.
Located at 595 Bell Tavern Blvd. in Downingtown, Kiddie Academy of Downingtown is licensed to serve up to 149 children. The 10,000-square-foot facility includes 11 classrooms, a 5,000-square-foot playground with three age-specific play areas and a VersaCourt designed for basketball, tennis and soccer activities.
Kiddie Academy, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Maryland, operates more than 375 franchised academies across 40 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 40,000 children through programs ranging from infant care to before- and after-school care and summer camps.
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