Connect Kids is led by Bill Wheelis. Some testimonies below come from families, students, and staff who experienced his previous childcare leadership at Kids Are Cool. We share them openly because they speak to the same standards Connect Kids is being built around: safety, kindness, school readiness, and trusted leadership.
School readinessChildren prepared academically, socially, and emotionally.
Loving careChildren known by name and treated with patience and kindness.
Experienced leadershipTeacher training, clear standards, and child-first decisions.
Family confidenceReal stories from families, students, educators, and staff.
Featured educator + parent testimony
School readiness seen from both sides of the classroom.
Jennifer Purdom brings the perspective of a public-school leader, former classroom teacher, and Kids Are Cool parent.
Educator + parent perspective
As an Assistant Principal in Lubbock ISD with a master's degree and 21 years of experience in public education, I know firsthand what it takes for a child to succeed in the classroom. It begins with a solid foundation: teachers who are well trained, prepared, and confident, and leadership that provides the vision, scope, and opportunity to succeed.
Mr. Bill was an exceptional leader, mentor, and trainer to all his teachers. By giving them the tools they needed and setting clear standards, he ensured every child received top-tier care and education.
As a Frenship ISD teacher, I saw firsthand the difference he made in those kids. They came through my classrooms well prepared academically, socially, and emotionally.
I became a Kids Are Cool parent, too. Both of my children attended his daycare and Pre-K program, and both were reading before they entered public school.
Jennifer PurdomAssistant Principal in Lubbock ISD, former Frenship ISD teacher, and Kids Are Cool parent
Shared as a personal testimony about Mr. Bill's character, leadership, and care for children.
Loving care
I just want to say a few words about what an incredible person and leader Bill Wheelis is.
Watching him interact with the kids when he was at the daycare has been inspiring. He treated every child with kindness, patience, and genuine care, making each one feel valued and important.
The positive impact he had on these children was easy to see. He helped them grow in confidence, learn new skills, and feel safe and supported every day. His dedication went far beyond simply doing his job — he made a real difference in so many young lives.
Thank you for everything you do for the children and for leading by example. The care, compassion, and commitment you showed every day are truly appreciated, and we're all better because of it.
Melissa AlexanderShared about Bill Wheelis' previous daycare leadership
Shared as a personal testimony about Mr. Bill's character, leadership, and care for children.
Long-term impact
My time at Kids Are Cool was from infancy and in the summers until I was 10 years old. Kids Are Cool had a curriculum that taught children valuable lessons, while allowing for hands-on play and learning.
During all of my school years I was in the Gifted and Talented programs, graduated high school early, earned a college degree, and am excelling in my career as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
What stands out to me most is that I can’t help but think Kids Are Cool helped me achieve these accomplishments by preparing me for school and the world to come. Kids Are Cool prepared me for kindergarten by teaching me reading, writing, tying my shoes, how to interact with other children, and so much more through their curriculum.
As I got older, Kids Are Cool taught responsibility, treating others how you’d wish to be treated, and how to be a good friend and person through their summer program. The director, Bill Wheelis, was present in every student's curriculum and life, curating an environment that fostered learning, growth, and a safe space to do both while having fun.
Aspen JohnsonFormer Kids Are Cool student
Shared as a personal testimony about Mr. Bill's character, leadership, and care for children.
Trusted leadership
Mr. Bill is not only a wonderful leader, businessman, and educator, but ultimately an amazing person. I worked alongside him for many years at his previous daycare, Kids Are Cool, and saw him in various capacities.
One thing he always exemplified was care, kindness, and doing the right thing, even when it wasn’t popular. He would do whatever it took to make sure things were being run efficiently.
Children were always his highest priority, and he made sure they came first in every aspect. There is no doubt your children would be cared for, staff would be top tier, and that your babies would be loved like their own in a center he is running.
Staci JohnsonFormer Kids Are Cool staff member
Shared as a personal testimony about Mr. Bill's character, leadership, and care for children.
What families and educators consistently mention
Children felt safe, supported, and valued.
Teachers were trained, prepared, and held to clear standards.
Curriculum and daily routines helped prepare children for school.
Children learned responsibility, kindness, friendship, and confidence.
Leadership was present, hands-on, and focused on what children needed first.
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Choosing child care means looking at safety, health, learning, staff training, and licensing. Connect Kids makes these standards easy to review and discuss during a visit.
