About us

Emma Mitchell-Smith founded Kiddy Kare Learning Center in 1979 because she understood the needs of her family and other families in the Bond Hill community. She provided quality care, teaching, and a caring environment for Cincinnati’s children for 43 years before passing her legacy on to her daughter and educator, Keedra Gibba. Kiddy Kare Learning Center is familiar to generations of Cincinnatians, which is why current principal, Keedra Gibba, will always respect the original name. The “Ks” in the title are for Emma’s first two daughters, Kim Jackson and Keedra Gibba. Dr. Kamia Smith, Emma’s youngest “K” did not make the title because three Ks also represent an anti-Black organization. We were almost named Kiddy Kare Kids, but Emma kept the original name. Emma’s daughter, Keedra Gibba, was inspired by her mother’s love for Black children and families and earned her Master’s degree in Social Justice Education. Keedra’s experiences teaching and learning in Lesotho, The Gambia, Ethiopia and various cities across the United States including Atlanta, New York and Chicago gave her the opportunity to learn a variety of best educational practices in a variety of contexts. When it was time for Emma to retire after 43 years of caring for Black families, Emma passed her legacy on to her daughter Keedra Gibba. Keedra has brought her passion and love for Black liberation back to the people that raised and loved her. Young Peoples’ Liberation School and The Peoples’ Liberation School is Keedra’s contribution to her mother’s legacy of loving and supporting children, Black people and those most impacted by oppression.