Happy Kids History

Happy Kids Maui was created in Maui in 1991 to fill the niche of providing temporary yet high-quality childcare providers to the children of vacationers so that the adult guests could engage in activities not suited for young children.  While many of the Hawaiian hotels provided "kids camp" services, these camps were lacking in several ways.  Firstly, the camps held limited hours and were mostly open during the daytime.  Secondly, as is the case in many states, Hawaii State law prohibits hotels and resorts from allowing children under the age of 5 from participating in such camps.  Finally, these camps lack the one-on-one attention that Happy Kids nannies provide.  Whether due to physical or mental limitations or medical special needs, or simply because a child may be particularly shy in a large group setting, Happy Kids address these needs.  Since Happy Kids is a nanny referral service, and not a drop-off center per se, Happy Kids nannies can care for children of all ages, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week—including all holidays.

In 1998, Kelly Lightfoot took over operations of Happy Kids Maui, and in 2003, she purchased the company.  Kelly had not only invested her hard-earned money, but she went full throttle--investing her passion for excellent customer service, her natural business acumen and her unparalleled ability to "match" the right nannies with the right families.

Happy Kids Today

As a direct result of Kelly's hard work and perseverance, Happy Kids has quickly expanded and now proudly serves clients in Oahu, Kauai, and the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas in Arizona.  Furthermore, Kelly has brought Happy Kids to the business forefront by securing exclusive service contracts with some of Hawaii and the Mainland's most prominant luxury resorts and hotels.

Thanks to Kelly's dynamic personality and tremendous business skills, Happy Kids now has a significant media presence as well.  Kelly has been quoted on Fox Business News and Happy Kids has been featured in high-end publications such as Hawaii Modern Luxury magazine.

With Kelly Lightfoot at the helm, Kelly has assembled an unstoppable team of professionals that makes Happy

Kids the success that it has become.  In addition to her crew of incredibly talented nannies, Happy Kids' staff consists of the best business, legal and technological professionals in the industry, including a former business professor from the University of California at Berkeley and a staff attorney/private investigator.

Happy Kids Nannies

In some areas of the world, such as the United Kingdom, the nanny profession is considered equivalent in importance as to that of physicians. Happy Kids also believes childrearing, even in a temporary, vacation setting, is one of the noblest professions in the world. As such, Happy Kids hires only the best, brightest and most professional nannies.  Not only is it mandatory that each nanny hold an active certification in child and infant CPR and First Aid, each nanny must pass an extensive nationwide background check.  Any criminal, civil or driving records that are discovered are further investigated by Happy Kids' in-house attorney/private investigator as a cross-check before any nanny is hired.

In addition, each nanny undergoes an in-depth training program, developed by Kelly Lightfoot herself, ensuring each nanny follows the best quality of care guidelines for any given situation that may arise while caring for children.>

The Happy Kids Process

The Happy Kids business process is brilliantly simple. Clients, who are either repeat, word of mouth or referred by hotel concierges, call the Happy Kids office requesting information on Happy Kids services and to schedule such services.  The Happy Kids representative inquires about the child's or childrens' likes, dislikes, special needs, etc. and gets a "feel" for the family overall.

About Happy Kids

Happy Kids Arizona provides in-house childcare services for Arizona hotels and resorts. Our nannies can provide quality care for your children in your hotel room/suite. Dozens of hotels and resorts across Arizona refer their guests to our services. We are sure you'll be pleased with our sitters!

Happy Kids Arizona nannies are warm, nurturing, mature caregivers selected for their experience, reliability and commitment to quality childcare.

Our roster consists of candidates who are at least 20 years of age, are high school graduates and have at least two years childcare experience. In addition, they have undergone an intensive screening process:

• All sitters are interviewed in person by the owner.

• All of our sitters have come highly recommended by two prior childcare employers.

• All of them have been put through our extensive background screening process, and criminal and sexual offender searches.

• Must have had CPR and First Aid training.

• Arrive at assignments ten minutes early.

• No personal phone calls unless there is an emergency.

• Never transport the children without the parent's permission.

• Never administer medications without the parent's permission.

• Use only redirection, discussion and time-outs as appropriate forms of discipline.

• Make every effort to interact and play with children. Do not rely on TV or video games as a standard form of entertainment.

Other Locations

Sign up for our Email Newsletter For Email Newsletters you can trust