Kiddie Academy officials broke ground Feb. 7 on a new early education and child care center in Humble.

According to a Feb. 13 news release, Kiddie Academy of Humble is owned and operated by franchisees Raef and Bahar Khan, who also own Kiddie Academy of Atascocita.

"We are thrilled to expand our Kiddie Academy family with the opening of Kiddie Academy of Humble," Raef said in a statement. "We are dedicated to providing exceptional services that help children thrive academically and socially. Our goal is to provide parents with peace of mind knowing their children are receiving a well-rounded education in a safe and nurturing environment."

Upon completion, the 10,900-square-foot location will feature 12 classrooms and a large playground with sensory equipment, a splash pad and a soccer field, per the release. The new center will have the capacity to serve 200 children ages 12 weeks to 6 years old and is expected to add 30 jobs to the local community.

"Having already seen the positive impact of Kiddie Academy's program in our first location, we are excited to extend this opportunity to families in Humble," Bahar said in a statement. "We believe in empowering children."