Founder & CEO
Monica Gailey – Founder & CEO
Monica Gailey is the Founder and CEO of Let Them Be Kids! and The Hangout. What began as a small in-home operation has grown over the past 20 years into Utah’s largest licensed child care facility, serving countless children and families with high-quality early childhood education and care.
Monica’s passion for working with children began at just eight years old when she started babysitting. Dreaming of becoming a mother and a caregiver, she never imagined how that early love for children would evolve into a lifelong career. As she stepped into the field of Early Childhood Education, she discovered her true calling—creating a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where children can thrive.
Beyond her professional achievements, Monica is a devoted mother to seven wonderful children—six boys and one girl. Her husband has been an unwavering source of support throughout this journey, encouraging her as she brings her vision to life. With her family’s love and encouragement, Monica remains dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of children and their families, ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and just be a kid.
About Us
At Let Them Be Kids! and The Hangout, we believe that every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. We proudly offer high-quality programs for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, all thoughtfully designed to foster development in every area—cognitive, social, emotional, and physical.
Our Approach to Learning
Our curriculum is rooted in the latest research in early childhood education, ensuring that children receive the best possible start in life. Our dedicated teachers are passionate about guiding each child toward their full potential through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
We offer a variety of activities and experiences to support well-rounded development, including:
- Language & Literacy Development – Building strong communication and reading skills
- Math & Science Exploration – Encouraging curiosity and problem-solving
- Creative Arts & Music – Inspiring imagination and self-expression
- Physical Education & Development – Promoting movement and healthy habits
- Social & Emotional Learning – Nurturing confidence, empathy, and friendships
A Personalized & Play-Based Approach
We understand that every child is unique, which is why we tailor our approach to meet each child’s individual needs, interests, and learning style. We also value strong partnerships with parents, working closely with families to ensure children receive the support they need to thrive.
At Let Them Be Kids! and The Hangout, we firmly believe that children learn best through play. Our classrooms are designed to be safe, stimulating, and full of opportunities for exploration. Our caring and experienced teachers foster a warm, supportive environment where children can build confidence, creativity, and a love for learning.
Come Visit Us!
We invite you to visit our program and experience the Let Them Be Kids! and The Hangout difference firsthand. We are confident that you will find our child care programs to be the perfect place for your child to learn, grow, and just be a kid!