In 1951, Leon and Renee Kaplan opened their first toy store in downtown Greensboro, NC. The store, Tiny Town, later moved to West Fifth Street in Winston-Salem, NC, where they continued to offer unique toys and gifts that promoted learning through play. In 1968, Leon founded Kaplan School Supply, which embodied his vision of providing developmentally appropriate resources that help foster the growth of the whole child—cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally. Kaplan School Supply eventually became Kaplan Early Learning Company, which quickly developed into a leading international provider in the field of early care and education.

Today, Kaplan Early Learning Company continues to embody Leon's vision by providing quality early childhood resources to school systems, childcare centers, and federally supported programs. The company's corporate headquarters is located in Lewisville, NC, and the site houses office space, a warehouse, a state-of-the-art distribution center, and the Kaplan Education Megastore. Thanks to the dedication, loyalty, and hard work of Kaplan employees, the company has tripled in size since 1990 and continues to be a leading international provider of products that enhance children's learning.