COLUMBIA, KY – Audreanna and Austin Bradshaw have purchased a successful daycare in the heart of their hometown, with plans to expand and improve it to meet the growing demand in Columbia, Kentucky.
This husband-and-wife team of entrepreneurs combines their proven skills in childcare and business to provide the children in their care the best possible education and safety at the center.
“Childcare has always been close to my heart. After working in the field for approximately five years, I knew this was where I was meant to be,” Audreanna said. “Owning a daycare has been a longtime dream of mine. My goal is to create a space where children can grow and feel supported daily, while also helping parents feel confident knowing their little ones are safe, nurtured, and cared for like family.”
Dollhouse Daycare has been in operation since 1998, and its previous owners have built a reputation of success that spans decades. The Bradshaws aim to build on this achievement and expand the facility’s capacity to accommodate 90 children in the coming year. Its strategic location, near the community’s schools, at 517 Burkesville St., Columbia, has long been a key to its accomplishments.
The daycare spans three buildings, has multiple playgrounds and an extensive security system, including surveillance cameras and keypad-locked doors.
It’s currently the largest capacity daycare in Adair County. Audreanna and her staff are working to build its KY ALL STARS rating following the change of licensure. The ratings are determined by Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Human Services.
While the Bradshaws remain focused on bolstering the success of their new business, they are also looking to the future.
The couple’s immediate plans include upgrading the curriculum and expanding the number of children. They say that if demand exceeds the current space, they will expand.
Their goal of upgrading the curriculum is being made possible by the Kentucky Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Childcare Initiative. This partnership between SKED and the SBDC is making new curriculum available to several daycare providers across the commonwealth, thanks to a grant from Appalachian Community Capital.
SKED Small Business Training Director Amanda Kelly worked with the Bradshaws to apply for a loan with SKED and has helped them acquire the new curriculum.
“Working with Dollhouse Daycare in Columbia has been a rewarding experience,” Kelly said. “We are honored to help Audreanna purchase the daycare center and provide the tools she needs to thrive, including QuickBooksTM, the Experience Early Learning CurriculumTM, and ongoing support. Our goal is to ensure Dollhouse Daycare continues to grow and serve families with excellence.”
The daycare’s new curriculum will focus on school readiness, catering to children from ages six weeks to 12 years old. Operating hours are 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Bradshaws worked with SKED Director of Lending, Bob Burgess, to get approved for the loan funds that helped them purchase the business.
“Working with SKED made the process of purchasing our daycare incredibly smooth. Amanda and Bob have been supportive every step of the way, helping make the transition seamless – not just financially, but in every aspect of the process. Thanks to them, we felt fully prepared to take this big step.”
Audreanna Bradshaw, Dollhouse Daycare Owner
Burgess said helping the Bradshaws acquire the business is part of SKED’s mission and a much-needed business enhancement in the region.
“When Audreanna and Austin came to us, they had completed their research and were prepared to buy the business,” Burgess said. “I just helped them complete the next step in their small business venture. We worked to get them a financial package to fit their goals and build their dream.”
With a current waiting list of well over 60 children, due to the shortage of daycare openings in the area, the Bradshaws’ investment in the business could not have come at a better time, Audreanna said.
“As we look to the future, our goal is to continue the legacy that Dollhouse Daycare has built over the years—a legacy of trust, care, and community,” Audreanna said. “We’re committed to maintaining that strong reputation while growing in ways that allow us to support even more families.”
“Our passion is creating a nurturing space where children feel safe and inspired, and where parents are proud and glad to say their child attends. We also want to be a workplace where our staff members feel appreciated and empowered, because a thriving daycare is only possible with a dedicated team and amazing families. We’re excited to carry this mission forward for years to come.”
Learn more about Dollhouse Daycare by following the center on social media: https://www.facebook.com/dollhousedaycarellc/
