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Kids KingdomKid’s Kingdom Child Care Center

Richmond, KY

Owner: Marlene Williams
Center: EKU SBDC

Almost sixteen years ago, Marlene Williams, found herself in a situation similar to countless new parents. She had a new baby, had to go back to work and needed to find someone she could trust to care for her new son. Luckily, she found just the right facility with unbelievably kind workers; however, after a week of crying and heartbreak, Marlene realized she couldn’t leave him every day. Since she had to work, her alternatives were limited so she decided to ask the director for employment at the child care center. Thankfully, Marlene was accepted and she no longer had to leave her baby every day.  

After nine years of employment in that child care facility, Marlene left to become Director of Head Start for an inner city community center. Then, she and her family decided to move to Madison County where she spent the next four years as Assistant Director for a local child care facility. It was then she realized the overwhelming need for additional quality child care facilities in Richmond.

In July, 2005, Marlene resigned from her job and began the whirlwind process that has now become, Kid’s Kingdom Child Care Center, “Where Kids Are Treated Like Royalty”. She made an appointment to see Kathy Moats, Director of Eastern Kentucky University Small Business Development Center, for advice and guidance. Kathy and Marlene began by reviewing the contents of a business start-up package and the fundamentals of a business plan.

“Kathy gave me the confidence I needed,” Marlene said, “She was so knowledgeable and so matter-of-fact. She had the formula and a Business Plan Workbook.  I followed it and began to organize and lay a solid foundation in such a way that we exceeded our goals in an amazingly short time.  We have 65 children in our care now and a waiting list to draw from for every opening.”

Marlene went on to say, “Now I can concentrate on carrying out our mission. We believe that the "pre-school years," are the most formative years of a child’s life.  It is our goal to provide a high quality, stimulating and educational environment that will meet this challenge. Our curriculum and activities are designed to increase a child’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical developmental skills. Our children are guided through various activities throughout their day, but are allowed to make many choices for themselves.   We also believe children should grow and learn at their own pace.”