The Owl's Treehouse Childcare & Learning Center

04/07/2026

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Miss Samantha 🌟

Hello! I’m Miss Samantha, Assistant Director here at The Owl’s Treehouse and part of our Infant Classroom team! 💛

I was born and raised right here in Booneville. I’m a proud mother of four and have a triple major in Arts, Science, and Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education.

Working with children is truly my passion. I love being there for them—helping them learn, grow, and discover the world around them. There’s nothing better than seeing their bright smiles and knowing I’ve helped make their day a little happier! 😊

When I’m not in the classroom, I’m spending time with my kids—whether we’re reading 📚, watching documentaries, playing video games 🎮, or cheering them on at their sports events.

I’m so excited for this journey and can’t wait to grow alongside your little ones here at The Owl’s Treehouse! 🦉💛

03/31/2026

Today is our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!! It has been a roller coaster ride but we're getting better at leaning with the curves! Grateful for the staff (current and former) that have been with us through this crazy last year with us. Thankful for the families that trust us with their precious children and for a community of partners (local and statewide) that has helped make it to today! Childcare is definitely a team effort and where 'every day is an adventure!'

03/31/2026

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Miss Hailey 🌟

Hello! My name is Miss Hailey, and I am part of the classroom support team here at The Owl’s Treehouse! 💛

I live in Booneville with my fiancé and my two sons. When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors and making memories with my family.

I am currently working toward my degree in Human Services, and I’m excited to continue learning and growing while supporting the children in our center! I help in all of the classrooms and truly look forward to building connections with each child and family. 😊

03/28/2026

The Reality of Why Small-Town Childcare Centers Struggle:

Across many small counties in Kentucky, childcare centers operate on extremely thin margins. Most of our families rely on the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) — and centers like ours are truly grateful for it and perhaps couldn't operate without it. CCAP is what makes childcare possible for so many working parents and sadly, it's always in danger of being cut. There's no other federal or state funds that fill the gaps. Or if there are, we've not found them.

But here’s the part most people never see:

In many rural counties, KY CCAP pays only $27–$28 per day depending on the child’s age. Meanwhile, the highest‑funded counties in the state receive nearly double that amount per day. Yet every center — big or small — must meet the same staffing requirements, safety standards, and licensing rules. Sometimes it can be overwhelming.

We do participate in Child and Adult Care Food Program, but we don’t receive the waivers that many public schools get. Schools often qualify for waivers that allow them to provide free and reduced meals to every student, regardless of income. Childcare centers do not receive that same blanket support. We do follow CACFP rules and receive reimbursements, but it doesn’t come close to covering the full cost.

We believe that every child deserves a safe, loving place to grow, regardless of a parent’s paycheck. We stretch every dollar. We squeeze every penny. We do it because our family's matter. But it’s important for our community to understand that rural childcare centers aren’t choosing to struggle — the funding structure makes it incredibly hard to pay rent, extremely expensive liability insurance, pay staff fairly, and keep classrooms safe and consistent.

We love this work. We love our children. We love our small Kentucky communities.

We simply want to shine a light on the reality that many rural childcare centers face every day. Your support and understanding mean more than you know.

— Owl’s Treehouse Childcare & Learning Center

03/26/2026

Our spots are filling fast! You can request enrollment information at www.theowlstreehouse.com/application-request or send an email to JoAnne Richardson @ mj.richardson@theowlstreehouse.com or give us a call at 593-7777. Don't wait!!!

03/25/2026

Are you looking for a part-time job? Maybe a few hours after school? Maybe you're retired and would like to add a little extra income your household? Apply today @ https://www.theowlstreehouse.com/apply-for-employment

03/24/2026

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Ms. Racheal 🌟

Hi! My name is Ms. Racheal, and I am a substitute teacher here at The Owl’s Treehouse! 💛

I am a high school graduate currently continuing my education to become a Veterinary Assistant. I have a deep love for animals and a true passion for helping others, which I bring with me into the classroom each day!

I enjoy spending time with the children, supporting their learning, and helping create a positive, caring environment where they feel safe and happy. I’m so thankful to be part of your child’s day whenever I’m here! 😊

03/20/2026

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03/18/2026