Deborah Meador, owner
How did you get involved in this business?
I knew child care was almost impossible, let alone finding great quality child care last minute and on nights and weekends. It was a business I really believed in.
What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
We are open days, nights and late on weekends. Traditional day care centers are open only during the days and you pay for your child’s spot whether or not they are there. Our center is truly flexible and parents can drop off their children anytime they need child care.
What do you like best about your line of work?
That is hard to say because there a few things that really make us great. First, the kids, they are a hoot. Second, we love exposing them to the variety of activities, music, toys and arts and crafts that we do on continuous basis. Third, the parents who truly appreciate the service we provide and the hours we are open. The parents really make us smile because they appreciate us so much.
What is your business’ biggest challenge?
Getting the word out that we exist. Every parent in Colorado will need us at least once. This is a foreign concept to a lot of parents because drop-in child care is not well-known. We have been in business for 14 years and I, personally, am the one who testified at state legislation in order for our centers to even exist. I helped write the rules and regulations for drop-in centers and fought for eight years for this type of center to exist in Colorado. It was a huge challenge, but the parents’ need and appreciation kept me going.
Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
That our business changed child care in Colorado and we are one of the biggest drop-in child care franchises in the country thus far, and it all started because I believed in this concept and fought with the state so we could even exist.
Business: KidsTown Drop-In Child Care Center at Smoky Hill
Address: 6140 S. Gun Club Road, No. I-2
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Founded: 1999
Contact: 303-699-8410,
Employees: 23
To suggest a business for us to profile, e-mail dajohnson@denverpost.com.
