Daisy Willow Early Learning: Nurturing Children, Valuing Educators
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For Colleen Herko, early childhood education is both a profession and a passion. As a mother of three and an educator with more than 15 years of experience, including running her own licensed in-home daycare, she knows the impact a nurturing, high-quality learning environment can have on children and their families. She also knows how undervalued early childhood educators often are.
Why She Started
Colleen founded Daisy Willow Early Learning to address two major challenges: the shortage of exceptional and accessible childcare, and the lack of workplaces that genuinely value educators. Her Reggio Emilia-inspired approach focuses on child-centered learning, meaningful relationships, creativity, and strong community connections, all while providing competitive wages, benefits, and professional growth for staff.
What She’s Building
Daisy Willow will be a place where children are encouraged to explore and express themselves, families feel supported, and educators are treated as essential partners in a child’s development. It’s about raising the standard for what early learning can and should be.
ASSETS’ Role
Before joining the ASSETS Idea Incubator, Colleen had the heart and vision for her business but needed the structure, numbers, and confidence to scale it. ASSETS provided the mentorship, accountability, and collaboration she needed to transform Daisy Willow from a dream into a viable, fundable enterprise.
Looking Ahead
Colleen plans to open the first Daisy Willow Early Learning center in fall 2026, with the goal of creating a model that other communities can replicate. She envisions a network of centers that redefine early childhood education as a sustainable, and community-driven endeavor.
Want to Support?
Follow Daisy Willow Early Learning for updates on their journey and to learn how you can be part of shaping the future of childcare.
Find Daisy Willow Early Learning on Facebook and Instagram.
