Small Business Spotlight: School for our Littlest Learners
Posted
on Thursday, May 8, 2025
in
Small Business Spotlights
Recognizing an unmet community need for childcare, Bobcat Academy opened its doors in
August of 2016. Since then, the business has provided childcare and developmental programs to hundreds of children in Marshalltown and surrounding communities.
Ashley Johnson and Amber Young, the business’s owners, met at Central College where they were studying Early Childhood Education. They both went on to pursue their careers in teaching elementary-aged students in other communities. In 2013, Amber and her family moved to Marshalltown where Amber taught first grade. Ashley, a Marshalltown native, and her family moved back to her hometown in 2012, where she provided in-home childcare. It wasn’t long after that the idea of Bobcat Academy was formed and soon became reality.
Bobcat Academy offers childcare and preschool classes for children of ages 6 weeks to 4 years old and a before-and-after school program for school age students. Ashley describes Bobcat Academy as "a school for our littlest learners”. Currently, they provide services to 175 students and have over 50 staff members.
While Ashley and Amber are both directors and are busy managing the business, they are thankful for their ability to continue doing what they love – teaching. They both make time to teach in the classrooms with students. Ashley commented, “One of the most rewarding parts of the job are the relationships we build with students, families and the Bobcat Academy staff.” She continues “We enjoy being in the position to lead, teach, and encourage every day in many different ways.”
According to Ashley and Amber, the best parts about operating a business in Marshalltown are the strong connections they have with other businesses “These connections have provided our students with so many opportunities. With field trips, guest speakers, and wonderful community support, we have loved being a part of this community,” they added.
They also commented on the support and guidance they received on managing their business “As business owners, we appreciate those other businesses who have supported and guided us along the way. United Bank & Trust has been a big part of that.” They added, “As teachers without a background in running a business, we have been so thankful for the support we have received from United Bank & Trust. We could not do what we do without them!”
As Bobcat Academy is nearing their first full decade in business, they are excited about their future in Marshalltown and seeing the difference they are making with Marshalltown youth.