Wildflower Child Development Center for your little ones
By Cindy Ladage
Ashley Reynolds, Director and owner of the former Madonna’s Daycare, is offering early education in a fun and exciting way for the children in her care. Moving here from California during the Pandemic, she settled into Springfield, first working with an outdoor education program in Rochester, then working as a Paraprofessional for the Chatham school district, and then finally answering the call for an Assistant Director at Madonna’s Daycare. After working at Madonna’s for a year, owner, Madonna Strawn decided to retire and sell the building in April of 2025. Instead of closing, Ashley purchased the contents from Madonna, with a few dedicated staff, the support of the amazing families, and our community, we leased childcare space from the new owner allowing them to continue Madonna’s tradition of offering
quality childcare options in Pawnee. 
While Ashley, or “Ms. Ashley” as she is called, had to shut down temporarily to meet the State of Illinois requirements, it wasn’t long, July 1st, that she and her staff were up and running. “I am learning a lot,” she said, “It is expensive to run a daycare, but state grants have helped keep us open. I’m lucky that I have a great relationship with our licensing representative, and our landlord, who has been so amazing as we settle into being a new business.” 
With a six-month provisionary license, in December, she will receive her permanent license to operate for three years, providing stable footing for Wildflower Child Development Center as they expand and grow. The Center focuses on the littles. “We take six weeks to five years old. We have them until kindergarten. We have infants, toddlers and preschoolers,” Ashley shared. Ashley has always been in the education field. “I have always loved kids and knew I would like to be a teacher since the first grade,” Ashley shared.
Besides her K-12 teaching certification she decided to add a mild to medium special education credential as well. While she loved the idea of teaching older kids, she said, “I realized I loved early childhood. I had five jobs working with children, but they all went away during COVID.” Having a Central Illinois friend prompted her to come to the Midwest and start a new saga in her life. Believing in the power of play, nature, community and the outdoors, Ashley said, “I am
certified as an outdoor classroom specialist. I did the hours to learn how to bring the indoors outside, and the outdoors inside.”
That has been helpful because she added, “Here at Wildflower Development Center, we are very boy heavy, and there is lots of energy.”
One thing that makes Wildflower Child Development Center special is, “We are play based, and focus on developmentally appropriate practices. We offer a lot of outdoor experiences, that give opportunities for creativity and exploration. We encourage self-help skills, problem solving skills and building relationships. We make sure we are providing the skills needed to get ready for kindergarten.” 
We offer Messy Sensory Play,” Ashley shared. A hands-on learning tool using sand, water and play dough and other materials, kids get to work with their hands.
Leaving the screen time at home, Ashley focuses on interactive learning. “We are very big on no screens here; we focus on the need to play with toys, art materials, and be outside. The kids get a lot more from that.” 
Hoping to offer Parent and me classes, soon, Ashley said, “I used to offer brain based sensory classes to help teach parents about attachment, and the power of play.” Besides her educational background, she has also served as an adjunct professor at Lincoln Land Community College teaching others.
At the Center with five staff members, they have 33 spaces with 19 filled so there are openings for anyone searching for a childcare home for their little one. “I am running a promotion through the end of the year, of no registration fee.” We offer full-time, part-time, and take Community Childcare Connections as well. 
Open from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Wildflower Child Development Center is settling into the Pawnee Community. Joining in community events like Kalena’s Closet fall festival, and Santa at the Firehouse offers residents a chance to get to know Ashley and her staff, and what they have to offer. She loves the small town and Illinois. For more information, check out their Facebook page, or call 217-909-9608.