The Farmhouse

The Farmhouse Early Learning: Building a Brighter Future for McLean County Families

When longtime childcare provider Molly Robinson envisioned The Farmhouse Early Learning development center, she wasn’t simply building a facility—she was building a community. With over 20 years of experience operating an in-home childcare program with a two- to three-year waitlist, Molly understood the deep need for high-quality, inclusive early education in McLean County. What started as an idea during the Covid shutdown, today is taking shape in Bloomington-Normal as the first childcare center built from the ground up in nearly two decades. Their mission is to provide high quality care in an inclusive environment where every child’s unique strengths and abilities are celebrated.

Creating a Home for Learning 

The Farmhouse Early Learning is designed to feel like home. Its modern, farmhouse-inspired center offers a dedicated gross motor room that promotes active indoor play and transforms into our summer camp room during the summer months. The center also includes a 1,500 square foot on site early intervention clinic space to support children with additional developmental needs, a private nursing room for breast feeding families, and three beautiful natural outdoor play spaces.

Overcoming Challenges 

The path to opening The Farmhouse was not without obstacles. Molly, and her husband Barry, worked tirelessly for two years to secure funding for their $5 million facility. Even after securing financing, Molly took the extra step of earning her early childhood certification to qualify as the center’s director.

How the SBDC Helped 

The Illinois Small Business Development Center of McLean County at Illinois Wesleyan University played a pivotal role in bringing The Farmhouse to life. The SBDC worked closely with Molly to craft a comprehensive business plan that demonstrated the need based on data for high-quality, inclusive care for the facility. The volunteer financial advisor assisted with financial projections that demonstrated profitability to lenders. SBDC intern, Evie Wilson, helped develop the center’s brand, including its color scheme, logo, and marketing materials, while the SBDC team created sponsorship outreach data to build community partnerships.

Milestones and Community Impact 

The center will begin hiring in October 2025 and plans to open in January 2026.

The Farmhouse will deliver lasting benefits to McLean County by addressing critical community needs. Children will thrive through inclusive, therapeutic education that fosters social and developmental growth. Parents gain access to reliable, high-quality childcare, easing stress and reducing workplace absences. Employees enjoy stable, meaningful jobs with opportunities for professional advancement. Local employers benefit from a more productive, present workforce, while the broader economy strengthens through job creation and an expanded tax base.

Advice to Entrepreneurs

According to Molly, turning a dream into a vision—and that vision into reality—is one of the most difficult but rewarding journeys you’ll ever take. My advice? Trust the process—even on the days when you're not sure the process knows you're trusting it.

There will be doors that close just as you’re about to walk through them. There will be moments when giving up seems easier. But when you’re grounded in your “why,” what once felt impossible becomes fuel for your success. Your “why” gives you clarity, guiding you to pivot your approach when needed without abandoning your purpose.

Working with the SBDC

In working with the SBDC, Molly says There’s a quote I love: “Greatness happens when the person with the wild imagination collaborates with those who know how to get things done.”

This wild dream of mine would never have become reality without the support system around me—and that includes the Small Business Development Center. From developing my business plan, connecting me with marketing interns, and introducing me to other local entrepreneurs, to simply checking in with a kind word or resource, the SBDC has been an essential part of our journey.

It’s not just a one-time resource—it’s a partnership that continues to grow. And as our business grows, we hope to pay it forward by becoming a resource the SBDC can connect future entrepreneurs to as well. That’s the kind of ripple effect the SBDC helps create in our community