Meet Dae Tavolacci of Willowbrae Academy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dae Tavolacci.

Hi Dae, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Willowbrae Academy has a strong foundation internationally, and being part of the expansion into the U.S. during the franchise launch phase has been both exciting and deeply meaningful. We aren’t just opening schools, we are establishing a new standard for early childhood education rooted in quality, intention, and family experience.

Launching in communities across Colorado, has allowed us to build relationships at the ground level. We’re not just placing a building in a neighborhood; we’re embedding ourselves into the community, listening to families, and creating a school culture that reflects their needs.

Our mission is simple but ambitious: to bring high-quality childcare to every family we serve.

What truly sets Willowbrae apart is the depth of thought behind everything we do.

Our approach is play-based, but very intentionally rooted in respected educational philosophies including Montessori, Emergent Curriculum, and HighScope. This blend allows us to balance child-led exploration with structured developmental milestones. We believe children learn best when they are engaged, curious, and supported.

We also invest heavily in whole-child development. Our all-age inclusive enrichment programs include:

Kid Fit – encouraging physical health, nutrition, and movement

Creative Kids – fostering artistic expression and imagination

Young Scholars – building early academic confidence and critical thinking

These programs are embedded into the school day rather than treated as add-ons, ensuring every child benefits.

Another standout element is our made-from-scratch kitchens. Nutrition is foundational in early childhood development, and having fresh, thoughtfully prepared meals daily is something families value immensely and reflects our commitment to quality in every detail.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When you’re introducing a brand-new school into a community, even one with a strong international reputation, families don’t automatically know who you are. In established childcare markets, many families rely on word-of-mouth, familiarity, or legacy programs. As the new school in town, we’ve had to intentionally build trust from the ground up.

Reaching families and helping them understand not just that we’re here, but why we’re different, has been both a challenge and an opportunity.

High-quality childcare requires investment: in trained educators, curriculum development, nutrition programs, safety standards, and facilities. Communicating that value in a way that resonates with families, while also being sensitive to the real financial pressures parents face, is something we navigate thoughtfully every day.

Being new in communities has allowed us to build relationships organically. We are actively involved in the community by participating in local festivals and family events, partnering with nearby businesses and organizations, hosting open houses and themed family nights, offering classroom preview days, attending networking events, supporting local fundraisers, and welcoming families in for personalized tours where we take the time to share our mission face-to-face. That grassroots connection-building has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

Launching in the U.S. hasn’t just been about opening doors, it’s been about opening conversations. And every conversation helps us move closer to our goal: ensuring families know that high-quality, intentional childcare is here, accessible, and built with them in mind.

What makes you happy?
Being part of the U.S. franchise launch means we are setting the tone for what Willowbrae Academy represents in this country, not just Colorado. That comes with responsibility and opportunity.

We are focused on:

Creating consistent, high-quality standards across locations

Building leadership teams who believe in the mission

Delivering an exceptional family experience from first inquiry to graduation

For us, quality is not a marketing word — it’s an operational commitment. From safety standards to curriculum design, from teacher training to parent communication systems, everything is built with intention.

But most importantly, we prioritize the family experience. Families should feel supported, heard, and confident the moment they walk through our doors. Childcare is one of the most important decisions a parent makes, and we take that trust seriously.

What excites me most about this phase is that we’re still building and growing. There’s something powerful about helping shape the identity of a brand, especially one centered around children and families.

We are not just expanding a footprint. We are expanding access to high-quality early education, creating jobs, supporting working families, and shaping the earliest learning experiences of the next generation, and that is what makes this work so meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.willowbraechildcare.com
• Instagram: @wbparkerco , @wbthorntonco , @wblongmontco , @wbcoloradospringsco , @wbauroraco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WBParkerCO, https://www.facebook.com/WBAuroraCO, https://www.facebook.com/WBLongmontCO, https://www.facebook.com/WBColoradoSpringsCO, and https://www.facebook.com/WBThorntonCO

Image Credits
Willowbrae Academy