Exploring Life & Business with Rhonda Barnett of Building Foundations Learning Academy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhonda Barnett.

Hi Rhonda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started this journey in January 2008 with just one child—a little boy who was almost three years old. At the time, I had no intention of opening a childcare business, or any business at all. I was simply helping a parent I knew who was searching for a safer, more nurturing environment than the one her child was currently in. As a single mom raising two sons of my own, I remember thinking, what’s one more? (laughs)

I never could have imagined that this small act of support was fate quietly introducing me to my life’s passion.

I poured myself into caring for him—teaching, nurturing, feeding him, and most importantly, giving both him and his mother a true sense of safety and trust. During that time, I was juggling three boys, my full-time career, a second bachelor’s degree, and my children’s sports schedules. It wasn’t easy, but I made it work.

A few months later, when school let out in May, four neighbors asked if I could tutor their sons over the summer. Suddenly, what started as one child turned into a full-blown summer camp. Each day began with a hearty, hot breakfast, followed by lessons in every subject, and was topped off with exciting field trips. That summer was magic—and it was the moment I knew this was exactly where I was meant to be.

I went full steam ahead, transforming my basement into a mini childcare facility. I advertised on Craigslist, and my sons and I passed out business cards everywhere we went. Before I knew it, I was operating a full-fledged childcare program six days a week, serving children of all ages. I offered school pick-ups, haircuts, picture days, French lessons—whatever families needed. There were even days when I loaded children into my vehicle and brought them to my sons’ sporting events so I could still be there cheering from the sidelines.

A few years in, I felt it in my spirit—it was time to leave my home and spread my wings. I didn’t know how I would do it, but I trusted the feeling. At my five-year mark, I leased my first facility. Two and a half years later, growth demanded more space. I purchased two vans, expanded into before- and after-school care, night care, summer camp, homeschooling, and hosted parent events. Community was always at the center of everything I built.

By 2018–2019, I felt that familiar nudge again—the same one I felt before leaving my home. It was time for another leap. On Valentine’s Day 2020, I purchased my own building, more than three times the size of any space I had leased before. Three weeks later, COVID shut the world down.

What could have been devastating became a time of deep reflection, realignment, and growth. Starting from the bottom taught me invaluable lessons, and I truly believe that growing slowly helped me avoid mistakes I wasn’t yet ready to make. During this journey, I earned my CDA, TCC, and a Master’s degree in Special Education with a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Today, I’m intentionally building new ventures that align with and support that expertise.

Looking back, I see that none of this was accidental. What began as helping one child turned into a purpose-driven mission—one rooted in care, education, resilience, and community.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. While the journey has been incredibly rewarding, it came with real challenges—some expected, and others I had to learn the hard way.

One of the biggest struggles was rest. For years, I was working six days a week running the childcare facility while also continuing my work as a freelance writer. I poured everything I had into the business, often at the expense of my own downtime. I eventually enlisted help and brought on employees, which made a significant difference, but those early years required a level of endurance I didn’t fully appreciate at the time.

Another major challenge was my first commercial lease. It was not structured in my favor, and I found myself responsible for repairs that most people would assume fell under a landlord’s responsibility—including fixing the roof multiple times. That experience taught me invaluable lessons about contracts and the importance of fully understanding what you’re signing before you sign it.

Perhaps one of my most personal struggles was learning how to set boundaries. I’m an empath by nature, and I genuinely wanted to help families whenever I could (some knew that and took advantage). There were moments when that desire led me to overextend myself or discount my worth to support someone else. While my heart was in the right place, I had to learn that sustainability matters—because, as I like to say, the math wasn’t mathing. (laughs)

Those struggles shaped me into a stronger business owner and leader. Each challenge forced me to grow, adjust, and become more intentional—not just in how I serve others, but in how I protect my vision and myself.

We’ve been impressed with Building Foundations Learning Academy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At its core, my business is built on the belief that children thrive best when education, care, and community are intentionally woven together. What began as a small, home-based program has grown into a comprehensive early childhood learning environment designed to support the whole child—and the family as a whole.

We specialize in high-quality early childhood education with a strong emphasis on social-emotional development, academic readiness, and inclusive practices. Our programs serve children from infancy through school age and are thoughtfully designed to meet children where they are developmentally, while still challenging them to grow. We are known for our warm, nurturing environment, structured yet flexible routines, and for creating spaces where children feel safe, seen, and genuinely loved.

What truly sets us apart is our holistic approach. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all education. Our programming integrates research-based curriculum, enrichment activities, and real-life experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Over the years, we’ve offered everything from language exposure and movement-based activities to family engagement events and community partnerships—because learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door.

Inclusion is also a cornerstone of our work. With my background and advanced training in special education and autism spectrum disorder, we are intentional about creating environments that are supportive, responsive, and respectful of diverse learning needs. Rather than labeling children, we focus on understanding them. That perspective influences everything from classroom design to staff training and family collaboration.

Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is that we’ve grown with integrity. The brand reflects consistency, trust, and authenticity. Families know that when they walk through our doors, their children will be cared for by professionals who are invested not only in outcomes, but in relationships. We’ve never chased growth at the expense of quality, and that commitment has allowed us to build something sustainable and deeply rooted in community.

What I want readers to know most is that this business was never just about childcare—it’s about building foundations. Foundations for learning, confidence, emotional safety, and lifelong success. Every service, program, and future venture is guided by that mission, and it’s what continues to fuel the work we do every day.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
No, but you can use which ever photo that you think is best for the first personal photo.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.buildingfoundationsacademy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingfoundationsacademy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuildingFoundationsLearningAcademy/

Image Credits

Neshaszda Z Photography for some