40 Under 40: Erika Starkey

In the military, Erika Starkey worked as a public health technician. She spent her years in the U.S. Air Force serving overseas at Aviano Air Base in Italy. There, she focused on deployment medicine, public health assessments, facility health inspections and conducting audiograms.

When she returned home with her husband and two children, her focus shifted to childcare work in order to take care of her children while contributing financially to the family.

She fell in love with the field. Starkey worked her way from assistant director to director and, eventually, to owner of Kinder Prep Learning Center. 

"My military background helped me understand and navigate the standards and regulations of childcare facilities, while my passion and love for children and learning has driven me to continue perfecting my business," she said.

She is a firm believer in learning — and that it never ends. 

"The more knowledgeable you are, the more successful you will be in all facets of your life," Starkey said.

While her military training helps her understand applicable laws and regulations, Starkey set out to learn as much as she could about all aspects of child development. She attended North Idaho College, earning her academic certificate for child development, graduating in May 2024. She is now working to obtain a director's certificate through the Child Care Education Institute, to enhance her skills as a director and business owner.

"I am always looking for opportunities to further my understanding of concepts within the field of child development, attending local and state sponsored conferences and encouraging the teachers at my center to join in," Starkey said. "My education helps me make informed decisions that positively impact the teachers and children within our KPLC family."

Her parents, who both worked, taught her the value of a hard day's work, the value of money and about the importance of getting an education and putting pride into everything you do. 

"This upbringing gave me the drive, motivation and determination to always set goals and work tirelessly to achieve them," she said. 

She draws inspiration from her parents, her military service and her family. 

"My husband has always believed that I can achieve anything I set my mind to, and his influence and belief that we could build a center of our own together has given me the confidence and pride that we can accomplish our hopes and dreams as a team, which has resulted in us navigating co-ownership of our company with a big expansion to add an infant center in 2025," she added. "My two sons, Ryker and Carver, motivate me to be the best version of myself, and being their mom is a life milestone I am most proud of. I am grateful for these experiences and influences in my life."

She plans to continue improving the center, spending time with family and traveling — and perhaps, another business venture.

"The sky is the limit, and we don't foresee ourselves stopping any time soon," Starkey said.

Advice to her younger self: "I would tell myself to be open to the opportunities that present themselves and move forward with confidence in any adventure you start!"