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a local daycare solution. With an
overwhelming amount of support
and interest shown in creating such
programs, we began developing
a handbook, creating advertising
banners, brochures, and posters. It
was equally important to us that the
new programs mimic the goals and
complement our current Pre-K and
Early Childhood Education (ECE)
programming. We also needed
to assess space and resources.
Finally, we presented our ideas to
our school attorney who indicated
our ability to continue moving
forward. Through this process, we
made the decision to offer multiple
parent choices that included before
school care, three-day, and five-day
options. Each of these options allowed for full or half day
attendance as desired by parents and assuming availability.
Creatingboardandstaff support
Once we had determined the logistics of developing the new
programming, we shared the proposal with our school board
during a meeting in the late fall of 2014. The principal shared
parent survey results, pricing, the handbook, classroom
needs, advertising, projected cost of implementation, and
next steps. With full support from the school board, it was
time to discuss our ideas with our
education association. We all know
that communication is paramount
when looking at any new program
or idea. We were intentional about
being transparent through the entire
process. We met with union leadership
to discuss our commitment to current
programming and staff. We also
explained that if we developed a new
program, being able to carefully control
expenses was a necessity. It was our
desire to create a revenue stream and
community opportunity, and that their
support was essential.
It was mutually agreed upon that this
program could exist outside of our
collective bargaining agreement, as
it would help improve our financial
stability as a district. Our attorney quickly drafted a
memorandum of understanding. All parties signed off on the
mutual agreement and the program was ready to begin. Our
initial step involved hiring a “lead teacher” and assistants for
the program. We involved our staff in the interview process
to ensure appropriate support of our hires. Once the teacher
was hired, the principal began advertising the new programs
offered and shared the handbooks for all programs to our
parents. The handbooks outlined times, dates, payment
schedule, curriculum and the cost of the program. These
Future engineer at work
Interactive learning through music
10
We often find
ourselves reacting
to situations and
circumstances rather
than stopping to dream
about what could be.
Three years ago, we
stopped what we were
doing to dream and to
brainstorm an idea.
Vikings
...
cont’d.