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'Teacher' Discounts
April 19, 2011
One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.
-Virginia Woolf, 1882-1941, Author
The power of social networking became evident recently when Jo-Ann Fabrics changed its policy on teacher discounts to make child care center teachers and family child care providers eligible for the 15% discount.  Tom Copeland covered, and fanned the flames, of this controversy on his Taking Care of Business Blog.  Here is Tom's summation of what happened...

"This controversy began... when Jacqueline Crocker, an NAFCC accredited family child care provider posted on Jo-Ann's Facebook page: "Would you please consider extending the teacher appreciation discounts to preschool teachers as well?"

"This posting launched a social media campaign in the family child care field.  Over 60 child care providers posted comments on Jo-Ann's Facebook page urging them to change its policy.  Child care providers also voiced their opinions on a Linkedin child care group, child care forums, as well as on Facebook, and Twitter.  My social media consultant wrote about this on her blog, which generated additional attention.  I wrote two blog posts here and there about the controversy and all 99 votes on my blog poll wanted this change.  Others wrote letters to Jo-Ann, including NAFCC and myself.

"Jo-Ann's announcement appeared on their Facebook page and website and within a few hours many child care providers posted their thanks.   Jacqueline Crocker wrote, "Congratulations to Jo-Ann's!  You have become a corporate partner in the education of our young children.  I'm heading there today."

"My thanks to all the child care providers who took time to express themselves and stand up for their profession!  You made a difference."






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Comments (8)

Displaying 5 of 8 Comments   [ View all ]
Dana · April 21, 2011
EVSC
Evansville, Indiana, United States


I think this is great. I recently filed my taxes and found out that since I'm teaching preschool and not a K-12 grade that I wasn't able to get the $250 tax credit that teachers are allowed to receive. I am not sure why this is the case. I know I personally spend more of my own money on my classroom than my friend that teaches 5th grade. I would like to know why preschool teachers aren't allowed this credit.

Pam Reeder · April 19, 2011
Stanislaus Family Child Care Association
Modesto, CA, United States


It is always great to see the ece field stand up and demand their due! I just wish they could do it when it comes to public policy. Legislators are making decisions that effect the way we do business without the benefit of our knowledge and expertise. Way to go everyone lets start doing this on a regular basis

Nirmal Kumar Ghosh · April 19, 2011
Shishu Vikash Kendra
Kolkata, West Bengal, India


Hello
Child friend , I am new in the relation with Providers on discount . Let me see
the positive side . It would be helpful to everybody .

Nancy · April 19, 2011
L.A.U.S.D.
Chatsworth, CA, United States


This week-end we celebrated the 'Day of the Horse' it is an awareness day to bring family, mainly the children to the ranch and acquaint them with life on a farm or ranch. I had a assignment to make stick horses for the children, some of the expense fell to me because we needed decorations for the horses we would make. Off I went to Jo-Ann's where most of my business goes for everything from cloth to decorations for the children. I am a Special Ed. Assistant so my pay is no where near what a teacher makes, not that they make enough trust me. I found some items on sale and was happy about that, but when I got to the counter I mentioned my enthusiasm for the children and invited the sales person to attend, "Everything is free" I stated, she looked at me funny and asked me " Are you a teacher"? " I am an assistant, but yes I do teach, I work with special education students helping them to focus and often help them understand what is expected of them, so yes and the children are told that I am a teacher by the teachers, why"?

She asked me for my identification telling me I could get an additional 10% off my bill, I was delighted. I thought of all the projects I had contributed to in the past, the savings was more than a help, it was an encouragement to buy more. I love the children and they need the extra love. Making school fun is my goal. Thank you for your efforts to get us discounts. Ms.T.

Sandi · April 19, 2011
Seattle, United States


Nice to know that Jo-Anns listened and then were thanked when they changed their policy. There are lots of places that don't offer discounts to teachers other than elementary and above but I have used my NAEYC membership card to show that I am considered a teacher.. and am! It's helped me get discounts I otherwise would not have received!



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