Opportunity Abounds

03/17/2009

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.
Albert Einstein

Dennis Vicars has upbeat advice on dealing with current economic challenges in his article, "Times are Tough... and Opportunity Abounds!" in the new issue of Exchange (March/April 2009). Here is an excerpt from this article that can be read in its entirety at ChildCareExchange.com.

"Hard times are just that — hard. For most, sticking their head in the sand and ‘waiting this thing out’ is a plan of survival. For others, keeping your head up with eyes wide open for opportunities is a chance to succeed abundantly. Here are a few opportunities, which might be available:

Staff is on board with a full understanding of the financial demands and current economic reality of the school/center.
All staff is committed to absolute excellent service, school/center cleanliness, and frugality.
All staff is involved in marketing of the school/center on a daily basis — both internally and externally.
All operational procedures are analyzed for greater efficiency with marketing activities tracked daily.
Vendor contracts are reviewed for possible reductions or renegotiation, including landlords.
Vendors are on board with increased quality, especially janitorial.
Parent communication is increased through personal contact and Internet communication.
The program is interviewing for higher-quality staff.
You offer ‘enhancement’ part-time schedules for parents losing jobs.
As director/owner, daily marketing is your number one priority.
You increase the number of ancillary services offered to help families (i.e., morning coffee, ‘free’ parent’s night out, etc.)
You increase weekend events at the school/center such as organizing a job fair for parents.
You become politically active at the local level.
You increase your school/center’s profile through community activities with staff participation.
You personally attend various community groups as the ‘expert’ in early care and education.
You commit to being a little bit better in everything you do instead of being the best in one thing.
You leverage additional benefits from existing vendors.
You increase the range of services you offer to families, where possible.

Exchange Stimulus Package — Time Running Out

In ExchangeEveryDay on March 5 we announced the $10,000 "Exchange Stimulus Package". Exchange and our advertising partners, Community Playthings, Teaching Strategies, Inc., and Kaplan Early Learning Company invite you to share your ideas on the steps your program can take, big and little, to start reversing the downturn — one family, one neighborhood at a time. In your next staff meeting, hold a brainstorming session on what you can do to support each other, to help families weather the storm, and to assist small businesses in your community to start growing. We will award the 10 organizations contributing the most creative ideas with $1,000 gift certificates. Then tell us about your best "Make Change Happen" idea on our web site by March 20, 2009.

Put a sink where it’s needed most
In the classroom, or on the playground, it’s portable, self contained, and very affordable. Plumbing is NOT required. Have hot & cold running water when you need it where you need it. Ideal for hand washing with young children

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.