Child care providers have a tremendous role in a child’s life. They are responsible for providing a safe environment and engaging programs to meet the needs of children at multiple ages. In addition to providing a place where parents are comfortable leaving their children, providers must meet state requirements related to safety and care. There are many factors that play an important role in being a successful child care provider.
The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) offers an Early Childhood Education Entrepreneurship Program designed to provide a full range of business services to prospective and existing child care entrepreneurs for home and center-based child care businesses. At our annual Early Childhood Education Entrepreneurship Expo we highlight a few outstanding child care providers that have benefited from our program. Take a closer look.
“I definitely want to make a name for myself. I want to be known as great and quality in childcare. I’ve always had a love for children.”
Josephine Garrett, Owner, Learning for a Lifetime Childcare Center
Josephine went back to school to obtain her Early Childhood director credentials, worked on her credit and waited for the right opportunity to present itself. She acquired an existing day care in the South Loop licensed for 34 children, has retained the staff and is making improvements to increase enrollment. Also, she is a recipient of a WBDC loan. Josephine has a sound plan in place to grow the program and improve business operations. Her goal is to be able to offer quality programs that will enrich her children and prepare them for school. She participated in the WBDC’s 10-week Developing Your Child Care Business in 2012 as she was ready to make the transition from corporate to entrepreneur. Josephine was selected for the Fast Track award as she embodies the spirit of a true entrepreneur.
“Childcare was a passion. As a young girl I knew that I wanted to work with children. I knew that I wanted to own my own childcare program.”
Shanetha Pollnitz, Owner, Tiny Tots Tabernacle
Shanetha Pollnitz has been a home based provider for the past 11 years in Bellwood, IL. She is licensed for 12 children by day and 7 at night for a total of 19 children. Shanetha came to the WBDC through our entrepreneurial training sessions conducted through our South Suburban Assistance Center with Cook County. She is a leader in the industry and very active with Illinois Action for Children, participating in providing input around policies that affect the child care industry.
Last November, she became the President of the West Suburban Providers Associations previously lead by Faith Arnold. Shanetha also mentors her peers to improve their programs and provides support around operating a home based business. She recently completed the WBDC 10-week program as she is looking for the opportunity to expand into a center-based business.
For more information about the Women’s Business and Development Center and its 16th Annual Early Childhood Education Entrepreneurship Expo, visit http://www.wbdc.org/home.aspx and http://www.wbdc.org/Events/EarlyChildhoodEducationEntrepreneurshipExpo.aspx
Women's Business Development Center 