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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015) Loving Learning Education Development Center Business Plan Prepared for: Community Futures Development Corporation of Thompson Country Prepared by: Krystal Williams 1175 Rose Hill Rd Kamloops BC V2E1G9 Phone: (250) 828-0211 Email: [email protected] January 27, 2014 Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 1 of 32 All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Page 1: 2014-lovinglearning-businessplan.docxlovinglearning.com/.../2014/06/2014-lovinglearning-busin…  · Web viewLoving Learning Education Development Center. Business Plan. Prepared

Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)

Loving Learning Education Development Center

Business Plan

Prepared for:Community Futures Development Corporation

of Thompson Country

Prepared by:Krystal Williams

1175 Rose Hill RdKamloops BC V2E1G9

Phone: (250) 828-0211

Email: [email protected]

January 27, 2014

Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 1 of 22All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)

SECTION ONE – BUSINESS OVERVIEW EXECUTIVE SUMMARYVISION, MISSION AND OPERATING PRINCIPLESPRODUCTS AND/OR SERVICES AND KEY FEATURESFUTURE PRODUCTS AND SERVICESFINANCIAL PROJECTIONS

SECTION TWO – BUSINESS OPERATION INFORMATION BUSINESS TYPEOWNERSHIP STRUCTURELOCATION AND/OR FACILITIESMANAGEMENT PROFILESSTAFFINGPROFESSIONAL SUPPORT TEAMPRODUCTIVE PARTNERSHIPS (SUPPLIERS AND CONTRACTORS)YOUR BUSINESS’S LEGAL ITEMSAPPLICABLE REGULATIONS OR LEGAL REQUIREMENTSSTART-UP ITEMSRISK ASSESSMENTS

SECTION THREE – MARKETING COMMUNITY BUSINESS REACH - RETAILCOMMUNITY BUSINESS REACH – VIRTUAL (ONLINE)MY IDEAL CLIENT (THE DEMOGRAPHICS)MEDIA AND RECREATIONAL INTERESTSCLIENT KNOWLEDGESALES & MARKETING STREAMS/TOOLSMARKET SURVEYMARKET ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENTCOMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENTINDUSTRY HISTORY AND KEY TRENDSINDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONSTECHNOLOGY OR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTINDUSTRY OUTLOOK

SECTION FOUR – FINANCIAL OPERATIONS FINANCIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS

SECTION SEVEN – IMPLEMENTATION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (STARTUP)SHORT TERM (OPERATIONAL) GOALS – 12 MONTHS FROM TODAYMEDIUM TERM (STRATEGIC) GOALS – 36 MONTHS FROM TODAYLONG TERM (VISION) GOALS – 60 MONTHS FROM TODAY

SECTION EIGHT: APPENDICES FINANCIAL APPENDIX WORKBOOKMARKETING WORKSHEETSIMPLEMENTATION WORKSHEETSADDITIONAL APPENDICES

Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 2 of 22All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)Section One – Business OverviewExecutive Summary

Loving Learning Education Development Center provides an alternative to conventional forms of preschool for parents of children aged 3-6 in Kamloops BC. We offer both Waldorf and outdoor based preschool programs.

We believe in educating the whole child head heart and hands. We seek to cultivate a child’s natural capacities and develop in them a deep respect for the natural world.

The atmosphere of our center is unique because it is devoid of the bright plastic toys that are so often part of preschool classrooms. Toys are made from natural materials such as wood, wool and silk. In our outdoor preschool class children are entirely outside rain or shine in an effort to connect them to the rhythms of nature. .

Our outdoor programs are unique to the local market and are on the leading edge of a trend that has swept across the nation and has recently come to the Lower Mainland. There are over 250 Waldorf schools in North America which are part of a wider movement towards spreading the message of developmental readiness in children’s education. It is for these reasons that we believe enrollment into our programs will be consistent and as a result we will succeed in this growing marketplace.

We look forward to joining them.

Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 3 of 22All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)

Vision, Mission and Operating Principles

Your Vision:

Working together as a community of teachers and parents to create an education that is a source of social change. We are committed to an education that reaches beyond head thinking to freeing the human spirit and engendering enthusiasm for life and service to the world.

Your Mission

We seek to awaken a child`s sense of self and help them find their confidence in the world, by providing age appropriate early learning opportunities which cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose in life.

Our Core Values

Education of the Whole ChildWe believe that education must address the whole human being – head, heart and hands – in a balanced way. By meeting the developmental needs of the child in all three dimensions of thinking, feeling and willing, we can best prepare them with the full range of skills and capacities needed for a meaningful life.

Reverence for the Natural WorldWe work to encourage a deep respect and connection to the natural world as a foundation for learning and growth.

● We honor and celebrate life and the interconnectedness of all living things.● We aim to cultivate in our students a sense of wonder and reverence toward

the natural world● Our aim is to foster in our students a deep value of environmental

stewardship

Preserving the Wonder of ChildhoodWe believe that young children should be afforded a nurturing environment that protects and shelters childhood, allowing children to grow at their own pace.

Waldorf Early Childhood education principles are based on an understanding of the stages of a child’s physical, emotional and intellectual development.

We aim to prolong the natural sense of wonder each child has for their world by providing age appropriate rhythmical activities.

Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 4 of 22All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)

Products and/or Services and Key FeaturesWaldorf Inspired PreschoolA mixed age program for children aged 3-6 based on the principals of Waldorf education.

Our daily activities encompass free play, puppet shows and story-telling, cooking and baking, singing and movement games, circle time and painting.

A learning environment centered on materials based in natural world; Wood & wool toys, silk play cloths and soothing colors create a comforting home-like environment that is unlike a traditional preschool classroom.

The Gross Revenue Projection for this product is $7800 Full day program 6 spaces - $800 x 6 = $4800Three day program 10 spaces - $280 x 10 = $2800

Parent & Tot PlaygroupA social group for parents of children 18-36 months.

We will discuss child development, learn songs, do handwork and create beautiful crafts inspired by nature.

Children are supported in acting out and understanding their world through play. Parents will do nature based crafts geared towards their interests and discuss child development based on the principles of Anthroposophy.

The Gross Revenue Projection for this product is $1200 Two day program 10 spaces $120/month = $1200

Outdoor PreschoolA mixed age program for children aged 3-6 that is held almost exclusively outdoors

Education is delivered almost entirely outdoors in all weather. Whatever the weather, children are encouraged to play, explore and learn in a forest or natural environment. The adult supervision is meant to assist rather than lead.

The Gross Revenue Projection for this product is $8040 12 - 3 day spaces at $220/month $264024 - 2 day spaces at $180/month $432012 - 1 day spaces at $90/month $1080

Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 5 of 22All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)

Future Products and Services Outdoor Summer CampA summer day camp program for children aged 7-13 held exclusively outdoors.

A summer camp teaching young children wilderness survival skills. Kids will learn how to pack a day pack, about different kinds of outdoor gear & clothing, how to start a fire, knot tying, putting up a tent/tarp and about foods they can outdoors.

The Gross Revenue Projection for this product is: 14 spaces $150/week 3 weeks per month $6300Note this program is only offered in July & August

Registration for programs to begin in Summer 2015

Waldorf Education Workshops for Child Educators1 or 2 day workshops conducted for professionals to bring the principles of Waldorf education into their classrooms working with the PLOs of our current curriculum.

Matching Prescribed Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and current beliefs with Waldorf pedagogy towards an effort to shift how we educate our children.Our programs bring the principles of Waldorf Education into the main stream consciousness. Previously Waldorf education was approached as an all or nothing model. We will break this paradigm apart and challenge this belief.

The Gross Revenue Projection for this product is: 30-60 spaces at $100 there are 6 Pro-Days/year $18,000-36,000

Workshops will be offered for the 2015/16 school year

Outdoor Education Workshops for Child Educators1 or 2 day workshops conducted for Early Childhood Educators to learn how the philosophy of forest school is different from other outdoor learning,

Giving educators practical ideas and experience they can use to incorporate into their own programs.

The Gross Revenue Projection for this product is: 10-20 spaces at $100 there are 6 Pro-Days/year $6,000-18,000

Workshops will be offered for the 2015/16 school year

Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 6 of 22All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)

Financial Projections

Our programs will not begin until September 2014. We operate during the school year and be closed during the summer months.

Gross Revenue from Sales: $102,240Expected Expenses: Minus $36,703Staff Wages: Minus $36,267

Equals $18,271

Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 7 of 22All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)

Section Two – Business Operation Information Business Type - Early Childhood Education

Ownership Structure - Sole ProprietorMoving Towards Incorporated Co-operative.

Location and/or Facilities - Commercial lease space 1500 sqft to be negotiated.

Management Profiles

Administrator $18,000 salaryResponsible for the day to day operations

● administration & human resources● marketing & promotion● accounts receivable/payable.

Staffing

Waldorf Early Childhood Educator $30,000 salaryOversees the administration of all of our ECE programs. Daily organization, preparation & maintenance of room, materials, and activities as well as conducts the daily routines of our part time preschool programs. Outdoor Early Childhood Educator $30,000 salaryConducts the daily routines of the outdoor preschool group as well as daily organization, preparation & maintenance of outdoor space, materials, and activities. This includes planning for inclement weather.

Your Business’s Legal ItemsCorporate RegistrationCorporate Incorporation Business Licenses Permit to Operate

Applicable Regulations or Legal Requirements

Child Care Licensing Regulation sets out health and safety requirements, license application requirements, staffing qualifications, and program standards for licensed child care settings. Additionally schedules include a list of approved Early Childhood Education programs and first aid requirements. Licensed child care provides care for three or more children (unrelated to the facility operator). We will be seeking licensing as a preschool and multi age child care facility.

Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 8 of 22All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)WCB Coverage -1 888 922-2768http://www.worksafebc.com/insurance/registering_for_coverage/register_with_worksafebc/default.asp

Professional Support TeamChalhal Priddle LawMain Contact:Hardeep ChalhalMailing Address: 102 – 635 Victoria St. Kamloops, BC V2C 2B3Phone:250.372.3233Email: [email protected]: http://chahalpriddle.ca/

AccountantC L Hubbard & AssociatesChristene Hubbard302 Tuxford Dr Kamloops BC V2E 2L4Phone: 250-374-3708

Got-Cha Covered Bookkeeping ServicesMain Contact: Rosella BoultonPhone: 250.372.1879Email: [email protected]

Valley First Insurance ServicesMain Contact: HarjMailing Address: 26-1415 Hillside Dr, Kamloops, BC V2E 1A9Phone: 250.828.2838

WOW Leadership TrainingMain Contact: Jeremy HeightonPhone: (250) 318-2458Email: [email protected]: http://www.wowleadership.comBusiness Coaching & Mentorship

Interior Health Licensing AuthorityMain Contact: Jen TurnballPhone: 250.851.7340

The Bridge Educational SocietyMain Contact: Barbara ArticusEmail: [email protected]: cedarbridgeschool.comWaldorf Early Childhood Mentorship & Guidance

Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 9 of 22All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)

Start-up Items

Item Condition Cost

Leasehold Improvements New $4000Classroom Furniture New $2000Toys New $2000Classroom Supplies New $400Computers (PC, External back up, multi-function printer)

Used Owner contribution

Education & Courses1st Aid, Food Safe, ECE Assistant, Bookkeeping

n/a $1165

Website (domain, hosting, design) n/a Owner contribution

Lease Deposit n/a $6600

Opening Ad Campaign n/a $800

Business License n/a $60

Total Start up Costs $17,000

Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 10 of 22All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)

Risk Assessments

1) Fire or Natural Disaster i) Contact insurance agent about remuneration for expensesii) Cancel parent & tot classes, refund pro-ratediii) Contact Sahali Mall about their lease space as a temporary option

This space is empty and was previously used as a daycare facility.iv) Purchase new furniture & toys from local merchants & craftersv) Purchase a used computer & multi-function printer.

All data was stored into the cloud and so was not lost in the fire. vi) Re-open in temporary location within 1-2 weeks of fire vii) Continue to search for new location or handle the renovation and restoration

of the old location.

2) Loss of a Family Mid-Year1. Tuition for the whole year is due in September and all families are on pre-

authorized monthly debits2. Tuition will continue to be billed until the space is filled3. We maintain a waiting list of families who would like to get into the school4. Draw upon this list and contact about available space5. Fill the space and bill pro-rated for the remainder of the year

3) Illness/Outbreaka) Notify healthy authority if a communicable illness. b) Contact a TOC if teacher is illc) Support parents in providing alternative care information

4) Staff Performance a) We will maintain a list of 3-4 teachers on call

who can replace our class teachers if need be. b) Contact TOCs on listc) Post ad for replacementd) Hire replacement

5) Classes run not fulla) Condense students into as few classes as possible.b) Reduce staff to part time from full time hoursc) Increase promotion and education about programs

Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 11 of 22All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)

Section Three – Marketing Community Business ReachKamloops has a population of roughly 94000 according to the 2011 stats Canada census among couples in Kamloops 40% of those had children at home. There are just under 5000 children in our target age group. We recognize that 60% of those families will have their children in full time care and not be seeking preschool for their children. Of the 2000 remaining children we will need less than 2% of those to register in one of our programs to be successful.

Community Business Reach – Virtual (online)Our target market is reasonably narrow and thus our online reach will be limited however we expect our conversion rate to be high as they are actively seeking our service. In Feb-Apr there are 20 searches per month for “Kamloops Preschools” with less than 10 searches per week for other specific searches such as “Early childhood education Kamloops” with a second spike in the number of searches occuring in July.

It is worth noting that there are an average of 30 searches per month for the term “Kamloops Montessori” which will be our only direct competition. Being aware of this we will also seek to target this search term as we will be drawing from that pool of parents. We will publish several online articles highlighting the differences between Montessori and Waldorf education in an attempt to reach this market

My Ideal Client Our clients are couples with one or more children under the age of 6. They are college or university graduates where one of them works full time in a professional field and the other stays at home with their children under 6. They own their home, drive a single car and have a minimum combined income of $70,000 annually. Our target audience is mostly women as traditionally they are the ones who care for their children however we recognize that our sale closes around the husbands approval and we seek to appeal to both partners.

Media and Recreational InterestsOur parents seek activities for their children under 6 in the Kamloops Activity Guide. They read Kamloops Momma Magazine and Interior Wellness Magazine and are part of the Kamloops Mom Swap/Buy group on Facebook. They might search for information using KamloopsParents.com and are attending local theatre and public events.

Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 12 of 22All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)

Client KnowledgeMy client :

x Understands the value of my product__ Doesn’t understand the value of my product/service

x Agrees that I am the best person to do or provide this__ Disagrees that I am the best person to do or provide this

__ Knows my terminologyx Doesn’t know my terminology

x Comes to me/us to learn about my product or service__ Doesn’t come to me/us to learn about my product or service

If you selected any negative items, how will you address them?

A large part of our sales process will be to educate our client as to why our approach is beneficial and the best choice for their child while not making them feel guilty for the choices they have made or the world they live in. This will be our challenge.

Brand Positioning

What is the number one reason customers want to buy from me? Providing a whole child alternative to early childhood education.Children in our society today are struggling to succeed. The current system is not serving them. We seek to nurture and enrich the natural capacities of young children so that they flourish.

What product category will customers evaluate when choosing my brand? Early Childhood Education

What are the functional benefits of using my product or service? Supporting young children in their development and developing their natural capacity for wonder and learning.

What are the emotional benefits of using my product or service? Enrichment of the emotional and spiritual life of both parent and child.

What should my brand ‘communicate’ to my customers and prospective customers?An alternative to our fast paced digital lifestyle that supports and enriches lives.

Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 13 of 22All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)

Sales & Marketing Streams/Tools

List all media streams you will be using to advertise your business.

Media Stream Budget % of marketing effort

Facebook 0 5Website 0 10Television - CFJC Auction 5?Radio 0Small newsletters (echo, coffee time, etc)

50 5

Flyers 0Mail Out & Postcards 60 5Magazines (Interior Wellness, Kamloops Momma, Kamloops Activity Guide)

500 80

Sales and Distribution Plan

1. Complete & Submit Application FormsInterested parents will download and print application forms from the website. These can be emailed to people inquiring via phone or given a paper copy for those applying in person.

2. Book Interview & OrientationParents will then be contacted via phone or email to book an appointment to learn about the center discuss class options and complete their registration.

3. Complete Registration Forms & Submit PaymentParents will choose which programs they would like to register their child for.Registration forms will be accompanied by a $30/child registration fee and tuition can be paid either via cheque or automated debit. Tuition is outlined as an annual cost in the registration package but is billed monthly. 12 cheques must be submitted with the registration forms

4. Parent Welcome PackageParents are then given a copy of our parent handbook and annual calendar.

Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 14 of 22All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)

Sales StrategyWe will be creating magazine ads for Kamloops Momma, Interior Wellness & Kamloops Activity Guide that let our target market know about our available programming directing them back to our website at lovinglearning.com. We will also spread the word via the social networking site Facebook about our website and preschool programs.

Registration forms will be available for download in March to coincide with the release of our series of articles about Waldorf Education in local magazines. In May we will hold a public event in the park where parents can learn more about Waldorf education and what our center will have to offer.

In August we will hold an information session where parents can come see the center, meet our teachers and learn more about the programs. Additionally we will have two more open-house dates in the first week of September for parents to get a sense of our center.

We will have an ongoing free “A Day in School” program where we will run a monthly drop-in preschool class for parents to gain a sense of what our center is all about.

Market Survey

1) How many children do you have under 6 years of age?2) Do you currently have a child enrolled in a preschool program?3) How many days per week would you like your child in preschool?4) How much would you expect to pay for preschool?5) What would you like to see done better in a preschool?6) Would/Do you attend a parent and child program with your child under 3?7) What are you looking for in a preschool program?8) Would you consider enrolling your child in an all outdoor based preschool

program?9) Are you seeking another option to traditional preschool programs?10) Would you be willing to pay more for a specialty preschool program?

Market Analysis and Assessment We need a very small percentage of the market to be successful. (less than 1%). A brief survey of 20 parents interested in Waldorf education supported our programming suggestions with 80% of respondents seeking programs 2 or 3 days per week. Over half of the parents surveyed would be interested in some form of parent & child program with an additional 15% saying they “might” be interested.

Our cost analysis was difficult to determine because many parents do not pay full price for preschool programs as they are subsidized through the government. Also several parents confused preschool programming with daycare. Most of our parents expected to pay $120-300 for preschool which falls within our price point. Our programs will be $280 for 3 day and $220 for 2 day those families qualifying for full subsidy would bring their cost to $145 and $130 respectively. Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 15 of 22All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)It is worth noting that 80% of surveyed parents said later in the survey they would consider paying more for a specialty program that suited their needs.

Our principles and curriculum are directly in line with what parents are seeking and the market is extremely warm to our philosophies. A sample question polling interest in an all outdoor program showed 83% interest in pursuing such an option.

Competitive Environment While we have no direct competition there are 14 Montessori preschools in Kamloops. Many people draw parallels between Montessori and Waldorf education however they are vastly different and this will be a task of education on our part.

We will be the only school offering Waldorf and Outdoor education and as a different alternative we will set ourselves apart from the market.

Of the 5000 pre-school age children in Kamloops less than half are likely in search of preschool programming. We only need 2% of this remaining market to fill our available spaces. Even with market considerations parents still put their children in preschool and providing the best possible education for their child remains a consistent priority for every parent .

Industry History and Key Trends

HistoryToday, with more than 900 Waldorf schools in 83 countries, Waldorf Education is the fastest growing independent educational movement in the world. In North America Waldorf has been available since 1928, and there are now over 250 schools and 14 teacher training centers in some level of development. These schools exist in large cities and small towns, suburbs and rural enclaves.

We come into a market that has no existing Waldorf education programming.

Outdoor preschools have been popping up all over the lower mainland in the past three years. This is a trend that has made it’s way over seas from Europe where “forest kindergartens” are relatively commonplace.

In 2008 there were 3 Montessori preschool programs in the Kamloops area now there are 14 thriving programs. The exponential growth of this alternative method shows that the market is ripe for alternatives to traditional education methods.

TrendsIn an ever expanding digital culture we are starting to see a shift away from technology for young children. Professionals in the IT industry are enrolling their children in Waldorf education as a way to bring rhythm and calm into their lives. The trend towards low-tech classrooms is increasing as we begin to question how and why we use technology and the many digital tools available to us.

There is more and more research from human development professionals who are saying that young children need to be sheltered from our digital world and have significantly reduced or no screen time.

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)Industry AssociationsWECAN | Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America

Technology or Product Development

● Computer located in our administrative office outfitted with basic Office Suite software tools.

● A cloud based accounting system called FreshBooks will be used for bookkeeping

● Adobe will be used to create application and registration forms● We will not be using any specialized tools for banking aside from pre-

authorized payment processing.

Industry Outlook

As the digital and online technological world hurl us forward into the future child development psychologists are pleading with parents to keep their children’s screen time to a minimum. Our culture has undergone a dramatic shift in the past century and is still adjusting to the many disruptions to home life. We anticipate that we are on the leading edge of an emerging consciousness toward developmental readiness and age appropriate education. We expect to see a shift away from the “no child left behind” push towards early literacy and towards the importance of imaginative play as the key to a strong foundation for confident capable children.

Using your Market Survey Information and what you know about your marketplace, share your thoughts regarding:

1) The competitive challenges you foresee, and how you will overcome them:Our biggest obstacle will be around educating parents about our philosophies. With an entire culture focused on head based development it will be our challenge to shift that attention to development of the will as the basis of early childhood education. Through parent information nights and a mind towards the power of play we do not anticipate that it will be a “tough sell” to encourage parents towards wrapping their young children in a world of fantasy and wonder.

The second challenge we will face is educating parents about the difference between Montessori and Waldorf education as most people believe they are similar styles but they are in actuality completely different. We will publish a series of educational articles in local magazines in order to inform the general population with an online blog post on Kamloops Parents directly comparing the two education models.

2) The overall potential for success of your product(s) and/or serviceWe look forward to introducing the parents of Kamloops to Waldorf education principles. Our parents will benefit from this throw back to a simpler way of life and our children will be that much closer to reaching their full potential. While we do not seek to become a full service Waldorf school it is our hope to bring these ideas to the wider public an have them incorporated into public education. In regard to the outdoor kindergarten we believe this idea will be well received by

Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 17 of 22All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)the Kamloops community that typically has a strong bend towards adventure and the outdoors in general. This will be an easy choice for parents to make.

Loving Learning Enrichment Center Page 18 of 22All material and information contained in the this document is © Loving Learning Enrichment Center, 2014

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)Section Four – Financial Operations Financial Control Systems

Cash ControlFamilies will be billed for the years tuition in September. Parent & Tot classes will be billed quarterly Sept-Dec, Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun. Preschool will be billed by automatic debit through the bank and parent & tot classes will be paid via cheque. With the assistance of a bookkeeper we will complete monthly bank reconciliations and reports to be reviewed quarterly. Applications for childcare subsidy will be filed monthly. Annually all of our books will be sent to an accountant for review and filing of corporate reports.

Inventory ControlSupplies will be purchased in May for the following year to take advantage of early buying discounts and then stored on site in cabinets to be available to educators as they need. Invoices will be paid at the beginning of each month or as they are purchased.Toys are durable and long lasting more likely to need repair than all out replacement. Educators will remain in contact with the administrator about the needs of their classroom and supplies will be purchased on an ongoing as needed basis so long as the cost is within the bounds of the budgeted amounts.

Accounts ReceivablePayment for Preschool programs will be billed monthly via pre-authorized debit. Parent & Tot programs will be billed quarterly to be paid via cheque. All payments are due on the 1st of each month. Parents qualifying for subsidy will be billed for the full amount less their subsidy rate. Subsidy forms will be filed monthly for payment.

Accounts payableOperating expenses such as lease and CAM costs will be paid by cheque or interact e-transfer. Purchases for furniture and equipment will be made with a corporate credit card to be paid monthly with an online bank transfer.

Credit & CollectionsFamilies who do not pay will be asked to give up their space to another family after 1 month in arrears and withdrawn from the program. This will prevent outstanding accounts from becoming large and needing to be sent to collection. We will not charge interest on arrears. All balances will need to be paid in full before re-entry into any programs.

Government Remittances and FeesAnnual – GST, Business license, Criminal record checks for employees, ASWANA membershipQuarterly – WCB, GST Monthly – Payroll deductions (Federal Tax, CPP, EI)

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)

Section Seven – Implementation Plan (See attached)

Short Term (Operational) Goals – 12 months from todayFebuary 2015 will see us half way through our first year of classes. We will be gearing up for March registration that coincides with public school registration and assess our classes for the upcoming school year. We will be looking to either expand or hold steady our class offering. If registration is healthy we would like to introduce health care benefits to our staff.

Medium Term (Strategic) Goals – 36 months from todayBy February 2017 we hope to be on our way to offering workshops for educators to maintain their professional development. We will bring in speakers and educators to talk on a range of topics regarding child development.

Long Term (Vision) Goals – 60 months from todayBy February 2019 it is our goal to have had influence over the Ministry of Education and the Board of School Trustees. We seek to be seen as a co-oalition of professional concerned and dedicated to child development and the reformation of public education.

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)

Section Eight: AppendicesFinancial Appendix Workbook

▪ Start-up Costs Worksheet▪ Cash Flow Requirements Worksheet▪ Equipment List▪ Sales Projections▪ Projected Income Statement▪ Personal Budget - Annual

Implementation Worksheets▪ Implementation Plan (see attached)▪ Marketing Plan

Our initial marketing campaign is a series of articles published in local magazines about the founding principles of Waldorf education. These will be published along with a small advertisement for our preschool programs. (Interior Wellness, Kamloops Momma, Kamloops Parents, Kamloops Activity Guide)The second phase of our marketing campaign will be focused around ongoing public events in Peterson Creek Park that are free for the general public to attend. We will also hold a series of workshops on child development which will add awareness about our Mission and what we do at the center.

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Loving Learning Enrichment Center – Business Plan (2014 – 2015)

Research and Other Supporting Information

Ministry of Health & Safety Guidelines http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/ID/freeside/332_2007#part2_division2

Group Sizes - Schedule E section 5

BC Co-op Association - http://www.bcca.coop/content/starting-a-new-co-op

WECAN - Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North Americahttp://www.waldorfearlychildhood.org/about.php

AWSNA - Preschool and Kindergarten in Waldorf Educationhttp://www.whywaldorfworks.org/02_W_Education/pre_and_k.asp

A List of Waldorf Schools in Canada - http://www.maplesplendor.ca/waldorf_schools.htm

Outdoor Kindergarten Articleshttp://freshairlearning.org/resources/ - A list of Outdoor Programs in the Lower mainlandhttp://getonthebeatenpath.blogspot.ca/2012/10/outdoor-kindergarten-popping-up-all.html - Outdoor kindergarten in Public School Districts in BC

Kamloops Demographics - http://www.city.kamloops.bc.ca/demographics/index.shtml 2011 Census Kamloops - http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/as-sa/fogs-spg/Facts-cma-eng.cfm?LANG=Eng&GK=CMA&GC=925

City of Kamloops Home Business Licensing - http://www.city.kamloops.bc.ca/blicensed/index.shtml

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