Talk me into this--PLEASE!!

[Linda/NE]

I can't remember what/ if anything I've told you about the preschool lately. Seems everytime I've gotten a post typed up I'd get an error message and just give up.

Anyway, my aide is moving to Hawaii (where her dh will be stationed). The other aide had talked about switching days to work with me, but she wants to take classes on t-Th so has decided not to.

This leaves me back where I started only I'll probably end up working with the "crack jack director" each time or the "tattle tale sub" :{

As excited as I am about the plans I have made for this month, I'm just dreading the thought of all this.

So, dh and I were talking tonite and he wants me to make an appt. with our priest and go talk to him to see if he'd be able to help me get a preschool started. I don't know that our church/school would have the facilities for this, but maybe he'd be able to direct me to other places that could help me.

Since I'm on our school board, I'm somewhat familar with the financial situation and I know they can't afford to just start it. I've seriously thought about approaching the idea from the viewpoint that I'd be willing to teach it, taking no salary for myself for the first year,except for my kids' tuition to the school. I know that could be setting myself up to be royally screwed at some point, but I feel so strongly that we need a better preschool program in our community than what my director is providing (or allowing me to provide).

I know, especially after this past month, we're not at a financial position to get a loan to do this ourselves.

I just know when push comes to shove I'll chicken out and not set a meeting up. What do ya think??? Do you think this is worth pursuing??

Does anyone know any resources( grants or something) to go to for help in doing something like this??

Thanks!!!

[Diane]

I think that if you don't set up the appointment you'll always regret not doing so and you would always wonder what would/could have happened if you had. What harm is there in asking? I say go for it... and good luck!!! :)

Diane... :wave:

[Mickey]

I say "go for it!", too, Linda! It can't hurt! The worst he could say is no, right?

Go into your meeting with information--why there is a need, how it would help the community, how much it would cost to get it off the ground, etc. Get any statistics you can to support your position. And DON'T offer to work for free right off the bat...let him think on it--tell him you don't want an answer right this second...that you want him to look over the information and call you with any questions and arrange a follow-up meeting with him to discuss it further. If he comes back with a no and you feel very strongly about wanting to do it no matter what, THEN offer to do all you said you'd do for a lower salary or a few months for free...you can always offer more if you need to, but you can't take back what you offer!

You might want to call some State agencies--try your state or county childcare licensing agency--for infomation and contacts for grants or help with this.

Good luck!!! You would be SO good for this and I think it would be so good for you, too--GO FOR IT!!!

[Marla]

It sounds like you've gotten some terrific advice Linda. I agree...I say make an appointment and see what he has to say. If you don't, you'll always be wondering "what if..." .

Good luck :) and let us know what happens.

[MaryL]

Definately go and talk to the priest. I agree with the other ladies that you'll regret it if you don't. Maybe the priest would (at the very least) let you talk with the parishioners...and find out (via survey???) who would be interested. Is there a room where you can have your preschool??? Are you willing to look for cheap/free supplies...donations, loans, etc??? Definately check into the grant idea. You'd probably qualify easily for something. Maybe a business in your community would be willing to give you a start up donation. Does the Kindergarten in your community need an aide? First grade? You sound like a great candidate for that type of job, also. Would you have back-up help....in case you were sick? I think you're miserable at your current place...and deserve better. Look into this...and have fun planning for it! Let us know what happens.:)

[Leigh]

I say go and talk to him. Like the others said it can't hurt. You can always ask local stores for donations for supplies. Explain to them that you are trying to start a church preschool on limited funds, and ask for their help. All they can do is say no. You can also ask parents and friends for donations. I am sure they would be more than willing to help out. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that this all works out. I think it is a wonderful idea and I wish you the best of luck.:D


Go get them Linda/NE!!!

[AnnW]

LINDA, YOU SIMPLY MUST DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mickey had some great advice. Have a plan, pray about this and talk to your priest about what is in your heart. I don't think by offering to work for free in exchange for your children's tuition is a bad idea or sets you up to be screwed. Isn't the tuition more than your current salary now, so you would end up being ahead. I think by making the offer, it shows how committed you are to the idea.
I think it's also great how your dh is behind you on this idea.

[Linda/NE]

Thanks for the great ideas! I definitely have some research to do to make a good case.

Ann, actually we have very reasonable tuition here which amounts to only about 3 months of my salary now (4 if I'd figure in what preschool tuition would be for the youngest ds). I wouldn't really come out ahead in that sense.

Mickey, I was thinking the same thing that I wouldn't come out right off the bat offering to work for free.

Thanks!! Now to get a meeting set up with Father. I'll keep you posted when I know more. :)

[Cathy]

Linda, Good luck with your proposal. You may want to check out the National Association for the Education of Young Children, for ideas on funding and setup. Do you have a local Child Care Council? They probably have some statistics on demand and availability that you can use. This would definitely be a good thing!!

http://www.naeyc.org/

[KarlaB]

Looks like you got some great advice from everyone!! Best of luck! :)

[Leigh]

How is this coming along? Did you set up an appoinment to talk with the priest? Just wanted you to know that I was hoping all was going well. Let us know please.:)

[Linda/NE]

No, Leigh I haven't gotten a meeting set up with the preist yet. I planned to talk to him last week and then we had big stuff come up on school board, plus I had a lot of activities going on here at home. I just found out this morning at Mass that he'll be gone all week. I DO plan to set this up. Thanks for prompting me! :)