Congrats Grads!

Indy Chamber News Archives

Indy Chamber's Business Ownership Initiative (BOI) program, in partnership with United Way of Central Indiana, joined efforts in 2014 to boost the quality of childcare throughout the Indianapolis region by providing business coaching to administrators participating in the United Way Quality Improvement Project.

Earlier this month, the first cohort celebrated their graduation from the United Way/Business Ownership Initiative Business Development program, which consisted of eight weeks of courses and six months of one-on-one business coaching sessions designed to help facility administrators assess their business operations, conduct a detailed cash analysis and forecast, and develop a strategic plan to ensure the future success of their centers.

Participating facilities were selected by United Way as providers advancing on the state's Paths to QUALITY voluntary rating system. During the course, participants engaged with experts in various business disciplines (e.g, branding, marketing, human resources management), developed center-specific goals for the improvement of their programs, and gained professional feedback in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Through a needs assessment conducted with her business coach, Evelyn Evans of New Beginning Day Care Center in Indianapolis, chose to evaluate her center’s curriculum. On graduation day, she presented her strategic plan with a comprehensive set of goals accompanied by an implementation plan that will help New Beginnings staff better serve the children and their families. Through the cash analysis of her center, Evelyn was able to identify the curriculum changes she could support.

“Our main goal is to increase the educational success for the children. If we have quality curriculum and teachers are able to implement that curriculum in an impactful way, then our children will have a better chance at success and our entire community will be better for it,” Evans said.

Making an impact on the lives of children at an early age can ultimately lead to greater quality of life for years to come. This collaborative, engaging environment allows the Chamber, the United Way, and fellow community leaders to work together to grow, strengthen and invest in Indy’s future.

Contact BOI for more information about the program: [email protected] 

For more information on Paths to QUALITY™ please visit http://www.childcareindiana.org.