Chat Transcripts

Topic

Chat Session 3

Date

2025-11-03

Group ID

0

Course ID

301536

User List

Butler-Robinson, LafayetteDeVaughn, HeatherFerrusca, LadyGantt, TriciaHernandez Alcoser, CinthiaJohnson, ZinaSadiki, NazliyaStaudt, SaraVilla, Johanna{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}
User Timestamp Message
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}06:51:29 pmHappy November Everyone! I like to call it Joyvember! Joytober just ended on Halloween! 🙂
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette06:57:14 pmGood evening
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}06:57:39 pmHi Layayette!
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette06:57:46 pmheelo
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette06:57:51 pmhello
DeVaughn, Heather06:57:58 pmHello 🙂
Staudt, Sara06:58:04 pmHi!
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia06:58:09 pmHello everyone!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}06:58:15 pmHi Heather and Sara!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}06:58:26 pmHi Cinthia!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}06:58:34 pmHappy Monday!!
Gantt, Tricia06:59:19 pmHi! Love that phrase - bringing JOY around here by getting out Christmas tree up - I LOVE the lights!
Staudt, Sara07:00:58 pmI was just discussing this with people today! People are very divided on when to begin the Christmas decor
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:01:00 pmHi Tricia!
Villa, Johanna07:01:48 pmHello!
Gantt, Tricia07:01:57 pmI agree! With work full time, and actually being a full time student, this class and being alone with the kiddos at night (my husband and I don't work the same shift) - I have to keep moving when I find the time lol .. extra hour this weekend was that time!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:02:06 pmHi Johanna!
Johnson, Zina07:02:33 pmHello
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:03:08 pmWelcome everyone, Chat #3 already!! Hope you are all well and had a fun and wild Halloween!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:03:22 pmOr a quiet one! LOL!
Gantt, Tricia07:03:48 pmHA, one day one day!
Johnson, Zina07:03:55 pmIt was great with the kids
Sadiki, Nazliya07:04:20 pmWe had a great haloween. thank you
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:04:25 pmThanks for so many insightful comments on our Discussion Board. I appreciate the way many of you kicked off the discussion right away. Gives others great fodder for discussion!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:05:44 pmSo this week we completed the Community Engagement Self Assessment format. Let's each share one observation about your current engagement and one quick thought about where you want to go! Just a sentence or two! *
Gantt, Tricia07:06:26 pmI’d love to strengthen our connections with local mental health providers and early intervention teams to support children who need a little extra help. I also see potential for deeper collaboration with cultural organizations and family support programs in Lakeville to better reflect and meet the needs of all the families we serve.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:07:00 pmThanks Tricia!
Gantt, Tricia07:07:21 pmI also realized that most of our formal grant and donor relationships are managed through our YMCA development team, but I often help by sharing stories, photos, and examples that show the impact of our work at Lakeville ECLC. I’m in regular communication with our association leadership and development staff so they have authentic, real-time updates from our center to share with supporters.
DeVaughn, Heather07:07:51 pmOur community engagement is minimal, but I see potential to partner with other providers and local churches as a starting point.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:08:27 pmIt is great to have a development team - most childcare organizations don't unless part of a larger organization - like the YMCA!
Johnson, Zina07:08:32 pmOne observation from my Community Engagement Self-Assessment is that our current partnerships are strong with local families but limited with broader community organizations. Moving forward, I want to expand collaboration with local businesses and cultural groups to create more meaningful, year-round engagement opportunities for families.
Villa, Johanna07:08:33 pmI see potential in developing deeper relationships with the non profit cooperative organizations.
Staudt, Sara07:08:51 pmI have a similar goal to Tricia - I would love to strengthen our early intervention and early childhood mental health partnerships! Additionally, I would like to strengthen my involvement with the JP development team. Because we are 2 different departments, sometimes grant opportunities are missed, and our board is unclear of what is going on within our center. I was just talking with our executive director about building a stronger partnership between our areas!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:09:34 pmZina - being experienced with engagement with families is a great foundation for broadening out to your community. Plus those families can help!
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:09:37 pmour current community engagement is that we’ve built strong connections through our visits to the library and participation in local pop-up events, which families really enjoy.
Staudt, Sara07:09:45 pmI also want to strengthen partnerships with family home visiting and parents as teachers programs, like Way to Grow! They can be great resources for parents.
Gantt, Tricia07:09:46 pmLove that Sara - we often have to bring a loud voice to our board - I feel like in a large organization like the Y childcare is often on the back burner or forgotten completely!
Johnson, Zina07:09:50 pmI want to apologize a head of time my answer are slow dealing with blood pressure issues
Ferrusca, Lady07:10:05 pmHello
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:11:02 pmI like that idea, Heather! Partnering with other providers and local churches sounds like a great way to start building stronger community connections and expanding our engagement efforts.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:11:05 pmIt's fine Zina - thanks for being here and contributing! 🙂
Sadiki, Nazliya07:11:04 pmOur center participate in many comunity event. there are lot to learn and understand from the comunity. Plan on further optorunity to parents buld more special event
Staudt, Sara07:11:32 pmNazliya - I love your idea about having parents build more of your special events.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:11:39 pmThanks everyone for sharing so many great connections!
Johnson, Zina07:11:48 pmThank you
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:12:21 pmBeing smaller in size just my personal connections with others is what I use to make connections.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:12:33 pmSo this week we turn to branding! Always interesting! When you think of brands that stand out by just their logos, let's share some we think of right away! *
Gantt, Tricia07:12:44 pm*
Ferrusca, Lady07:12:49 pm*
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:12:54 pm*
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:12:55 pm*
Gantt, Tricia07:12:57 pmLove your Melon - excited to have them back locally!!
Staudt, Sara07:13:00 pm*
Villa, Johanna07:13:03 pm*
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:13:12 pmOh, just go ahead and answer the question
Johnson, Zina07:13:12 pm*
Gantt, Tricia07:13:18 pmAmazon + Target
Villa, Johanna07:13:20 pmtarget
Staudt, Sara07:13:22 pmNike
Ferrusca, Lady07:13:23 pmI would definitely like to build connections with a bookstore that can provide us with access to interesting Spanish books for children, as well as other resources that help families continue strengthening their language development.
DeVaughn, Heather07:13:36 pmJello, Kleenex
Sadiki, Nazliya07:13:50 pmSams, Macys
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:13:56 pmYes, Target, Amazon, Nike have done a great job with that!
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:14:24 pmTarget
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:14:26 pmJello and Kleenex and Trampoline - for products!
Gantt, Tricia07:14:47 pmCar logos!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:15:00 pmWhat are some of the things that companies do so we will recognize their brand right away? *
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:15:04 pmcoke and thomas the train
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:15:12 pmcolor
Villa, Johanna07:15:16 pmkeep the visual simple
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:15:30 pmColor, simplicity, yes!
Gantt, Tricia07:15:36 pmbright color - distinct design
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:15:39 pmtheir giggle or theme song
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:15:51 pmdesign, song!
Staudt, Sara07:15:55 pmbright colors, catchy phrases
Gantt, Tricia07:15:58 pmword that go with the logo ., like Nike: Just do it!
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:15:59 pmConsistent logos and colors
Ferrusca, Lady07:16:04 pmLogos and Symbols:
Johnson, Zina07:16:09 pmConsistent visuals: They use the same colors, logos, and fonts everywhere—on packaging, ads, uniforms, and websites (like McDonald’s golden arches or Target’s red bullseye). • Memorable slogans: Short, catchy phrases that stick in your mind (like Nike’s “Just Do It” or L’Oréal’s “Because You’re Worth It”). • Distinct tone and voice: Their messaging always “sounds” the same, whether serious, playful, or inspiring. • Repetition: They show up frequently—on social media, TV, billboards—so their brand becomes familiar. • Emotional connection: They tell stories or stand for values that people relate to, such as community, quality, or innovation.
Gantt, Tricia07:16:14 pmba da ba ba ba .. I'm lovin it!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:16:26 pmYes, great points!
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:16:36 pmHahaha Tricia yes!!
Sadiki, Nazliya07:16:58 pmI think when think about cola the adds they are in your memorie
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:17:02 pmWhat are some of the brand distinctions you are currently using to set your brand apart and be noticable? *
Ferrusca, Lady07:17:01 pmjaja
Johnson, Zina07:17:40 pmSome of the brand distinctions I use to set my program apart include our focus on family and community partnerships, a warm, faith-centered atmosphere, and consistent visual branding with our logo and color scheme. I also emphasize authentic storytelling—sharing our center’s impact and values through photos, events, and social media—to help families connect with who we are and what we stand for.
Sadiki, Nazliya07:18:23 pmBulding strong relation ship parents and comunity show our brand is good . Family friendly enviorment, every one well come.
Staudt, Sara07:18:35 pmI focus on our 2-gen mission, consistent visual branding, and our community work
Ferrusca, Lady07:18:59 pmIn addition to using a distinctive color and a logo that relates to our name, we stand out for the strong connection that exists between families and teachers. This close relationship is also an important part of our brand identity.
Villa, Johanna07:19:09 pmWe have tag line "parent governed- teacher run- kid powered for over 50 years". we hope to portray the cooperative structure and out longevity as a neighborhood insulation
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:19:32 pmCurrently, our brand, Mis Amigos, is set apart by our logo of two kids holding the world, which represents our focus on children and community.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:19:33 pmVisual branding is usually the one that gets the most attention. When people drive or walk past your school, do they see that you are there? How do they know it is a preschool? *
DeVaughn, Heather07:19:31 pmOur facebook page has great "visuals" ie pictures that really highlight what we value and the joy of childhood, and showcase our space well. I need to get a logo and colors
Gantt, Tricia07:19:45 pmOur brand is instantly recognizable through the YMCA’s “Y” logo; it’s simple, trusted, and carries a sense of belonging. What makes our early learning program stand out is how that brand aligns with our values: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Families see the Y as a community-centered organization, not just a childcare provider. Our environment feels warm and relational, people remember the personal touches, the way teachers know each child by name, and the deep sense of community they experience when they walk in the door.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:20:12 pmLove the 50 years, Johanna!
Staudt, Sara07:20:15 pmTo be honest, people don't know we are there! This is a huge growth area for us - people are always surprised when they learn that community families who are not single-mother families can enroll in our center.
Staudt, Sara07:20:34 pmJohanna, your tag line is great!
Johnson, Zina07:20:54 pmYes, our visual branding helps people recognize that we’re a preschool right away. We have bright, welcoming signage with our center’s name and logo, child-friendly images, and colorful displays that reflect learning and play. Families and community members can easily tell it’s a child development center because the environment looks inviting, safe, and full of early learning energy.
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:20:56 pmOur colorful sign and logo of two kids holding the world make it clear we are a preschool. Bright visuals on our windows and outdoor areas also help families recognize our space.
Gantt, Tricia07:21:02 pmThe logo outside of our building says Early Childhood Learning Center! We also have a separate sign that can be updated to show the age groups we are enrolling for - this will say preschool and or pre-k
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:21:36 pmYou know how many times people know there is an early education program? The PLAYGROUND! Be sure there is a sign on your fence! 🙂
Sadiki, Nazliya07:22:03 pmI didnt know that
Villa, Johanna07:22:06 pmSimilar to Sara, I feel that perspective or new families often say "I didn't know you guys were here". We are in the middle of a residential area. the building does not look residential but also doesn't scream "PRESCHOOL". We have been talking about wanting to redo our signage out front but since its not a NEED it is never prioritized in terms of the budget
Gantt, Tricia07:22:19 pmYes! We need to get a new sign for the playground fence .. we are at the end of a Starbucks drive through line!
Ferrusca, Lady07:22:33 pmOur center is part of a well-known chain of daycares that has grown mostly through word of mouth, thanks to the positive experiences shared by families. In addition, we use our social media platforms to share information and videos that explain who we are, as well as our mission and vision. This helps people recognize us and understand that we are a preschool dedicated to early childhood education.
DeVaughn, Heather07:22:46 pmIts frustrating to be in an HOA that doesnt allow signage
Ferrusca, Lady07:22:58 pmGood point Karen.
DeVaughn, Heather07:23:03 pmIn my previous neighborhood thats how everyone found us
Sadiki, Nazliya07:23:05 pmThat is hard
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:23:10 pmI think you mentioned in several ways brand things you use in print or online. Keeping the same colors and fonts on signs, letterhead, newsletters etc really starts to catch on!
Staudt, Sara07:23:12 pmHeather - that sounds really tough! Are there any ways you can get around it?
Ferrusca, Lady07:23:11 pmwe have a visible playground
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:23:20 pmOur fence is kind of hidden in the back, so it’s mostly covered by trees people can’t really see it from the street.
Johnson, Zina07:23:24 pmHaving a bright, friendly sign on the playground fence with your program’s name, logo, and contact info is a simple but powerful way to boost visibility and attract interest from the community.
Gantt, Tricia07:23:35 pmOh yes .. font - we use the same font for everything: Cachet Book
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:24:13 pmAt least in Minneapolis metro area, there are many early childhood centers from fairly large brands. What do you see them doing to promote their brand?
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:24:23 pmOur logo has been using the same font for 20 years, which helps maintain consistency and makes our brand easily recognizable over time.
Gantt, Tricia07:24:34 pmlots of signage .. hand outs in parades
Staudt, Sara07:24:39 pmI often see ads targeting me on social media.
Staudt, Sara07:24:48 pmI also see lots of signage, consistency, visibility.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:24:50 pmGreat for 20 years - consistency really does make a difference!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:25:08 pmCan you explain Sara?
Sadiki, Nazliya07:25:09 pmI think big er company have bigger budjet for adverisment
Johnson, Zina07:25:30 pmIn the Minneapolis metro area, many large early childhood centers promote their brand through consistent community visibility—you see their logos on buses, social media, and at local events. They often use professional signage, branded uniforms, and social media campaigns to highlight their programs and family activities. Many also partner with local schools and businesses, which helps strengthen their reputation and build trust with families.
DeVaughn, Heather07:25:42 pmYes Nazliya...I agree. I think smaller programs need to be creative because we dont have the dollars
Gantt, Tricia07:25:47 pmThats is true, Nazliya - at the Y we have a marketing team that we can meet with to ask for help with what we need!
Ferrusca, Lady07:25:48 pmI’ve noticed that other centers make their presence very visible by placing big banners and signs around their buildings, inviting families to enroll. They often use bright colors and clear messages that catch people’s attention right away. This helps families easily recognize that it’s a preschool and encourages them to learn more about the program.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:25:53 pmFor sure larger companies have larger advertising budgets since it is spread over many locations
Staudt, Sara07:26:03 pmWhen I am scrolling, I might get ads for lcoal childcare centers on social media. These are usually targeted by demographic information. Since my husband and I speak Spanish at home, we sometimes even get ads in Spanish.
Gantt, Tricia07:26:04 pmwe still often get a no if its not allocated in the bidget
Gantt, Tricia07:26:10 pmbudget *
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:26:52 pmThanks Sara!
Sadiki, Nazliya07:26:54 pmYes heather, that is a bigger problem when big company spend lot of money in social media and so on. it is harder to compite at there level
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:27:34 pmHow have you found newer technology helpful in getting your brand out - no matter your size? *
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:27:54 pmmy center is only one location and I depend on my families to refer other families. I do have signs outside to say we are open.
Gantt, Tricia07:27:58 pmTechnology gives us so many new ways to connect with families. We use digital newsletters, parent communication apps, and social media to share updates, photos, and learning highlights. I’d like to grow our online presence even more, maybe through short videos introducing our teachers, virtual tours for new families, or spotlighting community partnerships. Technology helps us stay transparent and accessible, even for families who can’t always attend events in person.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:28:27 pmGreat ideas Tricia!
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:28:30 pmHiring someone from another country for social media can be cost-effective and give you access to diverse skills, but clear communication and understanding of your audience are key to making it work well.
Ferrusca, Lady07:28:34 pmSocial media platforms allow us to reach more families and share who we are through photos, videos, and updates about our program. Even though we are not a large center, technology helps us connect with the community, promote events, and show the benefits of our Spanish immersion program in a simple and affordable way.
Johnson, Zina07:28:43 pmNewer technology has made it much easier to share our brand and connect with families. Tools like social media, Brightwheel, and digital newsletters help us showcase daily activities, communicate instantly with parents, and highlight special events. Even as a smaller center, using these platforms allows us to reach a wider audience and show the quality and heart of our program in real time.
Staudt, Sara07:28:45 pmI met with our marketing team about doing targeted ads (they usually don't support childcare programming marketing, because we don't have it in the budget). They brought up the ability to pay small amounts at a time to do targeted ads with social media.
Sadiki, Nazliya07:28:43 pmWe do use the social media for the advertisment. But it is harder to get a bigger crowed.
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:28:45 pmIn our building, I don't use technology or social media.
Gantt, Tricia07:28:47 pmI would love to have a FB page for our site only, but this is where marketing gets involved and wants to regular it - hindering our abilities to showcase as we want to!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:29:03 pmInteresting point Cinthia!
Staudt, Sara07:29:24 pmTricia - I am having the same issue! having a marketing team can be really helfpul at times, but sometimes it's just more hoops to jump through.
DeVaughn, Heather07:29:22 pmWe use social media to update our current families as well as to reach potential new families.
Villa, Johanna07:29:54 pmWe just "rebranded", we didn't have a longstanding logo design/ design packet (font, color, imagery). We knew this was a weak spot interns of improving our image to the public. In the cooperative fashion, we asked our membership if anyone new of professional how would be interested in working with us. And we found a connection who did it for free. We use canva a lot when creating signs for flyers, posters etc. As a nonprofit, we can get the pro version for free
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:30:19 pmOne great thing is that so many sites keep getting more user friendly and easier for us non-techies to learn and use! We don't have to know coding anymore to build websites ourselves!
Gantt, Tricia07:30:19 pmWe are also in the middle of a rebrand, and honestly it wasn't rolled out nicely and people do not get it.
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:30:28 pmSara Most of our marketing team works overseas, which helps us save costs while still accessing a wide range of skills and perspectives.
Staudt, Sara07:30:30 pmJohanna - how do you get canva pro free??? I am in a nonprofit, and I didn't know that we can get it free!
Johnson, Zina07:30:31 pmCinthia like your point
Villa, Johanna07:31:03 pmSara- https://www.canva.com/canva-for-nonprofits/
DeVaughn, Heather07:31:13 pmCinthia I would be interested in knowing who you use or how you got started
Villa, Johanna07:31:20 pmIf you google "canva pro nonprofit" its the first link
Staudt, Sara07:31:21 pmThank you!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:31:28 pmExcellent point Johanna! Getting things donated! Many times there are parents who have skills who will volunteer to help!
Gantt, Tricia07:31:28 pmAwesome Johanna - I want to look into this too!
Johnson, Zina07:31:33 pmThe new technology tools are so much more user-friendly and accessible now. It’s amazing that we can design professional-looking websites and social media pages without needing coding skills. That flexibility really helps small programs like ours showcase who we are and stay connected with families in a modern, creative way.
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:31:48 pmthanks Johanna
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:32:17 pmGreat ideas! Any other tips you have discovered to share? *
Gantt, Tricia07:32:57 pmSometimes we need to do things in the moment and ask for forgiveness later?? Prob not the best but it is so hard when other people involved do not understand the flow of childcare.
Villa, Johanna07:33:16 pmWe also started sending quarterly updates to our alumni. As a cooperative center, we know our previous parents had a deep interest in the well being of the center. We are leveraging against that baseline buy by keeping them updated on the regular happenings at the center. We also just rolled out a "sustaining member" program. The idea is that we get folks to commit to regular monthly donations of $5 or $10 rather than asking them once a year for a larger amount.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:33:17 pmAnd you know what is still often found to be the best advertising for childcare? *
Gantt, Tricia07:33:29 pmword of mouth!
Johnson, Zina07:33:32 pmOne tip I’ve found helpful is to stay consistent with posting and visuals—using the same colors, logo, and tone builds recognition over time. I also make sure to share real stories and photos from our classrooms and events. Families love seeing their children’s learning moments, and it helps the community feel more connected to our program’s mission and values.
Ferrusca, Lady07:33:34 pmI love to use different platforms to update the day of the kids like lineleader or brigthwhile.
Staudt, Sara07:33:39 pmJohanna - what a great idea!
Staudt, Sara07:33:55 pmZina - I agree. t
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:33:57 pmHeather, it wasn’t easy, but we were able to find a great team! Some were recommended by our staff and their family members.
Staudt, Sara07:34:10 pmThe posting frequently is something I am working on.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:34:27 pmAbsolutely - word of mouth!! And we can encourage that with of course happy parents but also asking for their partnership when we have open spaces!
Gantt, Tricia07:34:51 pmWe offer a discount to parents who refer a family to us!
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:34:52 pmfor me, it would be a challenge because I'm the only person in the office. so trying to other tasks would be challenging
DeVaughn, Heather07:35:01 pmI will look into it, thank you Cinthia!
Ferrusca, Lady07:35:17 pmmany families love to see what happend in the day with the kids. Also this point is very importnt in the tours because you can mention to the families that they are ging to see every day the activities that teacher make.
Sadiki, Nazliya07:35:22 pmWord of mouth always help, discount for the families who do referels
Johnson, Zina07:35:44 pmYes, absolutely—word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools we have! When families are happy and feel valued, they naturally share their experiences with others. I’ve also found it helpful to invite parents to partner with us by spreading the word when we have open spaces or upcoming events. It builds community and keeps enrollment strong at the same time.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:35:50 pmThe need to do all these branding things, and the time to do it will definitely vary based on your size, location etc.
Gantt, Tricia07:36:08 pmWe talked about wanting to partner with locals apartment complexes to see if they would put our flyers in there welcome home packets for new residents!
Sadiki, Nazliya07:36:13 pmNow some centeres let parents have acess to videos
Gantt, Tricia07:36:20 pmtheir **
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:36:37 pmabsolutely Karen.
DeVaughn, Heather07:36:36 pmGreat idea Tricia!
Johnson, Zina07:36:42 pm I completely agree—the time and approach to branding really depend on a program’s size, location, and resources. Smaller centers may focus more on personal relationships and community presence, while larger ones might invest in broader marketing and digital campaigns. The key is finding what works best for your program’s capacity while still keeping your message consistent and authentic.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:37:04 pmVery true Zina!
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:37:16 pmWe offer a week off tuition for referrals.
Villa, Johanna07:37:28 pmsimilar to Tricia, I want to leverage social media use more. Knowing that our demographic of perspective parents will continue to be more and more tech literate/ tech advanced, I realize we need to think about how they search for things. They will likely look it up on instagram or tic Tok to get an "inside look" of what the center looks like. They don't just want to see the two dimentional words on the website
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:37:39 pmIf you are looking to fill two spots, that is very different from finding 30 new families! Takes different approaches!
Ferrusca, Lady07:37:43 pmCinthia we offer bonus for rerrals families too
Gantt, Tricia07:37:50 pmSame here Cinthia - we offer it for the oldest child in care if there are multiple
Johnson, Zina07:38:01 pmNow that’s a new ideal, Cinithia
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:38:02 pmHow often should you think about branding and enrollment? *
Ferrusca, Lady07:38:15 pm*
Sadiki, Nazliya07:38:17 pmall the time
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:38:24 pm*
Gantt, Tricia07:38:34 pmAll the time ,, look into the future - be aware of your enrollment and when kids need to shift/graduate so you know what openings you have and when
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:38:47 pmTrick question, I know! But it needs to be with us in all we do!
DeVaughn, Heather07:38:48 pmAll the time
Ferrusca, Lady07:38:52 pmi think that every day.
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:38:57 pmBranding and enrollment should be reviewed regularly, at least every few months, to stay relevant and attract new families.
Staudt, Sara07:39:16 pmIt should be woven into everything we do - everything is carrying a message and branding, no matter whether we think about it conciously or not.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:39:19 pmAnd everything we say, and put out visually! It all matters to our reputation! Which is invaluable!
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:39:27 pmI think about it all the time. What can I do different within the building that attracts the kids and that has help us
Villa, Johanna07:39:30 pmAll the time. As a cooperative, it is very important that we enroll families who are well aware of what the cooperative structure entails and ensure they are "bought into it". The best way we can ensure long term enrollment is to ensure our parents truly understand what are center is all bout
Johnson, Zina07:39:36 pmBranding and enrollment should really be ongoing priorities, not just something we think about when spots open. I try to keep our brand visible all year—through social media updates, community events, and family engagement—so that when families are looking for care, they already recognize and trust our program. Consistency keeps enrollment steady and the brand strong.
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:40:15 pmGreat point Sara.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:40:45 pmI was the director of a non-profit center with 80 spots and out wait list was a mile long! We still tried to operate every day as though we had ten competitors down the street!
Ferrusca, Lady07:41:46 pmwoow
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:42:12 pmSo let's ponder for a moment - whether you are looking to fill spots right now or not, we all have children go off to kindergarten every year and enroll new children. So what are two things you can do this year to step up your brand and feel good about it? *
Staudt, Sara07:42:39 pmBuilding a stronger website and strengthening our social media presence.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:42:49 pmSuper!
Gantt, Tricia07:42:55 pm1. Continue connecting with our current families 2. Continue to serve our community needs
Johnson, Zina07:43:03 pmTwo things I can do this year to strengthen our brand are to increase our community visibility by hosting more family and neighborhood events, and to enhance our online presence with regular social media updates that highlight our classrooms, staff, and success stories. Both will help families see the heart of our program and build lasting trust in our brand.
Sadiki, Nazliya07:43:35 pmI am not sure. the center I use to work had a waiting list. but at that time only word f mouth and sign. now all these social meda, compatior is are bigger compant. on top of it many school offer free or cheeper preschool program
Gantt, Tricia07:43:54 pmWe started a local food bank and winter clothing drive this last week with all the changes going on and actually had 2 walk in tours because of it!
Ferrusca, Lady07:44:09 pmThe first would be to work on improving our weaknesses by offering new and innovative things. The second would be to share on our social media those unique activities that make us stand out from other centers.
Sadiki, Nazliya07:44:19 pmThats a great idea Tricia
DeVaughn, Heather07:44:18 pmMore visibility in my local community, and get a logo/colors/ and start being more aware of getting those out to the community. Since I can't have a sign, I can put logo on the tshirts we wear to the park, car magnets etc
Gantt, Tricia07:44:39 pmLove that lady - it's like we always need to reinvent the wheel!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:44:44 pmGreat points all around!!
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:44:59 pmsignage out in front of the building and word of mouth
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:45:09 pmby adding more eye-catching visuals to our playground and signage, and by sharing stories and photos of our students’ experiences on social media.
Villa, Johanna07:45:13 pm1) Increase our community visibility within our neighborhood - either hosting events, tabling at local events, participates in local volunteering events, engage with our neighbhorrod association more intentionally. 2) update all of our documents to reflect our new rebranding
Ferrusca, Lady07:45:34 pmYes Tricia, when we posted what we do, everyone can be curious about out program
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:45:39 pmSo please be looking at our final assignment this week so you can have some time to complete it! If you can work on it this week, we'd love to discuss it in our chat next week!!
Sadiki, Nazliya07:45:58 pmthank you
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:46:03 pmThank you!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:46:14 pmGreat ideas shared tonight! Hope you found some helpful hints!!
Ferrusca, Lady07:46:14 pmthank you
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:46:16 pmthank you
DeVaughn, Heather07:46:21 pmThank you!
Johnson, Zina07:46:24 pmSounds great, thank you all .
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:46:29 pmHave a great week - see you on the discussion board!!
Gantt, Tricia07:46:35 pmThank you - have a good night everyone!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:46:41 pmHave a great week!! Good night!!
Sadiki, Nazliya07:47:25 pmHae a gret week for you all