I am doing the first phase of market research to open one of several group licensed child care facilities on the Sunshine Coast to service the 0 - 36 months (Infant/Toddler) and Multi-Age needs. I am a mother of three girls ages 6, 4, and 2 and we live in Halfmoon Bay. I am looking to return full time to the work force and having an impossible time securing full time spots. My professional background is in Construction General Management and subsequently I have decided to meet my own childcare demands and what I assume to be those of many other primary caregivers in our community by creating the facility and managing its operations. I am a strong willed, innovative thinker with a significant amount of business management experience in seemingly impossible scenarios and I have a unique and dynamic network in the community. I understand there are significant challenges and barriers to creating the much needed childcare infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast but please keep an open mind and let us move forward together.
My requirements:
In order to open a viable facility I require a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 full time (M-F, approximately 9:00 - 5:00) children signed up. There will be room for casual spots once the F/T spots are filled. As a licensed facility we will be able to service families receiving subsidized government supports. The first location I plan to open a facility is in Halfmoon Bay along Redrooffs Road.
The Goal:
The Goal:
A minimum of one new licensed group facility in each Coastal neighbourhood where demands are currently unmet. Each location will be as close to the neighbourhood elementary school as possible. At present, my thoughts are Halfmoon Bay/Secret Cove, Pender Harbour/Madiera Park/Garden Bay, Sechelt/West Sechelt. If client needs see fit we will offer extended services to fit non standard work hours and weekends, pick up and drop off options as well as in house food options. I would like to open the first facility as soon as possible. Once required spots have been booked I will proceed with the necessary government paperwork, qualifications/licensing, ECE procurement and facility inspections. Also, if neighbourhood demand requires it, I will explore the viability of creating additional locations to service the Preschool age group.
I have read through all the government publications with a fine toothed comb and am versed in the paperwork required to meet government regulations. I would greatly appreciate if upon receipt of this email you review any current wait lists you have with your clients and please either email me back or extend my contact information to your clients so that they may contact me directly with their needs.
Although some of you receiving this email are existing friends and acquaintances, if you wish to do some additional research on my skills prior to passing along your clients, please view my LinkedIn profile at http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/nicole-huska/1b/209/b77/ .
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Those wishing to contact me directly can do so via email at coastchildcare@gmail.com. Do not hesitate to write or call with any questions, concerns or advice you may have. Those interested in collaborative work or are currently mulling over solutions to this childcare challenge, please accept this email as a invitation to work together in the spirit of community empowerment. I would also appreciate being included in any planning tables or working groups that are currently working towards a solution.
Sincerely,
Nicole
