NORTH DAKOTA | This spring, thirty-two childcare providers graduated from the North Dakota Women’s Business Center’s (NDWBC) Childcare Intensives program, a virtual course hosted in collaboration with Child Care Aware of North Dakota (CCA of ND) as part of their Shared Services Alliance.
Among its objectives, the Childcare Intensives course was established to equip and empower participants to make better-informed decisions that drive sustainable business growth. Childcare providers, including owners and directors from home settings and childcare centers to preschools, met weekly for nearly three months to collaborate and solve industry challenges.
Yolanda Livingston was one of these providers. She operates a licensed childcare center in Minot.
“This class was very encouraging. It took my planning to the next level and expanded my knowledge,” said Livingston.
Livingston and her classmates covered a variety of topics during the Childcare Intensives course. The top-rated sessions were financial management, financial strategy, and establishing your team.
Client Success Director Elizabeth Phares Oren explained how they developed the curriculum.
“We collaborated extensively with our CCA of ND partners and conducted interviews with current providers to develop a curriculum that addresses the diverse needs of various entities while also meeting individual preferences,” she said.
Verla Jung, Start-up and Community Engagement Coordinator at CCA of ND worked with NDWBC to get the program off the ground.
“Working closely with childcare providers for many years, we know their challenges, tight cashflows, retaining staff, and establishing effective policies, among other things. That’s why we are proud of our partnership with NDWBC’s Childcare Intensives, which has helped us put childcare operators in a better position to get established and have better outcomes for their businesses and the children they care for. Through our collaboration with NDWBC, we continue building the capacity of childcare providers in our state and helping them succeed in their important work,” Jung said.
The course was structured to center on education and fostering connections. It aimed to create intentional relationships among participants, facilitators, and speakers.
“The course was a collaborative process. We brought in multiple levels of providers to maximize connections and discuss best practices across these lines. We learned time-tested advice for operational efficiencies and effective collaborating with parents/guardians from our veteran providers, which fed off the energy and innovation brought by the newer providers. It was encouraging to watch these women educate and support one another throughout the program,” Phares Oren said.
By the end of the program, participants reported a 44% increase in overall business understanding, and 96% would recommend the program to childcare providers.
“I’m proud of the dedication these women have shown through their hard work. They understand their significance as key contributors to the economic foundation of our region, essential for its growth. This group of women is leading the way in childcare in our state, and we consider it a privilege to have collaborated with them on their business journey,” said Phares Oren.
space
LIST OF PROGRAM GRADUATES
Alysha Howe, Kids Connection Childcare & Preschool, West Fargo
Amanda Barton, Tiny Tots Daycare, Ellendale
Amanda Rohrich, Creek Care , Fargo
Anna Piatz, Mini Mustangs Childcare, Ashley
Ashley Murphy, Fraser Child Care Center, Fargo
Britney Iversen, Little Gophers Daycare, Zahl
Christina Sparks, Lil’ Spuds Childcare, Hoople
Cierra Meisch, YMCA School Age Learning Center, West Fargo
Cynthia (Cindy) Kaml, Cindy Kaml Childcare, Grand Forks
Corrina Hanson, YMCA Learning Center at Calvary, Fargo
Heather Canady, Little Rocks Daycare, Tioga
Jennifer, Marthaller, Jennifers Daycare / Marthallers Daycare LLC, Fargo
Juanita Prado Sellers, Language Explorers Academy, Watford City
Kayla Anderson, Pitter Patter Punkins, Valley City
Kenzi Brown, Coyote Pups Learning Den, Williston
Krystle Christen, Tiny Tornadoes, Oakes
Linda Schroeder, Myriad Child and Family Services LLC, West Fargo
Lindsay Darrah, Muddy River Nature School, Horace
Mari Quittschreiber, NDSU Wellness Center Child Care, Fargo
Marta (Ita) Munoz, Bright Start, Dickinson
Mikeesha Woods, The Woods Childcare Center, Williston
Mindy Lindner, Tiny Treasures, Leeds
Mindy Skjerva, Mindy’s Clubhouse, New Rockford
Monica Linstad, Monica Linstad’s Childcare, Fargo
Nicole Linman, YMCA Early Learning Center Schlossman, Fargo
Rebecca Leier, Shared Services Alliance, Rugby
Sommer Julsrud, YMCA Learning Center at South, Fargo
Stephanie Trygstad, Kids Connection Childcare & Preschool, Fargo
Tonette Brackins, Little People’s World, West Fargo
Tracy Vrieze, Kids Academy, Carpio
Yolanda Livingston, Kidz Connection, Minot