Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Introduction and Marketing Question

    Posted 04-10-2023 10:28 AM

    Hi Everyone, I am in the process of getting licensed for family childcare in Las Vegas. My background includes working in EMS as an EMT-I, being a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and Epigenetic Coach, and other "hats" in the health care realm.  I homeschooled my kids for much of their educational career (back in the 80's before it was cool) and now I am homeschooling my granddaughter.  All of my kids/grandkids have dealt with some form of learning difference from mild to on the autism spectrum. I had to do a lot of research in this realm and am happy to say all adult kids are thriving. Improving health and wellness of all kinds has been foundational in my life and now I want to bring that to my childcare business.

    I was a licensed daycare many years ago and a lot has changed! I am super excited about the program that I am putting together. I am working on creating my logo and a slogan.  My business name is Nana's Nature Nest and my logo will have a Nana duck (you can tell from the spectacles), with 3 little ducklings in a nest. I would LIKE the slogan "Nature, Nurture, Nutrition: Building Better Brains" but worry that it is too long. I could break it up and only use one part. What you do all think?

    I am building a Perceptual-Motor Learning Lab and trying to raise funds for a fantastic play area to encourage dramatic play, sensory stimulation, and movement, and of course we already focus on excellent nutrition and healthy practices, so the brain part is really important to me.  My guess is that the pandemic has exacerbated a lot of childhood delays and problems and it is going to be more important than ever to encourage movement in fun and creative ways to enhance brain development.  Thanks for any input! 



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    Lauriann Bradford
    Director
    Nana's Nature Nest
    Las Vegas NV
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  • 2.  RE: Introduction and Marketing Question

    Posted 04-11-2023 12:01 AM

    Hi
    Wishing you the best on your new venture! You might get some new ideas from www.tinkergarten.com





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    Karen Nemeth
    Author/consultant/keynotes
    Language Castle LLC
    Allentown PA
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  • 3.  RE: Introduction and Marketing Question

    Posted 04-12-2023 11:12 AM

    Thank you, that looks like a nice resource 



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    Lauriann Bradford
    Director
    Nana's Nature Nest
    Las Vegas NV
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  • 4.  RE: Introduction and Marketing Question

    Posted 04-11-2023 12:42 AM

    Wow, Lauriann--

    You are serious about high quality care! I think what you're offering and the experiences you've had are a great foundation for a successful experience. I'm not sure of the number of children you plan to serve, so I have a few questions. 

    Do you plan to have typically developing children as well as children with divergent needs? If so, is planning for individualized strategies a part of your planning? 

    I would imagine that some children for whom typical childcare settings are difficult could be supported in your care. Is there a way to connect/collaborate with centers in your area in case children are no longer welcome at a center because of challenges or needs that cannot be met? Your setting could be such a relief for families who struggle to find a nurturing place in those circumstances. 

    Have you considered having children from trauma backgrounds in your center? If so, you could touch base with Children's Services in your area. (Do you know the work of Dr. Bruce Perry?) You would want to invest in a strong social-emotional program as a foundational piece. I am most familiar with Conscious Discipline but there are other good ones as well.

    I would also recommend looking at the Head Start resource library at ECLKC.org. There are wonderful tools and materials on a highly searchable site. 

    You have such a good plan in place. I'm happy to talk about anything mentioned in this very long email! Wishing you all the best as you move forward! One more thing--LOVE the name! Doesn't seem too long and completely defines your focus to communicate with your ideal client!

    Sharon



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    Sharon Jackson, PhD
    Consultant & Professional Development Specialist
    Early Essentials
    College Station, TX
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  • 5.  RE: Introduction and Marketing Question

    Posted 04-12-2023 11:35 AM

    Hi Sharon, Wow, thanks for your great response! I am always looking for new research and approaches and I will definitely check out Dr. Perry and the Head Start resource library. Currently I am getting licensed for family daycare and my square footage will probably only allow for 6 full time kidlets and 3 before and after schoolers.  Currently I have my 6y/o granddaughter that I am homeschooling.  She has issues with Perceptual-Motor.  Her eyes not being able track and a lack of shoulder differentiation are seemingly her biggest issues, but she also has mixed dominance and possible other things going on. Learning to read is very difficult so we are stepping back to build those gross motor pathways. My other daycare kidlet seems to be on target but will benefit from the program.  Occasionally,  I also have my grandson who is on the autistic spectrum.  When he is here, it is very difficult to maintain any semblance of order and the parents are not willing to admit there is an issue and have him tested. This gives me pause for offering my services to children that have more severe problems as I will not have an aide to assist and I need to make sure all my kid's needs are being met.  At some point, this may change, and in that case, I would love to help out in a bigger way. I remember how incredibly difficult it was when my kids were young (and trying in vane to get help). I am currently thinking in the realm of servicing children that are typically developing and those that are mild to moderately neuro-divergent, AND working on prevention with new or expectant parents.  There seems to be a lack of education for parents to really understand developmental milestones - how important (and diagnostic) they are, and how to encourage movement and sensory input to help development. I feel that I could really help with this, and combined with the nutritional needs of developing brains and support, it could be really helpful for new parents. 



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    Lauriann Bradford
    Director
    Nana's Nature Nest
    Las Vegas NV
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  • 6.  RE: Introduction and Marketing Question

    Posted 04-12-2023 11:13 PM
    You have so much to offer, Lauriann--I hope that it goes well for you. Having the neurotypical children in the majority will be great modeling for any others in your care and perhaps good for your grandchild as well. I would love to hear from you when things are up and running!

    Sharon

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  • 7.  RE: Introduction and Marketing Question

    Posted 04-14-2023 02:24 PM

    Sure Sharon, looking forward to expanding my network. 



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    Lauriann Bradford
    Director
    Nana's Nature Nest
    Las Vegas NV
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  • 8.  RE: Introduction and Marketing Question

    Posted 04-13-2023 05:47 PM

    Lauriann,

    That's awesome. I'm also here in Vegas. We definitely need something like that in this area. I have seen the need grow in the last few years. Let's connect!



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    Jerek Hough
    Las Vegas NV
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  • 9.  RE: Introduction and Marketing Question

    Posted 04-14-2023 02:23 PM

    Sure! I'm still figuring out this platform and juggling a bazillion things (like everyone). My email is NanasNatureNest@gmail.com 



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    Lauriann Bradford
    Director
    Nana's Nature Nest
    Las Vegas NV
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