I'm in the early planning stages of opening a non-profit ed center (LONG)

[Kerrytravelers]

My husband is seriously encouraging me to start a non-profit educational center.

A bit of background: I currently work at a non-profit "educational center." I put it in quotes because, to be honest, it's a wreck. The people who started it and run it have never taught a day in their lives. They are two walking disasters. And there is nothing sweeter, let me tell you, then being given teaching advice from someone who has ever been a teacher. I don't walk into operating rooms and tell the surgeon how to make an incision. So, when they write lesson plans that don't make sense and photocopy all these worksheets that are way too easy for the kid's levels, they end up causing more harm than good.

There is incredible turn over at this place. Now I understand why. My friend, who brought me into this job, has up and walked out. She won't even return the director's calls anymore. She has had it. At first, I thought perhaps Tracy was just burnt out. Now I get it. Holy shit, do I get it.

The kids are allowed to run nuts. They are running down the small, narrow hallway. They play in the bathrooms. There are four small classrooms and one that isn't enclosed but out in the main entrance area. That is where I am. All during the after school homework time, there are kids tearing through my teaching area. I'm constantly saying things like "don't you jump off that couch," "get off that table,' and my favorite, "don't you jump off the top of the television." It's really that nuts. I am the policewoman, patrolling. Someday, some kid is going to get really hurt. And all I can do is, I suppose, testify for the plaintiff.

After school, these kids have their homework period. After that, they get a snack break. Instead of nutritious snacks, they get them all hopped up on sugar. Next, depending upon the day of the week, I teach a lesson on various subjects. I am of the opinion that if kids still have homework, they should be doing that. But the directors want them to do the pointless little lesson- you know, the one they write for me. I really don't need a lesson plan written for me. I mean, really. I do know what the fuck I'm doing. I've been doing this for a while now. And they, as I've said, have never spent one freaking day in front of a class. That makes a big difference.

After all this, the last thirty minutes, I'm to pull three kids and do a small group session in an enclosed classroom. I'm also suppose to have a list of which kids get pulled on certain days, but hey, it's only been three and one half weeks, why would that list possibly be ready yet? During this time, I did brain puzzlers with them. I did Sudoku, for example. Well, yesterday, my wonderful director says no, I can't do brain puzzles with them. I asked what I am suppose to do. She doesn't really know. How about homework, I ask. No. Not homework. Maybe multiplication facts. Well the three fifth graders I was with really didn't need help with memorizing multiplication facts, so we sat around and basically shot the shit until their parents came to pick them up.

Then, there are the parents. Some are just so dumb, I can't believe it. And, instead of handling them like a pro, the director doesn't know what to do. I can handle myself, and had to do so today. I had a mother actually come over and say that a kid told her that I had upset them. Well, who is this kid and so what? I mean, kids say all kinds of things. If there is something specific, great, but if I don't get a specific detail, then I'm not interested. The director should have handled this, not me. I literally had the director standing next to me, shaking, while I was telling this woman that I'm a credentialed, experienced teacher and I am perfectly capable of handling children. This lady wasn't to give me "advice" and kept persisting to nag me with vague complaints. Again, the director needs to deal with this. The kid in question just doesn't like school and is known for making up stories. Instead of dealing with this, the director acts afraid.

I've always been critical of those in charge when I feel like they aren't being strong and running things smoothly. I've worked for absolute pros and for some absolute ding-dongs/ Guess which category this one fits into?

Back to the original idea. I seriously can do better. My father-in-law has worked in non-profits all his working life. I would like some other thoughts. My approach is quite different then where I work now. I also live two cities away, so I'm not stealing their direct competition.

How did you get started? How long did it take from conception of the idea to when you first opened? What advice do you have? I'd like to hear stories first because right now, I don't even know what to ask. I love the idea, though, and certainly want to proceed in this direction.

I have so far been browsing through Office Depot and Ikea gathering pictures and prices for the basic needs of starting this type of business. I figured the first step would be an initial idea of the beginning costs.

Any ideas and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. And if you've gotten this far into my very long-winded post, thank you so much!

[Kerrytravelers]

1. No one has even opened my thread yet.

:cry:

[philosophie_en_rose]

2. I highly suggest that you contact an attorney or a small business center

non profits require much more than starting a small for-profit business.

[Kerrytravelers]

3. Yes. My father-in-law suggested as much.

What should I have done before contacting them?

[philosophie_en_rose]

6. well... you should gather as much information as you can.

research grants and such

But you really need to contact an attorney.

A majority of nonprofits are run by Boards of Directors.

Founding a nonprofit is not like owning a business.


I hesitate to give you too much information, because I'm not an attorney.

If I were in your shoes, I would start making lists of possible supporters, funding sources, and startup expenses. I would also do a lot of soul searching. Imagine your business as successful, and then ask yourself how you got to that point.

[Kerrytravelers]

10. Yes, there are all kinds of ways to set up non-profits.

Depending upon the type of business, you can have a large board of directors, or, if it is small (as this one will be) the owner/directors can select a small group of willing people to serve on the board. I've done some reading in this area.

[Katina]

4. I have no experience in this area

but maybe you should work at some other non-profit ed centers first before you jump in head first trying to run one of your own. It's easy to find mistakes in a poorly run program. You need to get experience at a well run program. This is true no matter what field you work in IMVHO.

[Kerrytravelers]

5. I've worked at a few over the years. Now, I'd like to start one of my own.

I'm just now feeling confidant in doing so and I have enough years in education.

[Katina]

7. good luck....that's a major undertaking

I wish you the best...but as was suggested, contact an attorney and look for funding.

[philosophie_en_rose]

8. Best wishes to you. Nonprofits are a thankless job.

That attract both the very best people and the very worst.

You have a great opportunity to create an environment that fosters good work.

[Floogeldy]

9. cOULd yOU pLEASE rEPEAT tHE qUESTION?

?

[Kerrytravelers]

12. If you don't have something constructive, there is no need for

sarcasm. I was looking for ideas and thoughts and a place to vent/rant.

[Floogeldy]

14. I guess you put me in my place.

;)

[judaspriestess]

11. get yourself incorporated.

very important. That way you can raise money and companies will donate if you have the correct designation. Good luck

[Kerrytravelers]

13. Thank you for the suggestion.

[judaspriestess]

15. no problem

I forgot to add, its really important for you to inc yourself because of liability. Insurance will never be enough. Once you incorporate, you and your non-profit are seperated and no one can come after you personally.

[radwriter0555]

16. You need a business plan before you think about furnishing a school.

You need to develop a master plan, a marketing plan, an elevator pitch and an introduction letter.

And the basis for that entire scheme will be your innate and soon acquired knowledge of "funding for non-profit schools" and "how to GET funding for non-profit schools" and "how to RUN a non-profit school". (anything in parenthesis is what you need to start googling)

You will need to google "Budget for non-profit school".

You need to explore SUCCESSFUL MODELS, and in your business plan you need to explain why YOUR school will be a success and why kids will come to your school.

If you want to really create a great school, I suggest you explore the 'democratic school' model. The Wildwood School in West Los Angeles is perhaps one of the finest schools in the USA; perhaps their budgets are online, to give you an idea of what you should aspire to.

You need to figure out how many kids you'll need to break even, to pay the teachers, to pay the janitors, to pay the workers, to pay for staples, computers and light bulbs. You'll need marketing, promotional materials and advertising.


Then you need to sell it.

You'll need about $2 million to start with... Good luck. It's a noble endeavor.

[Kerrytravelers]

17. I've already begun the beginning stages of a business plan.

My father-in-law is helping me, but I'm always open to other's ideas and their experiences as well.

It's much smaller that you think. It's not actually a school, but an educational center. It's after school and on Saturdays. It's for homework and for short lessons, not a full school day. However, the advice is still the same- and that you very much for it.

There are several of these in different cities near me, but none in my city. There are some tutoring centers, but they are never run by experienced teachers- hell, one that I worked at a few years back, I was the only credentialed and experienced teacher with classroom experience in a staff of thirty! It was very unfortunate.

Most teachers, at least in the area I'm at, have after-school second jobs. And often, they get irritated and leave these positions because the people running the programs, while well meaning, have no idea what the hell they're doing. That is how I feel right now.

I have a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit and I have the teaching experience and an education in the field of Education that will, I feel, suit the needs of the children and the teachers who will be working for me. I'm also open to hiring college students who are studying to become teachers. This will give them a chance to earn some extra money and see if they really want to be a teacher before they graduate.

[radwriter0555]

18. Ahhhhh, as an educational center... I get it, I get it. Nice idea...

and you can do it on a far smaller scale.

I'm not sure why you'd want to set it up as a non-profit. That can be very, very time consuming since you're asking for a waiver from the taxation system. Definitely google "setting up a non-profit education business" and see what pops up there. It's very complex to run a non-profit as well, from the business side of it. Your reporting and operating standards are very complicated.

Your key is marketing and advertising. Aside from salaries, marketing will be your biggest expense. Look around your area and see what has the most exposure and what gets your attention. Bus bench ads are highly effective and very, very low cost.

Don't forget location, location, location. Parking is critical. Some street front is important since your advertising is basically free on your own property. Signage is costly and vital.

You need a catchy name that appeals to the parents and that sends the right message and is easily transferable to logos and print advertising.

It sounds like you have a great idea... so since you know what you can do, now you need to learn how to do the other part of it; running it as a business. You can definitely learn from the mistakes you've witnessed. The internet is vital, a good website is essential, budget a few thousand for that.

Visualize it an a functioning operation. Picture the room, picture cars parking in front; picture the kids, picture the teachers... Sit back and imagine what it would take to operate for one day. Water, electricity, lights, telephone, computers, supplies, chairs, desks, teachers, and so on. And figure out how you need to achieve each single aspect of the entire scene.

Then build your plan. Find a room, negotiate a lease, start advertising, etc.

Good luck!!!!!

[Kerrytravelers]

19. Thank you so much.

I'm not married to the idea of a non-profit. I was told that it is easier in terms of hiring staff. Ed Centers tend to hire only part time, which is all this would be in terms of staff. Teachers are use to putting in 2-3 hours after a day at school. However, if going for profit is more beneficial, I will certainly do that as well.

I've started looking at the basic opening costs. Furniture, supplies, rental space, etc. And advertising. That will be the major hurdle, but also an exciting challenge. Mr. kt works for a major Internet company, so I do have some lucky benefits there! Whew!

Thanks for your thoughtful replies. My father-in-law is helping, but I still like to hear ideas from others, as there is no such thing as not enough advice and things to think on!

Thanks!

kt

[Midlodemocrat]

20. I can help you with this.

I can point you towards funding for non profits if you would like some assistance.

PM me when you have a minute.