| Surveys to Determine Needs
The Study Committee begins by investigating the needs and interests of both the church and community. A survey ofthe church family is vital to determine the feelings and attitudes toward the ministry. This survey also reveals the willingness of members to be involved in enrolling their children, working in the program, and supporting the new challenge.
A second survey involves assessing the community to measure the demand for child care in the area. It seeks to find where the children are, how many preschoolers and elementary children are in the community, the number of children who need child care, and the type of care needed. A Church Weekday Education ministry includes a variety of childcare options including:
Community and church surveys give the study committee pertinent information for a proposal to the church. The Church Weekday Early Education Administrative Guide, by Bob Couch and Lois Gamble, provides checklists and forms to assist the study committee in efficiently completing their work. This resource is available through LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, 1-800-458-2772.
Licensing/Legal Considerations
The study committee also contacts the state licensing agency to obtain information on beginning a new child care program. A licensing representative provides specifics concerning indoor and outdoor space requirements, zoning regulations, staff/child ratios, building codes, policies, and other information directly related to the steps for beginning a new weekday ministry. The facilities available for use should be evaluated to determine if there is adequate space to begin.
It is helpful for the study committee to contact and tour other Church Weekday Education programs in the area. Valuable information can be gained from others who have chosen to minister to children and their families. Details concerning tuition and fees, policies, hours of operation, salaries and benefits, ages of children enrolled, and scholarships will help the committee learn, understand and meet the needs of their church and community.
As the study committee continues its work, it must seek a high level of awareness of the willingness of church organizations to share space with a new ministry. Generally, the Church Weekday Education program should not exceed the number of preschool rooms which are provided for other church organizations. Care for school-age children can be accommodated in rooms designed for elementary age children. Room arrangement, use of supplies and equipment, and sharing of space need to be agreed upon by all leaders using each room. A sharing, caring spirit can be fostered by consistent communication. As each organization seeks to teach and guide children, minister to families, and reach out into the community, positive relationships will develop because of shared goals.
Financial Concerns
After determining facilities to be used and the number and ages of children to be enrolled, attention should be given to the basic financial strategy. Will building renovations be necessary to meet licensing requirements? If so, what will they cost and how will they be financed? A tentative budget showing projected income and expenses should be prepared. Income is determined by multiplying the weekly tuition times the number of children enrolled. Include a registration or supply fee's) that is relevant to your area. Using these two amounts, financial projections can be made for monthly and annual income. Expenses include such items as personnel, equipment, supplies, insurance, professional growth, and maintenance. Remember it takes time to acquire a full enrollment. Make realistic projections for these beginning months.
The Proposal
When the study committee has completed its preliminary work and evaluated its findings, a proposal is made to the church. Information included in this report provides insight and awareness to the entire church body about an exciting new ministry—Church Weekday Education. A comprehensive summary of the committee's findings includes results of the church and community surveys, availability of space and needed changes, proposed type of program, tentative budget, and recommendation to appoint a permanent Church Weekday Education Committee. The permanent committee now represents the church in administering the new program. The booklet, The Weekday Early Education Committee, available at www.lifeway.com, provides guidance in helping the permanent Church Weekday Education committee implement its task in an effective way. Basic duties of the committee include:
Determine policies and procedures for operating and administering the weekday program.
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Assist the program director in developing a workable budget.
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See that the Church Weekday Education program and facilities comply with legal and licensing requirements.
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Direct public relations efforts to inform, involve, and educate church members and the community about the program.
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Report regularly to the church about the work of the weekday ministry.
- Organize the involvement of church members and parents as volunteers in the program.
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