Add your idea »

Little Dolphin School... expanding their model


Question:

How does The Little Dolphin School partner with private companies, nonprofits and/or other public organizations, to expand their model of early education?

Mission:   Excellence in early childhood education & the arts for children zero to six, regardless of social or economic status.

Programs:  Infant, toddler, preschool, pre-K, kindergarten, music & dance, movement education, yoga, healthy meals, theater arts, visual arts, early literacy, age-specific classrooms, academic internships, tuition assistance, private kindergarten scholarships, transitional families in need assistance

History:

1977- Established as a nonprofit nursery school in New York City by Sheila Brier, an early pioneer in ECE.

1999 - The Westbrook campus opens as the largest child care center in Maine, with full comprehensive services for families with young children and a professional staff of educators.

2007 – LDS celebrates its 30th anniversary with the grand opening of the Scarborough campus.

Organizational Structure:  The Little Dolphin School is led by Steve Brier, a medical educator and child advocate.  The volunteer board of directors includes ten individuals who love kids.

Financial:  2007 – 2008 fiscal budget is $ 1.75M for Scarborough & Westbrook schools

Demographics:  Little Dolphin has about 40% of its students in the low-to-moderate income category.  The two learning centers serve over 275 families each year.  Our faculty and student body represent over 16 countries.

Growth Goal:  Through philanthropy and our commercial real estate model, we would like to add 3 – 5 schools over the next 7 years.  Ultimately, we would like to reach thousands of young children and families in the coming decade.

Strengths:  Early learning programs and state-of-the-art facilities in high exposure/ commuter locations that are unmatched.  We have built a tremendous reputation for excellence in child care, earning the trust of families, educators and social agencies in the greater Portland area.

Challenges:  Educating the public on the importance of child brain development and the role of child care.  Providing  early childcare to all families regardless of socio-economic status. 

Question:  How does The Little Dolphin School  partner with private companies, nonprofits and/or other public organizations, to expand their model of early education?

See PowerPoint presentation