"Just breathe...you got this!" (my Mom)

I've been doing this a while now... taking care of children and their families, and my large staff of educators. 
In 2008 when I expanded, and created Little Bears, I had no idea that it would grow to the business that it is today.
I sit in silence....
Today I am in my office and I can hear sounds of children all around me. I can hear educators responding to the children's stories with an  excited, "Really?".. and "That's so incredible.".... my staff are amazing. I feel so lucky to have these incredible educators working in ALL of my centres.
The past 6 months have been tough. There has been many highs and many lows throughout my 23 year long career, but the past 6 months have been especially trying on me.....
Every Licensed centre has felt the crunch 
Every centre has lost staff (many) due to low wages, 
Every child care owner I have spoken with is at a loss over how to find qualified staff, and how to pay them well enough so that they will stay, and so that they can still afford to stay open.....
"Just Breathe.... you got this!"
In October 2018, I significantly increased my staff's wages.In order to do this however, the parent fees went up. (now the parents feel more pressure).... 
I have hired 5 new educators, and we are so excited about some Government news that is going to be announced soon.
The centre took a huge hit with the wage increase, but it is necessary to keep the wonderful staff I have happy, as well as making a living wage. They deserve this....

Things are looking up and I can feel my dreams starting to take fruition..... slowly
There are new grants available that will help us finish the Spirit Bear Lodge and create another Infant/Toddler Program! We WILL be able to add a sprinkler system , and wheel chair accessibility to one of our buildings, allowing children with special rights to enter safely.
Staff wages will be topped up again, in early 2019, and again in 2020. (a silent ..yessss!)
After big lows, follow big highs. I can feel us on the rise, and this time; the sky is the limit!
Little Bears is celebrating our 10th year this month! I remember the day it opened like it was yesterday.....
My own children, now 13 and 11 were just tiny when we opened the doors. Little Eva wasn't even around yet.... so hard to imagine.
We have so much to be excited for, and the future is bursting with opportunity! I am incredibly thankful to have this opportunity to work with such amazing educators, and incredible families in our community. Everyday I am honoured to be part of your children's lives. What a gift. 
I am planning on writing monthly again in my blog, and keeping everyone up to date with all the wonderful changes that are going on around us.

"Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprise." Demosthenes

Thank you for reading,
​Warmly,
Lexie

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