Who Are We?

Crocus Academy Heartland is a quality preschool and prekindergarten program located in the heart of Elizabethtown. We offer a Bible based curriculum that includes an emphasis on all the core content areas required for a quality early childhood education. Crocus Academy opened in Bardstown in 2003, and we opened our second location in Elizabethtown in 2009. Our goal is to prepare young children socially, academically and spiritually for kindergarten without sacrificing the joy, wonder and curiosity of learning.

Every year we send out fundraiser packets to all our families in hopes of earning about $100.00 per student.  We have sold poinsettias, coffee, evergreen products and many other "big hits", but let's face it, no one likes to hit up their neighbors to buy something they really do not need.  Some of our families are new to the area or not from the area, and it is even harder to ask a stranger to support your child's school.  There is no fun in fundraising!

This year we are trying something a little different, but we need your support.  Each year we have several special needs that require funds that cannot be covered by tuition alone.  Your donation will help Crocus Academy Main Street and Crocus Academy Heartland support children and their families throughout this school year, events and activities that cannot be accomplished without your assistance.

I love our families and our staff, and every day I feel blessed to go to work, and I know they feel the same.  Ms. Karen, at a staff meeting today told me, "I can't wait to come to work on Monday!"  I have no words to express what that means, but I am pretty sure that it means that God is blessing our endeavors.

If you have a child or know a child who has ever attended Crocus Academy Main Street or Crocus Academy Heartland, then you know how wonderful our schools are, and how dedicated we are to providing the best start for young children.  Please take a moment to show your support.  Every donation will be used to provide for amazing experiences and needed opportunities for young children.

What Do We Need?

We try to make children feel special, and each year we have very specific needs for projects, events and celebrations that go beyond tuition.  Here are just a few, and I have tried to break down the approximate cost of each based upon last year's numbers.

• Fall Festival and Thanksgiving Celebration for Each Center ($500.00)
  
• Christmas Gift Books for Each Child ($200.00)
  
• Donuts for Dads ($100-$200)
  
• Muffins with Moms ($100-$200)
  
• Graduation and Promotion Events ($300.00)
  
• CCAP Co-Pay Assistance ($500.00)
  
• Tuition Discounts for Military (10% Non-Deployed Active Duty and 25% Deployed Active Duty) 
  
• Staff Appreciation during Child Care Provider Appreciation Week ($50-$100 per staff member)
  
• Upgrades in Equipment:  This one is special.  This year we would like to make iPad labs in both centers with six iPads per center.  Obviously this is a big one, but we might as well plan for success. :)
  

What Makes Us Special?

Our schools are really wonderful and reflect our commitment to excellence and our dedicated staff and supportive families.  Here are a few things that make us unique.

• 6:1 Student to Staff Ratio for Preschool Classes
  
• 8:1 Student to Staff Ratio for Prekindergarten Classes
  
• Bible Centered Weekly Themes

Comprehensive Curriculum that Addresses Core Content Areas like Language and Literacy; Science and Discovery; Block Play; Dramatic Play; Creative Expression; Music and Movement; Fine Motor and Sensory Activities; Gross Motor Activities; Self Help Skills, Social and Emotional Development and Screening and Assessment 

Educated and Experienced Teachers with Degrees that Include Associates in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education, Bachelors in IECE, Child Development Associates Degree, Commonwealth Child Care Credential, Director Credential, Training Credential, and more

• Positive Discipline for Preschoolers
• Ranked 3 Stars in the STARS for Kids Now Quality Enhancement Initiative
• Discounted Rates for Active Non-Deployed (10%) and Deployed (25%) Military Families

The Impact

Crocus Academy Main Street and Crocus Academy Heartland are centers that impact the communities.  Our students enter kindergarten programs confident and ready for success in school.  Your contributions will be a huge help in that process. I know that all these "extras" sound like a lot, but the little things matter.  We are small schools that strive to cater not only to the needs our our students and their families, but also to provide a quality employment opportunity to teachers who often get overlooked in the field of education.  A parent once told me that preschool might be more important than college, because if you don't like school young, then you may never get to college.  I chose the name Crocus Academy, because I think the crocus is pretty special.  It is the first flower of spring, often pushing up through snow and ice, and it blooms in every climate.  I want Crocus Academy to be the first place that children experience a lifelong love of learning, and I want them to "bloom" wherever they go.  

Risks & Challenges

Every year we start school with a set program and goals for the year, but things come up, and needs often change.  At Crocus Academy, we are dedicated to seeking solutions that go beyond money.  We partner with families to provide for needs where we can, and we commit to our families even during times of financial stress and uncertainty.  My personal commitment includes foregoing any personal compensation in the way of salary until all school needs are met.  My family and the families of my staff have cleaned, painted, scraped windows, planted flowers, cooked meals and much, much more to make our schools and special events successful.  We shall continue to do so, but we could use your financial help.  

Other Ways You Can Help

• Donate consumables like copy paper, card stock, and other paper goods
• Share our campaign on your social media sites  
• Tell your friends and neighbors 
• Check out our websites at www.crocusmainstreet.com and www.crocusheartland.com.