Give Orlando children a better start with early education

Any time a child spends on an early childhood education waiting list is lost time.

Early childhood programs change lives for the better, and the benefits are plain to see. There is a wealth of academic research on the topic, showing the obvious benefits like better academic outcomes, and the lesserknown, like lower crime rates.

In my experience as an educator, I have seen that children with a good foundation of early education tend to be more resilient and stable. A good early childhood education also helps develop emotional intelligence, social skills, character, resourcefulness and grit. The earlier they start, the longer they have to develop these traits.

A community that educates its children from an early age is a healthy community, and Orlando families know that. They are asking for more and better opportunities, and government is responding. Gov. Ron DeSantis recently announced an expansion of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, allowing low-income families to choose private school for their children.

However, the local supply of highquality education programs, particularly for early childhood, have not kept up with the demand of Orlando’s growing population. In 2015, the waiting list for Head Start Pre-K programs in Orange County was between 6,000 and 8,000 names deep. Families face years-long waits for early childhood education, particularly for high-quality programs.

There are many ways to address the early childhood education shortage in Orlando. But private enterprise can also help, offering more diverse programs in the community, reducing waiting lists and giving families more choices. Orlando’s children need these programs, but those aspiring to open schools may need help getting off the ground.

A tough road

It is not easy to start your own school. Opening a school and developing a curriculum is a huge challenge. People who have a true heart for children, who dream of creating a great program for kids in their area, might be scared off by the enormity of the task.

When my sister and I were inspired to start MUSE School, we consulted with a head of school at another innovative program. He looked us in the eyes and said, “Are you sure?”

We didn’t let that stop us, though, and the rewards have been phenomenal. We have touched the lives of so many families. Looking back, I can see how the challenges would put opening a school from scratch out of the reach of many excellent educators. People who would otherwise provide superb programs for their communities might find that the road is too difficult.

A helping hand

Thanks to the franchise model, though, aspiring early childhood educators don’t have to go it alone. Franchising is an avenue that will let them move forward and fill in the gaps, providing early childhood education programs to children who might otherwise linger on a waiting list.

A franchise model is a blueprint that can save aspiring educators from having to reinvent the wheel. It can provide curriculum, training and support to help get an early childhood education program set up and enrolling children quickly.

An education franchise will come with a proven curriculum and operating procedures that give people the tools to get a school started. This is what MUSE Global and other education franchises are offering to areas like Orlando that struggle with long waiting lists for quality programs.

Diverse options

It takes a special kind of person to start an early childhood education program. I’ve found that we all have certain traits in common. We have a big heart for kids and families. We’re dreamers. We want to be a good influence on children and maybe, through them, create a better world.

It is important that aspiring educators find curricula that align with their own dreams — their own ideals for what makes a great program — and offer that program to children and families in their area. Early childhood education is not one-size-fits-all. Families need choices.

Our philosophy at MUSE Global is to offer a child-centered model of passion based learning, engaging the child’s interests in a holistic learning experience and instilling in these children an understanding of sustainable living. Other programs offer different education styles and specialties, so people looking to open a franchise early education program can find one that aligns with their dreams.

There is clearly a need for more early childhood education programs in Orlando and around the world. It is my hope that all aspects of society, including government, individuals and private business, will see the need and work to address it. The MUSE model is just one way, and we are trying to do our part.