Developmental Depot (DD) is solely-owned and operated by Sarah Gould.
She is the on-site director for this facility. Gould has had a continuous
commitment to children and families for three years. DD was established
as a licensed family child care home in 2000. It is a business that
has provided child care for infants and toddlers since its inception.
DD is an expanding company as demonstrated by its proven track record
of doubling its licensed care over the last three years from 4 children
to 8 children.
The next stage of expansion for DD will be to expand its child care
service base to at least 18 infants and toddlers. This expansion will
rely on the proven skills of its director to take advantage of the
growing needs for quality child care and a sound business plan.
DD
will differentiate itself from its competitors through offering infant
and toddler care at non-traditional hours (6am-11pm). The availability
of quality licensed child care during nontraditional hours fills a
void for families that have varied work schedules, such as evening
shifts, retail employees, or grocery store employees that are open
till 9 pm, or need an evening out. DD will be the only facility in
Joplin to offer nontraditional hours of care to the general public.
In addition, DD is working toward meeting Missouri accreditation standards.
In February 2003, Gould started working with the Small Business
Development Center to be able to obtain information and consulting
services. She attended the "Starting
a Small Business: The First Steps" and "Developing
Successful Business Plans" workshops. In March, she began individual
consultation with Lisa Robinson at the SBDC to develop her business
plan for expansion of her current facility at its present location.
In May, Gould received a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship, a project of the
Missouri Child Care Resource and Referral Network. This scholarship
covers books, tuition, and a substitute provider for three hours a
week for Gould. Gould takes advantage of educational resources as
available. Currently Gould is attending classes at Missouri Southern
State University-Joplin, and Southwest Missouri State University.
Gould inspires to receive her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education.
In August, after being unable to expand at the present location,
Gould identified a facility at 3208 Finley, Joplin, Missouri, where
expansion needs could be met. This facility needs interior paint throughout,
minimal exterior paint, floor refinishing or resurfacing, upgraded
fire alarm system and other minor repairs. Because of increased numbers
to be served, additional child care equipment will be needed (i.e.
cots, cribs, shelves, toys, etc.). She also received notification
that she received a grant from the Missouri Department of Social Services,
Division of Family Services, which will cover the majority of the
additional equipment and renovation costs.
She contacted Robinson to begin work on her business plan to expand
her operation with the purchase of the facility.
In September, Gould completed her comprehensive business plan and
three year projections. She received confirmation of SBA approval
of her loan to purchase the Finley location.
Gould is proof that with hard work and determination dreams can
turn into reality. "I appreciate the assistance of the Small
Business Development Center at MSSU. Without the training opportunities
and one-on-one consultation I would not be expanding today."
Developmental Depot
3208 Finley
Joplin, MO 64804
(417) 624-8687
sgould79@yahoo.com
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