'Teacher' Discounts

The power of social networking became evident recently when Jo-Ann Fabrics changed its policy on teacher discounts to make child care center teachers and family child care providers eligible for the 15% discount.  Tom Copeland covered, and fanned the flames, of this controversy on his Taking Care of Business Blog.  Here is Tom's summation of what happened...

"This controversy began... when Jacqueline Crocker, an NAFCC accredited family child care provider posted on Jo-Ann's Facebook page: "Would you please consider extending the teacher appreciation discounts to preschool teachers as well?"

"This posting launched a social media campaign in the family child care field.  Over 60 child care providers posted comments on Jo-Ann's Facebook page urging them to change its policy.  Child care providers also voiced their opinions on a Linkedin child care group, child care forums, as well as on Facebook, and Twitter.  My social media consultant wrote about this on her blog, which generated additional attention.  I wrote two blog posts here and there about the controversy and all 99 votes on my blog poll wanted this change.  Others wrote letters to Jo-Ann, including NAFCC and myself.

"Jo-Ann's announcement appeared on their Facebook page and website and within a few hours many child care providers posted their thanks.   Jacqueline Crocker wrote, "Congratulations to Jo-Ann's!  You have become a corporate partner in the education of our young children.  I'm heading there today."

"My thanks to all the child care providers who took time to express themselves and stand up for their profession!  You made a difference."

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.

© 2005 Child Care Information Exchange - All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Return to Site