Android Tablet Designed Especially for Kids!

Tired of the kids grabbing your iPad, tablet or smart phone?  Do you wish you could afford to buy them their own device?  You are not alone!  In the very near future, you will be able to buy the new Nabi Tablet, the first, full-featured Android tablet designed especially for kids!

The Nabi has a Duo Core 1.1GHz processor and a high-resolution, 7-inch display that allows the kids to easily read books, watch movies and TV shows, listen to music, play games and otherwise have fun.  It comes pre-loaded with games, music, apps and books and will run over 500 applications and games catered to kids found in the Nabi App Store.   The tablet includes:

• Its a University: The award-winning Fooz Kids University is a Nabi exclusive with over 22,000 state standardized math skills covering grades Pre-K through 5th.
• Its a Design Studio: 30+ apps from drawing and painting to creating professional quality books allow for creative exploration that can be shared with friends and family.
• Its a Movie Theater: A 7-inch brilliant 1080p display lets children watch their favorite TV shows and movies at home or on-the-go.
• Its a Library: 30 pre-loaded e-Books make stories come to life and encourage children of all ages to read.
• It’s a Game Console: Tilt-sensor controls and a Multi-Touch display puts children in control of their favorite games such as Angry Birds, Cut the Rope, Fruit Ninja and Need for Speed.

A  Toys “R” Us exclusive, the Nabi is compact and lightweight, easy for small hands to hold.  It will be available on December 1, 2011, but you can pre-order one now!  Compared to the adult alternatives, it is very reasonably priced at $199.99.

Plus, it has a “Mommy Mode” which allows adults (Dad’s included) to tap a button, enter a password and you can enjoy a full-featured Android tablet to browse the Web and use favorite apps and games.  Now we might be grabbing our kid’s tablet!

Keeping Military Families Connected

On November 5, Sesame Street and The Electric Company unveiled a new collection of resources for military families.  Produced by Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street and The Electric Company, these innovative resources are designed to military families stay connected and communicate during times of tremendous change and uncertainty.

Provided in cooperation with the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, these new resources include:

• FamiliesNearAndFar.org – a free bilingual website designed for military families
• Feel Electric! – a free mobile app, available on the App Store, that encourages children to explore and express their emotions
• The Electric Company Magazine Special Edition for Military Families
• The Electric Company Extended Learning Program – afterschool tools for educators, filled with literacy and math-based lesson plans, games, activities and tips.

While Sesame Street is generally associated with toddlers and preschool age children, there are also resources designed for school-age children.  They recognize that school-age kids need support in handling the challenges of being part of a military family, especially the added stress of having a parent deployed.  The Electric Company  is giving these older kids a way to express themselves.  Using the website, children (young and old) can create art, make a video, record an audio message, create a greeting card and customize a family page, including adding Sesame Street characters as friends.

Content will be distributed through multiple military channels, including Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA), Boys and Girls Club of America and other programs that support military families.  CompuChild will also promote the initiative to its centers, parents and students.

Extra Thank You to Veterans

In honor of Veterans Day, CompuChild is thanking veterans by offering an additional incentive to  to all honorably-discharged veterans and reservists.  CompuChild honors military veterans all year round by offering service members a discount of 20% off the initial franchise fee, allowing veterans to use their training and operational skills in a new civilian career.  To celebrate Veterans Day 2011, CompuChild is also offering a special upgraded equipment package at no charge to the next three veterans to sign a franchise agreement before March 31^st, 2012.

Because of CompuChild’s commitment to veterans, CompuChild has been ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide and named a 2011 Military Friendly Franchise^® by G.I. Jobs Magazine. CompuChild also recognizes the importance of family, especially critical for military personnel.  Therefore, CompuChild extends its Military Benefit Program to the spouses of all honorably-discharge veterans, reservists and active duty service personnel.  “We have several military spouses operating a CompuChild franchise. ” said Julie Standish, President of CompuChild.   “Additionally, our Corporate Trainer is married to a Marine who is currently serving in Afghanistan.  We greatly respect the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans and their families.”

The respect goes both ways.  According to Mark Fey, Air Force Veteran and CompuChild franchisee from West Des Moines, Iowa, “The support we receive from our corporate office is outstanding.  I couldn’t be happier with the organization.  The company is very attentive to our needs as franchise owners.  Julie (Standish) and her staff continually implement or revise new lesson plans, products, etc. that make our program stronger.  Although the company and other franchise owners are very supportive, I know that ultimately the success of my business rests on my shoulders.”

“The Military Friendly Franchises^® list was created three years ago out of demand from military veterans, many of whom want to start or own their own business but are unclear where to begin,” said Sean Collins, director for G.I. Jobs.  “Being selected as a Military Friendly Franchise places CompuChild in this elite group, and is testimony to CompuChild’s world class programs and policies that support military veterans interested franchise opportunities”.

Thank you veterans.  Wishing all of you a wonderful Veterans Day!

Online Halloween Happenings for Kids

Looking for some online activities for the kids this Halloween.  Learn about pumpkin patches, make Halloween crafts, play some games with a Halloween twist, or create an eCard using pictures of the kids.  Check out a few of our favorites through the links below.

1. Learn about Pumpkins
2. Halloween Crafts
3. PBS Halloween Online Games
4. More Online Games and Activities
5. Create a Halloween eCard

Keep your children safe and let the kids have fun!

Sesame Street 2.0

This week, Sesame Street, a perennial favorite of parents, children and their care givers, launched their 42nd season with a new twist.  Elmo, Grover, Big Bird and friends on Sesame Street will know be learning about 21st century skills.  The show will focus on a STEM curriculum.  STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and math.  It is buzz word that educators and even President Obama use in an effort to bring awareness to these specific subjects where  U.S. students are falling behind their peers in other countries. animations.  While much of the focus on STEM education has been directed at older children, Sesame Street is bringing awareness to younger children.

“Sesame Street’s curriculum fosters children’s natural inclinations to ask questions and encourages investigation and experimentation in order to make new discoveries,” adds Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, Vice President of Education and Research, Sesame Workshop.  “By approaching STEM education as an integrated discipline through the process of scientific inquiry, rather than individual domains, the curriculum helps children develop a better understanding of how things work, and builds stronger cognitive reasoning, critical thinking and problem solving skills.”

According to the Sesame Street Workshop, producers of the the show, Season 42 of Sesame Street also introduces a new interstitial featuring the excitable, inquisitive and furry orange monster, Murray. In 11 new segments airing at the beginning of each STEM-related show, Murray poses a scientific question and sets up an experiment to find the best answer to his question. With help from some friends, Murray observes, investigates and discovers the answers to his questions! “Murray’s Science Experiments” furthers the season’s STEM curriculum focus and helps preschoolers say, “Let’s find out!”

With the focus on STEM education, the show will have a brand new segment “Murray’s Science Experiments;” new “Super Grover 2.0” stories and new “Abby’s Flying Fairy School.”  We are very excited to see more focus given to these disciplines.  Since 1994, CompuChild has been a supporter of technology education for young children and we are thrilled that others see the benefit as well.  What do you think of the changes to Sesame Street?

Do you dream of owning a business?

I work with entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs everyday.  While it is exciting to dream of owning your own business, most people never leave the dreaming stage.  To go from dreamer to owner, it takes time, resources and self-confidence.

To be successful with any business, you need to invest time in the beginning.  Even before you buy, the work begins.  Do your homework, complete your due diligence and be confident to move forward. To help you get started right, there are many great resources available to assist you.  Many are even FREE or low cost.  Here are a few of my favorites:

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides many great resources and checklists to help you start, finance and run your small business.

Another great resource that is often overlooked is Service Corps of Retired Executives, better known as SCORE.  It is a national, government funded program that provides free advice and support from thousands of experienced, successful businesspeople to aspiring and current small-business owners.

Supported by the SBA, Small Business Development Centers provide no-cost business consulting and low-cost training.  There are approximately 1,000 service centers throughout the U.S. to give you guidance on writing business plans, accessing capital, marketing, regulatory compliance, international trade and more.  There are also centers dedicating to helping women-owned businesses. One of our newer franchisees successfully worked with her local center.  After completion of a business plan and few meetings with the agency, she obtained a low-interest rate loan to start her CompuChild business.

You can either continue to dream about owning a business or you can own a business.  When you are serious about buying, take time to conduct your research and utilize the resources available to you.

Child Services Franchise Report

Are you interested in opening a business working with children?  Then you have to check out a recent report from Franchise Business Review.  They provide great insight into the industry and include a list of Top 10 Child-Related Franchises based on franchisee satisfaction.

Yes, you heard correct…franchisee satisfaction.  They actually surveyed 10,235 franchisees—752 from the child services sector—representing more than 300 brands.   Input from existing franchisees plays a significant role in FBR’s research.  What a great way to learn about the child services industry!

CompuChild is proud to be named to the Top 10 Child-Related Franchises list for 2011.  Check out the report and learn more about the industry.  If you are interested in a top rated child services franchise, give CompuChild a call.  1-800-619-KIDS

U.S. Military Promoting Education in Afghanistan

As our nation celebrates Memorial Day, we remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.  We are also reminded of the men and women currently serving.  While they are protecting us and promoting freedom around the globe, they are also improving lives through education.

In Afghanistan, three decades of war has left the Afghan people with huge gaps in education.  According to the Afghan Literacy Foundation, eighty five percent of the population has less than an elementary school education.  Many schools have either been inadequate or nonexistent.

Our nation recognizes the value of education and our military is working hard to promote education for Afghan boys and girls.  Service members from the U.S. Marine Corps, Danish Army, British Army and the Afghan National Army are assisting local Afghans by building schools.  The schools are being built in many districts throughout Afghanistan in hopes that many children will receive an education, especially teaching boys as well as girls to read.  Since Afghan culture forbids the boys and girls to attend school together, the boys attend during the morning while the girls attend in afternoons.

Besides a shared passion to promote education and the well-being of children, CompuChild (a 2011 Military Friendly Franchise) takes a special interest in this mission in Afghanistan.  While CompuChild has always strived to support our country’s military, one of our director’s husband has taken it a step beyond our borders.  David Lucero of South Carolina is currently deployed in Afghanistan with the US Marine Corps.  He is the CMO Effects & Education Officer, 2^nd Marine Division.   Basically, David is working with the Civil Affairs unit of the Marine Corps which is providing support to the Afghan people in efforts to improve Afghan quality of living.  The coalition is working to improve township infrastructure, training in small business, agriculture and the education of Afghan children.  The coalition meets with the leaders of the townships, assesses their needs in these areas and supports the people with direction as well as funding.

We applaud the work of our military in their efforts to improve the lives of young children and promote literacy in Afghanistan.  Special thanks to David and Beryl Lucero for their efforts as well as their assistance with this post.  Keep up the great work.

Click on link to learn more about CompuChild’s Military Benefit Program.  Click on link to see the full list of 2011 Military Friendly Franchises.

Technology for Tomorrow

We believe early childhood is the best time to start learning technology skills.  Not only will children with technology skills excel academically, but these skills will help them develop a love of learning that will lead them to fulfilling futures as engineers, scientists, teachers, artists, designers, musicians, IT professionals and so many more rewarding careers.  A new non-profit organization in Rhode Island shares our passion for early childhood technology education…Technology for Tomorrow.  

  

According to Project RED, Rhode Island is ranked 49th in the nation in providing technology access to students in public schools.  The need for improvement is overwhelming.  Robin Gardner, the founder of Technology for Tomorrow and CompuChild franchisee, recognized the challenges within her community and a created a non-profit to address the need for better technology education.  Her organization’s objective is to help make technology education available to early childhood students in RI preschools, kindergartens, and after-school programs.  According to Ms. Gardner, ”Technology for Tomorrow was created to help put the pieces together for the growing number of Rhode Island early childhood students and their families on the wrong side of the ever-widening Digital Divide.”  

  

CompuChild is proud to be the first corporate sponsor of this worthy cause.  If you are interested in learning more about Technology for Tomorrow or would like to make a donation, please visit their website www.techfortomorrow.org.

  

 

 

Franchise Growing in South Florida

We are very excited to expand the CompuChild presence in Florida to ten franchise units.  We would like to officially welcome Dena Iagrossi from Deerfield Beach, FL to the CompuChild community.  Dena lives in Deerfield Beach, Florida just north of Fort Lauderdale.

With Dena’s assistance, we can now offer affordable, age-appropriate computer instruction conducted in childcare centers and preschools to even more of Florida’s young children.  Dena will be serving northern Broward and southern Palm Beach Counties, including Florida communities such as Boyton Beach, Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach and Pompano Beach.

CompuChild classes are offered on a regular basis to provide children with a structured progressive curriculum in technology education while utilizing educational software.  In fun and fast-paced classes, children learn about computers in an environment that emphasizes collaboration and cooperation.

CompuChild is currently adding new schools to the schedule.  For more information about this educational and fun enrichment program in Broward or Palm Beach Counties in Florida, local child care centers, school directors and parents may call 954-263-0580 or email diagrossi@compuchild.com.

If you are interested in learning more about opportunities for classes or franchising in another locale, please contact the corporate office at 1-800-619-KIDS or info@compuchild.com.