Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Colin Page McGinnis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Colin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
Since 1922, SproutFive has been at the forefront of providing holistic, high-quality early education to children from six weeks to five years old. Embedded within affordable housing, education institutions, workplaces, and nonprofit hubs, SproutFive’s unique approach integrates child care with social work, empowering families and promoting women’s participation in the workforce. However, even with a robust history, SproutFive faced challenges in an industry plagued by outdated practices and regulations. That’s when the Connor Group Kids and Community Partners stepped in, offering a transformative $4 million gift. The journey began when SproutFive, then South Side Early Learning, caught the attention of the Connor Group. While the specifics of how they discovered the organization remain unknown, the year-long process of finalizing the agreement was filled with anticipation and gratitude. This substantial investment was unlike anything SproutFive had received before, sparking questions about sustainability and financial stewardship. However, the biggest challenge lay in embracing the audacity to dream big—to reimagine early education and become truly transformational.
One year into this funding, we have already accomplished significant milestones. They have ensured that all their teachers are compensated on par with school district salaries, providing an average wage increase of around $9 per hour compared to the median child care worker salary in the city. Additionally, SproutFive has expanded its reach by adding three new locations and training over 600 teachers. These achievements are commendable, considering the common challenges faced by all child care providers: low reimbursement rates, an undervalued workforce, the perception of being mere “day care” facilities, and the rising cost of care.
Accepting the transformational gift required us to invest in our operations. New team members were brought on board to enhance capacity and allow existing members to focus on their strengths. The majority of the funds will be allocated towards refining operations, developing best practices, and investing in the organization’s overall infrastructure. The focus is on sharing successful models and scaling their impact.
By 2028, thanks to this funding, SproutFive aims to serve nearly ten times the number of children compared to when they started. Not only will their direct services expand, but they also plan to impact the lives of families not enrolled in their program through content sharing, partnerships, and professional development initiatives. Moreover, SproutFive is committed to building the early childhood workforce by training over 100 teachers annually. Their research center will continue pioneering innovation in the field, propelling the entire industry forward.
Embracing transformational giving in the nonprofit sector is a unique experience. It allows organizations like SproutFive to dream big, test wild ideas, and fail fast. While being pioneers may come with uncertainties and challenges, it necessitates humility and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Trusting the team and engaging in difficult conversations are essential. Reflecting on this journey, SproutFive’s leadership stands resolute, ready to embark on a similar path if given the chance.
In a child care industry often burdened by regulations, outdated practices, and stagnation, SproutFive’s risk-taking spirit, commitment to its vision, and dedication to innovation are inspiring. Their transformational gift from Connor Group Kids and Community Partners has paved the way for SproutFive to shape the future of early education, making a lasting impact on the lives of children, families, and the entire field.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Introducing SproutFive: Nurturing Early Education and Empowering Communities
Hello readers, I’m delighted to share the inspiring story of SproutFive, an organization dedicated to providing holistic, high-quality early education and transforming communities. My journey with SproutFive began in 2018, where I joined as a developmental psychologist, bringing my expertise in child development and a passion for creating positive change in the lives of young children.
At SproutFive, we firmly believe that every child deserves a strong foundation during their first five years of life. Our goal is to ensure that all children have access to a holistic learning experience that nurtures their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. We approach this mission with a century of history behind us and a vibrant startup mindset that propels us forward.
Our unique model revolves around co-locating early education and child care within nonprofit hubs, education institutions, affordable housing complexes, and employers. By removing barriers and providing convenient access to high-quality care, we aim to make early education an integral part of community development. We understand that empowering families, supporting teachers, and engaging communities are vital components of early childhood education. We embrace the belief that it takes a village to raise a child, and we are dedicated to empowering that village to ensure the best possible start for our children.
SproutFive’s services extend beyond “just child care.” We are committed to supporting the entire ecosystem surrounding children, including families, teachers, and communities. Through our holistic approach, we strive to create an environment where children can thrive, families can access necessary resources, and teachers can receive the support they need to excel in their vital roles.
Our rich history is a testament to our commitment to innovation, thought leadership, and community engagement. SproutFive’s journey began in 1922 as the South Side Day Nursery, a grassroots initiative by the Work and Pleasure Club and the South Side Civic Association. This collaboration recognized the importance of child care in empowering women to participate in the workforce. Over the years, our organization expanded, changed names, and evolved to meet the changing needs of the community.
Throughout our history, we have consistently sought opportunities for growth and improvement. From establishing centralized weekly themes in the 1970s to acquiring Hilltop Preschool in 2021, we have continuously strived to enhance our offerings and provide the best possible experience for children and families. In 2021, we established the Center for Early Childhood Innovation, an open access research institute, and the NUDL Center for Professional Learning, a teacher-to-teacher professional development program. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to staying at the forefront of early childhood education practices and fostering continuous learning for our teachers.
What sets SproutFive apart is our unwavering dedication to innovation and reimagining the field of early learning. We are proud to challenge the status quo, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in an industry often burdened by outdated practices and regulations. Our commitment to providing equitable access to high-quality education and support services for all children sets us apart. We strive to be a national leader in the early education landscape, paving the way for other organizations to follow in our footsteps.
When it comes to our clients, potential partners, and supporters, we want them to know that we are committed to their children’s success. We provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children can grow and develop to their full potential. We prioritize collaboration and partnerships, working hand in hand with families, educators, and community members to create lasting impact. We are proud of our accomplishments, from expanding our locations and training hundreds of teachers to championing innovation and thought leadership in the early childhood education field.
In conclusion, SproutFive is more than just a collection of classrooms. We are a dedicated team of professionals, passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and their families. Our rich history, commitment to innovation, and belief in the power of community set us apart. We invite you to join us in our journey to reimagine early education, empower children, and create a brighter future for all.
Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?
Early childhood is notorious for small profit margins, especially when dealing with publicly funded child care. SproutFive actually uses it’s professional development work and research center to act as social enterprises to fund the mission work of our classrooms. We would not be able to sustain the organization without these operations.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Our organization, and myself as a leader, are authentic to “who are we” and what we believe in—even when that is unpopular. It has etched us out as the innovators in the sector, and as those who specialize in infant and toddler care. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sproutfive.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sproutfiveofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sproutfive
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sproutfive/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sproutfive
- Other: Colin’s social media: https://www.twitter.com/colinpagemcginn https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinmcginnis/