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Community Education reports growth, Mulberry Bush childcare expands capacity
Summary
Community Education told the board it added 48 new classes in the past year, grew unique participants by 412, increased social media reach, and expanded Mulberry Bush childcare capacity with a goal of a 6% districtwide increase and 100% capacity at Mulberry Bush.
Community Education staff updated the Plymouth Joint School District board on program growth and childcare capacity. Carly (Community Education) said staff offered 48 new classes over the last year and reported an increase of 412 unique participants across their offerings. Social media reach has grown (Instagram up ~25%, Facebook up ~10%), and staff launched a new logo designed by a former program participant who is now a district graphic designer.
Staff described outreach and incentives put in place to meet KPIs: free fitness center memberships for permanent faculty and staff, senior discount pricing for classes, expanded indoor hall walking year-round and flyer distribution at concerts and community events. The participation KPI targets a 5% increase in community recreation registrations, driven by registration cycles and data collected in the district’s MyRec registration system.
On childcare, Community Ed said the district aims for a 6% increase in the total number of children served across childcare programs and a target of 100% capacity for Mulberry Bush classrooms (goal reflected as 342 children across the program). Since adding an extra classroom in September, staff reported current counts: infant/ baby room 6 children (expected to increase to 8 by May), toddler room 9 with three current openings, preschool/3-year-old room 12 (at capacity). The program’s capacity is 36 children based on space, but staffing—many positions constrained to part-time (up to ~29 hours)—is the limiting factor; staff explained that adding one full-time slot typically requires hiring two part-time employees to meet hours and ratios.
Board members asked about marketing strategy; Community Ed said they had not actively promoted Mulberry Bush while there was no capacity but plan to begin marketing now that openings exist and will promote 3K registration in January. The board and staff agreed the district will review KPI progress at the July meeting when full-year numbers are compiled.
