Meet Jessica Scharlau and Tom de Grauw of Kids Connect in East Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Scharlau and Tom de Grauw.

Jessica and Tom, please share your story with us.
I came up with the idea 8 years ago. I had been working as a teacher in a self-contained emotional disability (ED) classroom. My students’ families still required after school care, however the typical day cares were unsuited for working with kids with high needs. They simply did not meet the needs of these special children. Tom also worked in a self-contained ED classroom and later transferred to my school where he worked in an autism self-contained classroom. Together we made Kids Connect a reality.

We knew there was a need for our type of specialized day care however, we had to start off small as we were both still full-time teachers. Our first move was to start a camp for kids with special needs during school breaks. This is another need for our student population. Each time a long break came up, our students would exhibit more behaviors due to anxiety of not being in a routine during the week(s) off. We decided to put a program in place that will give these kids continued care in terms of structure, routine, academics, behavior management, sensory regulation, etc. We did this by creating Camp Kids Connect and gave parents an option for peace of mind care during the breaks. Our camp was modeled after our own structured self-contained classrooms using behavior management techniques we found to be successful in class. We keep our students engaged through S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) activities. Kids work collaboratively on hands on activities which are themed to go along with the season or holidays during that time of the year. Low student to adult ratio is another perk of Kids Connect. Unlike traditional camps or even day cares whose numbers range upwards of 20 kids to 1 adult, Kids Connect will not go over 6 to 1. Low ratios help support the kids with whatever needs they may have.

Our first camp was in the fall of 2016. Since then, we have had 4 camps with 8-10 children in each. We have had very positive experiences all filled with happy children and amazing feedback from the parents. Additionally, we have a very high rate of returning families which makes us so proud.

Beginning this year, we are very excited to announce that we will be expanding our business to add after school care. We have decided to take a leap of faith and with the support of our current families, we are taking the next step in our ultimate dream. Students and their families will now be offered a more appropriate choice of child care where children will receive the support they need, and parents will have peace of mind.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
We know this is a much-needed service, but we are having trouble getting the word out to our clientele. Also, we are currently full-time teachers, raising a family and trying to follow our dream of growing Kids Connect. It is a tough balance but something we strongly believe in.

So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Kids Connect story. Tell us more about the business.
We are unlike any other daycare or after school program for children because we specialize in servicing kids with unique needs. We can do this because of our backgrounds in schooling and employment history. We have more experience dealing with special needs, a range of diagnoses, implementing Individualized Education Plans and behavior plans than your typical daycare. Additionally, we value the whole child and the importance of working as part of the team that surrounds them.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
We are lucky enough to work in an amazing school district and have administration who believes in us as well. They have graciously welcomed our business on their campus and as a result, we will have many students we will be able to serve. We are also blessed to have an amazing family and friend support system. We receive so much advice, support and encouragement from them and we would not be able to grow without them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kidsconnectaz.com
• Email: kidsconnectaz@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsconnectaz
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidsconnectaz
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/kidsconnectaz

Image Credit:
Blackburn Photography

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