Private- Amy Burrell

1.       Develop strategies for funding and procedures.

Strategy 1:          The technology specialist will purchase technology tools and accessories for student learning stations based on budget allowances. Each station will be equipped with a computer, desk, chair, speaker, headphones, and broadband internet access.

Procedure:       Furniture (two computer tables and four chairs) will be purchased from www.Schooloutfitters.com and computers from www.dell.com (PC, monitor, and speakers). Initial costs are estimated to be $2,715.37. The annual expansion of new materials and supplies budget allows for $2,500 covering most of the initial cost, remaining amount to be covered by parent donations and or corporate sponsorship.  

Estimated Technology Expense Report- Budget Allocations for Funding and Implementation: Excel Spreadsheet

Strategy 2:          The technology specialist will recruit parents for a one-time donation each year to supplement the initial cost of student learning stations and to purchase monthly Broadband internet access. Funding may also be contributed to yearly expenses, which include maintenance cost, the technology specialist salary, and for teacher training.

Procedure:       Broadband modems will be purchased from www.mycricket.com at $45 per modem with unlimited access for $48 per month. Initial cost are $180, monthly coverage fee equals to $576 per year. Parents will receive a letter requesting donations to compensate technology expenses and an invitation to a parent training session. The session will introduce the technology plan for the upcoming school year; include resources about the benefits of technology being integrated into the learning process, and present free online websites and applications that the parents can introduce at home to promote student learning using technology. Parents will be invited to view technological progress within the school and among students online via the schools website www.worldofwonderpreschool.com.  

Letter eliciting parental contribution to assist in initial purchasing (computers and materials)
and implementation cost (technology specialist salary and teacher training).

Strategy 3:          The technology specialist will obtain a corporate sponsor to help compensate yearly maintenance cost. These costs a yearly computer maintenance fee, the technology specialist salary, and for teacher training.

Procedure:       Bestbuy.com provides yearly service rates for PC maintenance for up to five computers for $499 per year. This service provides technical support, service visits, and basic maintenance throughout the 12 month cycle. The technology specialist will receive a monthly bonus of $500 per pay period ($6,000 annually) to compensate technical and managerial services. Finally, $2000 is allotted for quarterly teacher training compensations and annual technology workshop. Total cost is $8500. To meet goals and objectives corporate sponsorship letters will be sent to various community businesses and organizations to meet the high cost of implementing and maintaining a technology plan. Corporate sponsors will receive advertisement opportunities on World of Wonder Preschool website and a bi-annual newsletter reporting the benefits of their contributions.

Letter to establish corporate sponsorship for monthly and yearly expenses (maintenance, salary,

and training).

2.       Develop strategies for management plans and procedures.

Strategy 1:          The technology specialist will promote ongoing professional development by providing access to online resources, courses, workshops and conferences for teachers to increase confidence, knowledge, skills and abilities related to integrating technology.

Procedure:       Teachers will attend quarterly training sessions and will receive compensation for time spent. The technology specialist will prepare, organize, and present training sessions based on student needs and learning opportunities.

Strategy 2:          The technology specialist will maintain student workstations. Computers need to be inspected and maintained regularly, as well as, keeping the area neat and clean.

Procedure:       Computers will be annually maintained by Geek Squad under the direction of the technology specialist. Daily inspections of the learning stations will be conducted and documented using a “Daily Technology Checklist”, by the technology specialist to ensure that all equipment is properly maintained and the area is kept clean of dust and debris. Records will be maintained for use during annual maintenance review of equipment.

Strategy 3:          The technology specialist will provide instructional and technical support for teachers and students.  This objective needs to be continually monitored by management and technical staff (aka the technology specialist) to ensure that both the teachers and the students are growing, learning, and achieving using the technology plan.

Procedure:       The technology specialist will maintain an open door policy with parents and teachers to provide continual technical support. Observing students, conducting computer lessons, and ensuring teachers are utilizing the technology plan will also be the responsibility of the technology specialist. Student assessment will also be done by the technology specialist with results being shared with parents via email.

References:

Dell.com. Retrieved March 16, 2012 from www.dell.com.

Cricket.com. Retrieved March 16, 2012 from www.mycricket.com.

School Outfitters.com. Retrieved March 17, 2012 from www.schooloutfitters.com.

World of Wonder Preschool website. Retrieved March 18, 2012 from www.worldofwonderpreschool.com.