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Site: www.redbellpreschool.com Company: Red Bell Preschool Location: Plymouth, Michigan Industry: Education Results Achieved with AccountEdge:
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Red Bell Preschool
Since 1957, Jim Hackney's family has run the Red Bell Preschool. Over time, what used to be three Red Bell schools consolidated into one, located in Plymouth, Michigan.
When Jim took over as director of the school in 1997, there were no answering machines, cell phones, pagers, or computers. "I think they had just gotten rid of the Pony Express and rotary phones," he jokes.
The first students attended Red Bell 48 years ago in a small farmhouse, and in 1968 the school was added. The director now lives in the attached farmhouse, which ensures that here is always management on-site.
Red Bell was initially a preschool, with students attending half-days. Over time, it evolved into a full-day affair with extended classes, as well as before- and after-school activities. Students spend their day following a program designed to build character, instill moral values and social skills, and prepare them for future education, not to mention having fun all the while. For example, "Circle Time" brings the kids together to learn about the calendar, weather, letters and numbers, and also consists of finger plays, singing, and stories. the kids also enjoy "Choice Time," when they have their pick of taking on art projects, dressing up and pretending/role playing, eating snacks, or playing with table toys. The average day is rounded out with playing outside on a jungle gym that is built to resemble a pirate ship, team play (board games, sports), and field trips.
"We also have computers, access to Game Boys, and movies," says Jim, "but we limit their use of these things because they don't build social and team skills."
Results Achieved with MYOB
Red Bell Preschool wasn't always so high-tech, however. When Jim stepped into the role of director, they were still doing all of their administration and accounting with pen and paper. Within a year, he began updating the office.
One of the first changes Jim made was to add a computer and automate spreadsheets. Next ,he slowly began to integrate checks and payroll. Even with the move away from pen and paper, the PC program he had chosen for the task was too difficult to grasp. "I didn't want to venture too far, because it was easier done on paper," says Jim. "I was looking for a more stable environment."
In November 2002, Jim found himself at an Apple store, where he purchased a Mac. "I liked it so much, I went back and asked for the best software to run my business," he says. "So in February 2003, I was introduced to MYOB AccountEdge and [MYOB Certified Consultant] Dave Micoff through one of Dave's demonstrations at the Apple store, and this is where I really began automating the business."
Not only had Jim found AccountEdge, MYOB's premium small business management and accounting software for the Mac, but in Dave Micoff, he had networked with MYOB's 2004 General Manager Select Partner of the Year. Dave came in and helped Jim get started with AccountEdge. "I used Dave as a crutch, and that made it easy," says Jim.
Once Dave helped him to get set up, Jim was able to pick it up quickly. "I've found it stable and easy to get around," says Jim. "Since I began using AccountEdge, I'm able to focus on other things in the business. At the same time, I have taken on more accounting issues, simplified my banking, and become more Internet-savvy. AccountEdge has enabled me to do more in less time than it took me to do just the budget sheet on my PC in 1998."
In addition to all of the other technological advancements the preschool has seen recently, Jim has also automated his entire payroll system. MYOB Full Service Payroll does the actual processing for him. When it's time to run payroll, he simply accesses his account online, reviews it, and gives the OK. "My daily activities are not hindered by tedious logistics. I can access the services from anywhere I can get on the Internet," says Jim. "I once did payroll in my friend's office in Seattle while waiting for him so we could go on a motorcycle ride. I thought that was true freedom," says Jim.
As Red Bell Preschool finds itself on the cutting edge of technology, Jim Hackney is reaping the benefits of his newfound freedom from laborious business tasks. Now that he is able to work smarter and faster, Red Bell Preschool is sure to advance even further.