Acacia Montessori: A Wayfinder partnership to support early childhood development in the Somali community
Partnering to empower diverse communities
The story of Acacia Montessori in Apple Valley is an example of how 360 Communities empowers diverse communities and improves early childhood development. Child Care Startup and Retention Coordinator Karen Bratland played a pivotal role in bringing a vision of this Somali-run Montessori to life.
360 Communities facilitates the Child Care Aware of Minnesota programs for Scott, Carver, and Dakota Counties. Child Care Wayfinder is a one-stop navigation network for starting, growing, and sustaining childcare programs in Minnesota. “Whether you’re starting from scratch or expanding an existing center, Wayfinder navigators are here to guide you through the licensing process,” says Bratland.
When Karen received an inquiry from individuals wanting to start a Somali Montessori school, she contacted the center’s founders to introduce Wayfinder. This initial contact blossomed into a strong partnership.
Abdilahi Botan, co-founder of Acacia Montessori, reflects on the collaboration: “When we found Karen, it was great. We had a new partner. My wife Saido and I opened Acacia Montessori specifically for Somali parents in the Apple Valley area, aiming to bring Montessori to our local communities.”
Overcoming challenges with Wayfinder
Opening Acacia Montessori was an enormous undertaking, and the Botans overcame significant challenges with Karen supporting them along the way. “Seeing the growth they accomplished in a short amount of time was incredible,” says Bratland. Funding is often a significant hurdle in starting childcare programs, and Acacia Montessori was no exception. Through the Wayfinder program, Karen helped secure crucial grants for purchasing classroom materials. “One of the grants helped us buy materials like carpets, pencils, children’s books, and paints,” says Abdi. “The Wayfinder program helped us a lot.”
“Karen was so positive and provided great feedback and support. Having her on our team was super helpful,” says Melissa Franzen, teacher-leader at Acacia. “One of the special parts about Acacia Montessori is that we have Somali teachers who look like the children’s parents.”
This representation is vital in creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment.
Investment in early childhood development pays off
“It takes a village to raise a child,” says co-founder Saido Mohamed. “Thanks to Wayfinder for supporting our vision and mission.” 360 Communities is committed to early childhood development because it has a high social return on investment for the community, with returns as high as $16 for every dollar invested, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
“When all children have access to quality early childhood education, it helps break cycles of poverty,” says Bratland.
For more information on the Child Care Wayfinder program and other services, click here.
Child Care Wayfinder navigators have successfully guided 23 participants through the process of obtaining family child care licenses and six participants through the process of obtaining licenses for child care centers. This progress has resulted in the addition or maintenance of approximately 520 child care spaces for children in our service area.