What is a parent advisory committee_

What is a Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)?

Here are 5 short and frequently asked questions about Parent Advisory Committees (PAC) at Hope’s Home.

1. What is a Parent Advisory Committee?

Each Early Learning and Childcare Centre has a PAC which is comprised of the parent(s)/caregiver(s) of the children who attend the centre. For Hope’s Home, PACs are required by The Child Care Act. Meetings are held every 2 months, where parents have an opportunity to share their perspectives and offer suggestions.

2. Why is a Parent Advisory Committee Important?

The PAC is designed to ensure that the parents are provided with an opportunity to ask questions, express concerns and share suggestions to Hope’s Home. This allows parents to have a voice in the decision making process for the childcare they are paying for. It also helps Hope’s Home gain a fresh perspective and listen to concerns it might not otherwise hear.

3. How is a Parent Advisory Committee different than a Board of Directors?

Parents have a primary role in ensuring the well-being and positive developmental experiences of their children. The PAC represents the voice of the parents in the decision making process, whereas the Board of Director’s authority is more focused on centre operations.

4. As a parent of a child who attends, or is going to attend, Hope’s Home – is joining the Parent Advisory Committee mandatory?

We understand that people have busy schedules and other priorities, so it is not mandatory. We do however, greatly encourage all parents and guardians to join. Parent involvement is extremely valued and important to Hope’s Home. Your opinion matters and parents deserve to have a say in a service they are paying for! 

5. How do I join my PAC?

Joining your PAC is easy! Simply send an email to your centre (listed below) or chat with your location manager or Admin the next time you are at the centre. They will be happy to help you and give you more information specific to your committee.

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No More Chemo – A Daycare Celebration

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For half her life, Callie’s weekly routine has consisted of a round of chemo.

The reality of Hope’s Home is sometimes things don’t always go the way we would like them too. There are times when we are crying by hospital beds, being a pillar of support for a family going through a tough time, and saying our last “I love you’s” to a kiddo who has been with us since they were a baby. So when that can be our reality, we have to make sure we take advantage of all the small and large victories that happen too. And Callie finishing off her 70th round of chemo was one of those things we had to go all out for.

childcare - hope's home warman

At 10 months old, Callie had complications which made her unable to eat food; and she has since been exclusively tube fed ever since. And it was just a short 5 months later that Callie received the news that the doctors found a tumor in her brain. And although the tumor was not cancerous, it didn’t mean there wasn’t a long road ahead for her. A week after they found it, Callie underwent brain surgery, but the surgeons weren’t able to remove all of it. So they moved on to the next option, which would end up being 70 rounds of chemo in 70 weeks.

no more chemo - hope's home

The door the centre decorated for Callie’s party

Callie has had quite the journey in her little life; and although it’s been hard, she’s also had some victories. In December 2019, Callie finally began eating food!! At daycare, Callie’s friends were encouraging for her, and slowly but surely she began trying a couple bites here and there. Callie has now tried so many different foods she even has a couple favourites. This was a huge milestone for Callie and her family because it meant she was one step closer to no longer being tube-fed.

On Tuesday, the day after Callie’s last round of chemo, our staff and kiddos went all out for a chemo-free celebration party. They decorated the centre, had a dance party, played with balloons (a crowd favourite), and had a snack of some of Callie’s favourite: cheezies and popcorn twists. (She likes cheezies so much her mom calls her the “Cheezy Queen”)

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We were so excited to throw this party for Callie. She is the sweetest, strongest little girl. Having her at Hope’s Home has been such a blessing and knowing that she will be coming to daycare tumor free from now on brings all of us so much joy. We love you Callie.

 

That’s why there is no place like Hope.

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international womens day - advice from our CEO

International Women’s Day

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Women in Business – Advice from our CEO

Being a woman in business, even in 2021. can still be a challenge. So each year our society fights to make progress over gender disparities and skepticism, and each year we get closer to the goal of eliminating those biases and inequalities. There are many stories of success and victory for female leadership – Kamala Harris being elected the first ever Vice-President of the United States, Whitney Wolfe becoming the first female CEO to take a company public, to stories in our own backyard: Jennifer Denouden being a leader for Canadian CEO’s to Jacqueline Tisher, who has built a legacy for children in Saskatchewan.

As a successful, provincial wide non-profit, we are proud to be led by an inspiring, passionate, and hardworking CEO who is choosing to challenge those biases every day. Not only did Jacqueline build Hope’s Home from the ground up, she also built it without any framework. Since Hope’s Home is the first ever medically integrated daycare in Canada, there was no blueprint for how to do it. With a team of equally as driven and passionate females – they filled a gap in our community that has helped change and improve the lives of countless families.

So today, on International Women’s Day, we sat down with Jacque and asked her about her journey as a business woman. We ask her about her victories and her setbacks, and her advice for every young female entrepreneur out there.

Women in business - hope's home

Photo taken from Hillberg & Berk, Jacqueline Tisher interview

Did you have any fears in the early stages of Hope’s Home? How did you overcome them?

Facing your fears is a part of taking risks. Hope’s Home was the first of its kind. There was so much to learn and research to do, to figure what was the best way to support families of children with complex medical needs. Taking this risk meant leaving a secure job at the hospital, which I loved so much! Starting a new business meant facing my fear of losing job security, financial security, and professional security as a nurse. It meant rising above that fear and embracing my burning passion for children with diverse needs. Passion is empowering. Passion creates dreams and smashes fear. Passion gives you the freedom to take risks that will make a difference in the world. Yes, it has been scary at times, but Hope’s Home is worth it!

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Did anyone ever doubt you as a female CEO and your ability to run a provincial wide organization? If so, how did you deal with that?

If anyone doubted me as a female CEO – I did not hear it or listen to it.  I believe my passion for advocating for these children, my business mind, and my ability to build strong relationships has made my role as CEO successful.  I surround myself with mentors and strong leaders – from my mom, who is my hero and an incredible leader/businesswoman, to other business leaders, entrepreneurs, coaches, and professionals – who I lean on for advice, support, and guidance.  Great leaders have a circle of support who strengthen their weaknesses, provide transparent and honest feedback, and build each other up to be the very best in life.

What were the biggest lessons you learned while running and growing Hope’s Home?

Oh, so many Lessons!  When I think of the lessons I have learned in the last 16 years, I hear these quotes in my head:

  • Policy doesn’t change the world…passion changes the world.
  • Walk before you run.
  • It’s easier to ask forgiveness than to beg for permission.
  • People leave managers, not organizations.
  • Your values determine your actions.
  • Our children are our future – they are worth it!
  • Listen to your heart.
  • Stabilization.
  • People first.
  • Life is too short to be bitter…make the world better.
  • Life is fragile.  Make memories.  Enjoy the journey.
  • What mark are you making in the world?

Hope’s Home is about people.  It is about our children, family, and our staff.  Every decision we make as an organization needs to keep our children in the center.  This is who we are and why we do what we do.

Do you have any advice for young women? Aspiring female entrepreneurs?

Dream big. Discover what your passion is. What keeps you awake at night?  What makes you excited? What gives you purpose?  I would encourage young women and aspiring entrepreneurs to ask yourself these questions to set your sight on the goal. It will mean you will have to face your fears and take a risk. It means you may fail. These are the greatest lessons! Never give up or be scared to challenge the norm to follow your dream. As I told my daughter Acacia who lived her life from a wheelchair – focus on what you can do, not on what you cannot do. It is important to be an ever-learner. Seek knowledge and wisdom in those that have journeyed ahead of you. Love yourself first and live out of this place of strength and purpose.

women in business - international women's day hope's home

From the opening of Hope’s Home Prince Albert

This years theme for International Women’s Day is “#ChoosetoChallenge gender bias and inequality.” What does that statement mean to you?

I believe each human is unique, born with special gifts, talents, and abilities. Discover those gifts that make you special and those around you unique. Treat each other with respect, kindness, and love. Challenge injustice, prejudice, and care for the people of our world. Embrace and celebrate our differences – this is what makes humanity so incredible.

 

Feeling inspired on International Women’s Day this year.

Today makes you feel inspired about the future and reflect on all the amazing women who have pathed the way for future generations. Jacqueline Tisher has certainly made a difference to all the young women she has met and the people who have heard her story. Which women have made an impact on your life?  Tell us about them in the comments! And don’t forget to share your own #ChoosetoChallenge story. Happy International Women’s Day!

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