By definition, a preschool introduces children younger than five years of age into the world of education. While singing and playing games are important, Wee Care, located in Advance, Mo., steps beyond to teach math, science, writing and reading each and every day. Wee Care is licensed by the State of Missouri and owner Mitzy Rumohr has obtained her CDA credentials; an entry-level child development credential which is required in most states for family child care licensing and to be a lead teacher or a director in center-based programs.
Rumohr attended the Operation Jump-Start small business course offered by the Southeast Missouri State University Innovation Center after being downsized from the Dana Corporation in 2007. Wee Care Preschool had only been a dream before then, she said. She attributes the success of the preschool to the essential business planning and preparation skills taught to her by Bill Vickery, the Director of Entrepreneurship at the Innovation Center. Vickery is one of six Innovation Center instructors who teach participants how to design a viable feasibility plan for the business venture they are considering.
The Southeast Missouri State University Innovation Center honored Wee Care Preschool and six other businesses during National Entrepreneurship Week in February of 2009. The distinguished businesses are part of a larger group of about 240 businesses that have been created or expanded through the Innovation Center’s nationally recognized, award-winning small business training programs, Operation Bootstrap and Operation Jump-Start.