Sandy Hook Small Business Spotlight: PreKConnect

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: PreKConnect
Owners: Kim Whitmore
Website: www.prekconnect.com
Address: Sandy Hook, CT

How did you come up with the name?

PreKConnect is dedicated to bridging the gap between preschool and Kindergarten and making a connection between the two in order to set up a solid foundation for lifelong learning. Since my business focuses on preschool and making a connection to Kindergarten, the name seemed like the perfect fit.

Why choose that location?

We are not in a specific location, we are a type of business that carries out its function in peoples homes and at local preschools. It’s important for our children and clients to feel comfortable in their environments in order to be successful.

Why start a business in this town?

We are Newtown residents. Newtown is a town that is filled with parents that truly care about the education of their children.

Briefly, what business are you in?

PreKConnect is a business that provides small group or individualized tutoring in language arts and math to children about to enter Kindergarten. PreKConnect will also create lesson plans for parents who are interested in giving their children more academic support before they enter Kindergarten. We provide professional development to preschools to help align their curriculums with common core standard standards and the ever changing trends in education.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Being a new company we have yet to face any difficulties or challenges.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

I have never second guessed my decision at all. I am very passionate about education and making sure children are given the academic support they need to be successful. Giving them the foundation for a good start to their educational career is what drives me.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

Seeing my name on my business cards and hearing positive feedback from people makes me very proud.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

Finding a niche in the education arena. Being able to reach a population of people who want the best for their children at such a young age. Since we aren’t just a tutoring business, we are able to go and reach out to preschools who need to “bump” up their academics in an age appropriate way is something that makes us different.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

It always depends on the circumstance. My philosophy has always been to listen to what people have to say and work together to try and make it work and resolve the situation. We have yet to have any difficult customers which is a good thing.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

Our business gives back by providing quality educational support to the young children in our community who are the future.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.