Little Gems of the Sierra Preschool Inc

AS A PRESCHOOL, LITTLE GEMS OPERATES A "SCHOOL" AS DEFINED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE ("IRS"), AS AN EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION WHOSE PRIMARY FUNCTION IS THE PRESENTATION OF FORMAL INSTRUCTION, AND WHICH NORMALLY MAINTAINS A REGULAR FACULTY AND CURRICULUM AND NORMALLY HAS A REGULARLY ENROLLED BODY OF PUPILS OR STUDENTS IN ATTENDANCE AT THE PLACE WHERE ITS EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES ARE REGULARLY CARRIED ON. LITTLE GEMS IS A "PUBLIC CHARITY" (AS DEFINED BY THE IRS), EXEMPT UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) AS A SCHOOL RECEIVING BROAD FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC. LITTLE GEMS HAS CURRENTLY REACHED ITS MAXIMUM ENROLLMENT FOR OUR EXISTING PRESCHOOL FACILITIES AND PLANS TO LOOK AT OPTIONS TO INCREASE THE PROGRAM ADDING A SECOND SITE WHEN RESOURCES AND FINANCING ALLOW. LITTLE GEMS CURRENTLY HAS A LONG WAITLIST OF NEW CHILDREN THAT WOULD LIKE TO ENROLL IN OUR PROGRAM, SO WE SEE ADDING A SECOND LOCATION AS A BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY AS THERE IS A GREAT NEED FOR CHILDCARE IN THE COMMUNITY. LITTLE GEMS HAS CONTINUED TO REINVEST IN HIGHER TEACHER PAY SO THAT THE PRESCHOOL TEACHERS CAN AFFORD TO LIVE ON THEIR SALARY IN OUR LOCATION. THE PRESCHOOL HAS ALSO INVESTED IN A WALDORF TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM FOR ALL OUR LEAD TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF TO SUPPORT TRAINING AND EDUCATION AS WELL AS FURTHER THE WALDORF PEDAGOGY FOR OUR PRESCHOOL PROGRAM. WE HAVE FUTURE PLANS TO UTILIZE ADDITIONAL PROFITS TO SUPPORT MOVING OUR CAMPUS TO A LARGER SITE THAT WILL REQUIRE ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCTION, THE POTENTIAL FOR SECURING A SECOND SITE LOCATION IN TOWN TO BE ABLE TO SERVE MORE FAMILIES, FURTHER DEVELOP AND STRENGTHEN THE LITTLE GEMS PROGRAM, ENHANCE OUR PARENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, INCREASE COMMUNITY BUILDING EVENTS, CONTINUE TO REINVEST IN OUR TEACHERS AND MOST IMPORTANTLY CREATE A SCHOLARSHIP FUND AND/OR AN OVERALL REDUCTION IN TUITION COST TO INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY OF LITTLE GEMS' EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM TO ALL INCOME LEVELS. WE FEEL STRONGLY THAT QUALITY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SHOULD NOT BE COMPROMISED IN EXCHANGE FOR LESS EXPENSIVE CARE. THE PRESCHOOL CONTINUES TO BE FUNDED THROUGH FUNDRAISING, DONATIONS, GRANTS, AND TUITION. THE OPERATION OF THE PRESCHOOL WILL FULFILL THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF LITTLE GEMS.