Communication Challeges

I work for a nonprofit origination that owns several elementary schools and child care centers.  Because these centers are considered part of this larger organization they are subject to the new health care mandates.  If our child care centers have to pay $970 per employee they will shut down in a month, but how do you cut employees to under 30 hours a week that have dedicated their time and devotion to our children?  How do I help business men to see or even care how having to hire several part time employees will cut down on the quality care given?   I’ve never been into politics but suddenly I have been thrown into this issue and have had to learn to communicate with those in the corporation that are not even aware of how this will affect our programs.  I started by creating an awareness of the value of these programs by showing pictures and sharing testimonials from parents.  I used the words “our programs.” To make sure I communicated that we are all on the same team.  I have learned that it also helps to tailor my communication to the person I am talking to.  In a conversation I had with the treasurer last week I cited research that showed 60% of all new enrollment in our elementary schools comes from our Early Childhood programs.  When I started talking percentages and money I was talking his language.  The idea of a “third side” has also really helped me recently and I was able to negotiate a possible solution that would help the corporation meet their needs while still meeting the needs of our employees.  I was able to take the passion I felt and direct it in a way that allowed me to be more objective.  We are meeting with a lawyer on Monday to look for possible solutions and will I know I will need to practice all of the new skills I am learning.  In the early childhood profession we must be advocates and requires skillful communication!