What is Koalaty Kid?

Koalaty Kid is the "spirit and substance of quality in education." It includes a focus on the application of the quality improvement principles, methods and tools at the kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) level. Outcomes include improved leadership, decision-making and problem-resolution skills of kids, teachers, and administrators and quality improvement success stories documenting improved performance. Intangible outcomes include improved confidence, critical thinking skills and improved self-esteem.

What can I do to help?

Recruit a business sponsor, raise money to help build the Section’s Koalaty Kid Education Fund, volunteer to serve on a team and/or to become a certified trainer.
  

What is the process?

During the first year, a school improvement team is selected and is provided 48 hours of training by an ASQ certified Koalaty Kid trainer. After the completion of the project, one of the school members on the team attend a one-week facilitator training course and facilitates new teams during the second and subsequent years.

Who is on a team?

Ideally, a Koalaty Kid Team consists of 5-12 school team members including an ASQ section representative and a representative from the sponsoring business. Note that everyone receives the same training. In addition to participating on the school team, the ASQ and business representative can apply the same methods to a work process that can result in a significant return on investment for their respective organization.
   

What is the cost?

There are several options:

1. Material costs are approximately $45.00 per person.
2. Instructor Fees. Costs for an ASQ Certified Instructor for 6 days of training is $240.00 a day if provided by an Indianapolis Section member or $900.00 per day plus expenses for an outside trainer. Some instructors volunteer their time.
3. Facilitator Training. A school team member is required to attend a one-week facilitation course conducted by ASQ. Cost is approximately $1,200 plus travel expenses.
4. Other. Other costs could include promotional materials, recognition awards, registration and expenses for participation in the annual Koalaty Kid Conference.
       

Who picks up the cost?

Ideally, the business sponsor is requested to fund the costs for the first three years plus provide one person to participate on the team. Given a team of 7 personnel, the cost for the first year could range from: $1,500 - $7,000. Cost for the second and subsequent years using the trained facilitator could only include material costs. In the case of Raymond Brandes, Indiana State, Brandes Elementary and the Indianapolis Section provide funding.

What is the commitment?

ASQ recommends a three-year commitment by the school, business sponsor and ASQ Section.

1. ASQ Section. Provide a representative to participate on the team.
2. Business Sponsor. Provide funding and/or a representative on the team.
3. School. Select a team member to attend a facilitator training course and support teams in the second and third year

 

What are the options?

• ASQ Section/Business Sponsor. If a business wants to donate money only, the Indianapolis Section has a Koalaty Kid Education fund that will be used to fund Koalaty Kid training and scholarships.
• Local Training. Indianapolis could host a train-the-trainer course for members that want to become ASQ certified trainers. The Section could also host a facilitator training course if enough school personnel indicate an interest.