Resource Library

Key Takeaways − Create a grant proposal template to streamline the competitive, time-consuming application process and improve your chances of success. Most grants require similar…...

Always Be Hiring

Key Takeaways − Maintain a continuous hiring process, not just when a position is open, to build a pipeline of qualified candidates for program stability.…...

Exit Planning: Getting Started

Key Takeaways − A large part of personal wealth, 50% to 90%, is often tied to the child care business and real estate. The value…...

How to Reduce the Burden of IRA Required Minimum Distributions

Key Takeaways − Delaying your first RMD can cause two distributions in one year, potentially pushing you into a higher tax bracket and increasing stealth…...

Balancing Head and Heart: The Dual Role of Every Great Leader

Cindy Lehnhoff

Key Takeaways − Great leaders balance heart (leading people with vision and empathy) and head (managing operations with logic and structure). Leading inspires growth and…...

Child Care Business Branding

Key Takeaways − Branding is a consistent identity for your childcare business, encompassing everything from your logo and messaging to your values and customer experience.…...

As Temperatures Drop, Safety Remains Steady

Andi Vaughn

Key Takeaways − Winter requires a more intentional focus on safety due to shorter days, cold weather, and holiday distractions, emphasizing proactive planning to protect…...

How SBA Loans Really Work, And Why Your Tax Returns Matter More Than You Think

Jonathan Lamb

Key Takeaways − The SBA doesn't lend money; it guarantees loans made by banks, making Uncle Sam your co-signer with strict rules for everyone involved.…...

Fall Preventative Maintenance: Protecting What Matters Most

Andi Vaughn

Key Takeaways − Schedule fall HVAC service and change air filters monthly to ensure efficient heating, improve air quality, and help limit the spread of…...

Solving the Rubik’s Cube of Child Care

Key Takeaways − More money isn't the only solution; it requires better management to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in programs like the Child Care…...

2025 SBA Loan Program Changes and the Impact on Child Care Businesses

Key Takeaways − Starting June 1, 2025, the SBA returned to stricter, traditional underwriting, increasing the required credit score and requiring a 10% down payment…...

Holding Your Team Accountable for a Job They Can Be Proud Of

Cindy Lehnhoff

The True Meaning of Accountability Running a successful child care and early education business demands strong financial management, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and a commitment…...

hiring employees in childcare businesses

Best Practices for Hiring Related Individuals in Child Care

Key Takeaways − Maintain a fair and equal hiring process for all candidates, hiring only based on merit and qualifications, not relationships. Establish clear written…...

Employees and Keys to the Child Care Business: Important Things to Consider

Key Takeaways − Only trusted employees who have demonstrated reliability over time, such as three months, should be given keys to your Child Care business.…...

Handling Negative Online Reviews About Your Child Care Business

Key Takeaways − Respond quickly to all reviews. Consider a service to monitor sites like Google Reviews and Yelp in real-time. Remain calm and professional.…...

The Chamber of Commerce and Your Child Care Business

Key Takeaways − Joining the Chamber of Commerce offers increased visibility and unique marketing opportunities beyond just reaching parents, connecting you with local business owners…...

The Importance of Knowing the Value of Your Child Care Business

Key Takeaways − Knowing your business's value provides a benchmark for performance, helping you track progress and identify areas that need improvement for growth. Understanding…...

childcare business degree, child care financial management

Child Care and the Lack of Business and Financial Management Training

Key Takeaways − Early Childhood Education degrees lack in-depth training in business and financial management, focusing instead on child development and classroom practices. Most child…...

child care business risk and capitalization rate in child care real estate value

Capitalization Rates and Child Care Real Estate Value

The value of child care real estate is often determined by the capitalization rate - CAP Rate real estate investors require and the level of associated risk...

child care standard operating procedures - child care SOPs

Using Standard Operating Procedures in Your Child Care Business

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are critical documents that should be implemented in every business, including child care. SOPs provide detailed instructions on performing specific tasks within your child care business...

child care profit and loss, child care income statement, child care financial management

Importance of Having a Specialized Child Care Accounting Chart of Accounts

Key Takeaways − A child care-specific chart of accounts is a crucial financial tool, providing a clear overview of all business income and expenses. It…...

Child Care Employees and Social Media Policies

Key Takeaways − Childcare businesses need a written social media policy in the Employee Handbook, defining acceptable and unacceptable content with clear examples. Strictly enforce…...

child care situation leadership training

The Challenge of Leadership in Child Care

Cindy Lehnhoff

Key Takeaways − Situational Leadership is crucial for child care leaders, requiring an adaptive style based on staff's competence and commitment. Address high staff turnover…...

child care business unreported income and impact on child care business value

The Impact of Unreported Income and Non-Business Expenses on Child Care Business Value

Key Takeaways − Unreported income and inflated expenses decrease a childcare business's value by lowering its net operating income and profitability. Technology and digital banking…...

child care facility construction, child care building, new child care building, child care real estate

Child Care Facility Construction – Design Build vs Design Bid Build

Key Takeaways − The Design-Bid-Build method involves separate contracts for design and construction, giving owners more control but a longer timeline and more risk. The…...

child care business marketing and social media

Childcare Marketing and Social Media

Key Takeaways − Understanding your target audience, like parents aged 25-45, is the crucial first step to tailor content and choose the right social media…...

child care teacher, child care staff management, child care wages financial management

Effective Strategies to Reduce Labor Costs in Childcare

Key Takeaways − Streamline operations with workforce management software, cross-training employees for multiple roles, and outsourcing non-core functions like payroll and cleaning. Enhance productivity by…...

The Why of ChildCareOwner

Key Takeaways − Many childcare owners struggle financially, lacking the business knowledge to be profitable, which makes selling their business nearly impossible. The author transitioned…...

child care business end of the year financial and business planning

Child Care Business Owner End of the Year Planning

Key Takeaways − Conduct an in-depth review of your business financials to prepare for tax returns and submissions to your accountant in January. Ensure your…...

child care building and child care real estate

Fair Market Rent How it Affects the Value of Your Child Care Business

ChildCareOwner.comBest Practices,Business & Financial,Exit Planning,Financial,Valuation

Key Takeaways − Not paying fair market rent can give a false sense of business profitability, negatively impacting your child care business's value. The business's…...

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Value Gap: How It Prevents Many Child Care Owners From Exiting Their Business

Key Takeaways − The Value Gap is the difference between the desired funds from a...

Using Standard Operating Procedures in Your Child Care Business

ChildCareOwner.comBest Practices,Child Care Operations,Human Resources,Leadership

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are critical documents that should be implemented in every business, including...

Tips For Welcoming New Child Care Employees

ChildCareOwner.comBest Practices,Human Resources

Key Takeaways − Have a structured orientation to make new employees feel welcome and see...

The Chamber of Commerce and Your Child Care Business

ChildCareOwner.comBest Practices,Marketing

One of the most valuable local resources for every child care business is right there...

Taking Money Out Of Your Child Care Business

ChildCareOwner.comBest Practices,Taxes

Key Takeaways − Never intermingle personal and business funds to avoid serious tax problems and...

Having QuickBooks Does Not Make You an Accountant

ChildCareOwner.comBest Practices,Business & Financial,Financial

child care accounting and financial management

Key Takeaways − Owning accounting software like QuickBooks does not make you an accountant, just...

Handling Negative Online Reviews About Your Child Care Business

ChildCareOwner.comBest Practices,Child Care Internet Marketing,Child Care Operations,Leadership,Marketing

If you have a business that deals with the public, particularly a child care business...

Employing Family Members and Taxes

ChildCareOwner.comBest Practices,Business & Financial,Taxes

employing family members in your child care business

Key Takeaways − Employing your child in a sole proprietorship can offer tax advantages, as...

Employees and Keys to the Child Care Business: Important Things to Consider

ChildCareOwner.comBest Practices,Child Care Operations,Human Resources

As a Child Care business owner, you cannot be in your business every second of...

ChildCareOwner CEO Certification March 2026

In the dynamic and competitive world of childcare, the role of an owner, director, or individual who dreams of managing or owning a childcare business…...

Child Care Insurance Crisis: What’s Driving It and How to Maintain Your Coverage

FREE Webinar Donna Marcus-Doughten, March 18th, Noon (12:00 EST) Phoenix Associates Insurance Agency Join us for a vital webinar that dives deep into the forces…...

Child Care Exit and Succession Planning

Exit Planning For Child Care Business Owners – Online Workshop Helping Child Care Owners Achieve Their Business and Personal Exit Goals Preparing to realize…...

ChildCareOwner child care business value acceleration process

Child Care Business Value Acceleration Online Workshop (April 13th, 14th & 15th Online)

Focus on the Right Things! Increasing profits and business value is the goal of most childcare business owners. Your child care business is likely your…...