The Childcare Business Coach

The shocking truth about childcare business longevity will make you rethink your entire approach to ownership. Did you know that a mere 9% of childcare programs survive beyond the 10-year mark? Even more alarming, 41% close before completing their first year, and a staggering 80% shutter before hitting the two-year milestone. These statistics represent real businesses, real dreams, and real investments that vanished—leaving their owners with nothing to show for years of hard work.

What separates the successful 9% from the rest? After nearly two decades in business, I've identified three critical factors that determine whether your childcare center becomes a valuable, sellable asset or just another statistic. First is tenacity—that unwavering determination to continue despite challenges. When facing an eviction notice or personal tragedy, the ability to keep pushing forward becomes your lifeline. The successful few possess this "never give up" mentality that carries them through inevitable rough patches.

The second crucial element is financial literacy. You must intimately know your numbers, from conversion rates on tours to profitability breakdowns by classroom. Even as someone who "would rather have a root canal" than review financial statements, I've learned that delegating this responsibility isn't enough—you need accountability systems that force regular engagement with your metrics. Without this knowledge, you're flying blind, potentially raising rates too high (stopping enrollment) or keeping them too low (bleeding resources).

Perhaps most important is being future-focused. The childcare owners who succeed develop concrete plans extending years into the future, then reverse-engineer these visions into actionable steps. Even dedicating just 15 minutes daily to strategic goals accumulates to 62 hours annually—time that compounds into meaningful progress. This structured approach transforms vague "someday" dreams into tangible achievements.

Your childcare center should function as your retirement program—a valuable asset you can eventually sell, not just a job that ends with nothing to show for your efforts. This perspective shift from survival mode to strategic growth makes all the difference between the 9% who thrive and the 91% who struggle.

Ready to position yourself among the successful few? Join us at the Child Care Business Summit this June, where we'll dive deep into these success strategies. The time to commit to your future is now—because your childcare center deserves to be more than just a statistic.

Running a successful childcare business requires more than just a passion for children—it demands business acumen, adaptability, and sometimes making tough decisions. Cindy Lenhoff, Director of the National Child Care Association, brings four decades of industry expertise to this eye-opening conversation about navigating economic cycles in the childcare sector.

Drawing from her journey from accidental preschool teacher to vice president of the second-largest childcare company in America, Cindy shares invaluable wisdom on sustainability during economic downturns. The post-COVID era has left many newer owners unprepared for normal market conditions after years of government assistance. Now, childcare entrepreneurs must learn to pivot strategically as their communities and enrollment patterns change.

One of the most powerful insights revealed is the importance of collaboration over competition. Rather than viewing neighboring centers as rivals, successful owners create intentional partnerships that benefit all—referring families to programs that better match their needs while focusing on their own strengths. As Cindy explains, negative incidents at any childcare center affect public perception of the entire industry, making cooperation essential.

The conversation tackles challenging topics like enforcing payment policies, discontinuing unprofitable programs, and learning to say "no" when necessary. Both speakers acknowledge that while these decisions aren't easy, especially for heart-centered educators, they're essential for long-term viability. "People pleasing is not going to get you to be one of that 9% of childcare programs that can survive beyond 10 years," warns Evelyn.

Whether you're considering food programs for financial stability, creating innovative services like hybrid "mommy and me" classes to address parental concerns, or simply trying to balance your educators' heart with a business owner's mind, this episode delivers practical strategies for thriving through any economic climate. Connect with Cindy and the National Child Care Association to discover additional resources for your childcare business journey.

You can contact Cindy here: 

linkedin.com/in/cindy-lehnhoff-14175715
Website: nccanet.org/
Email
[email protected]

Don't miss out on the Child Care Business Summit 2025:
https://childcarebusinessprofessional...

This episode explores strategies for childcare center owners to enhance enrollment, improve quality, and withstand economic fluctuations. Evelyn shares insights on educating families about the value of quality childcare and emphasizes the need for intentional practices in management and marketing.

• Importance of intentionality in childcare management 
• Strategies for overcoming enrollment obstacles 
• Competing effectively against corporate childcare centers 
• Marketing as an educational tool for family engagement 
• Budgeting effectively amidst rising operational costs 
• Enhancing staff loyalty and motivation through positive culture 
• Creating a mission-driven environment for staff and children

If you are interested in getting the Replay of he free webinar series, Thriving Through Any Economic Time, please email: [email protected]

Are you ready to transform your childcare business into a resilient asset that thrives even in economic storms? Join me, Evelyn Knight, as I share insights from my 17-year journey navigating the ever-evolving landscape of childcare. Learn how to tackle the economic challenges of 2024 brought on by subsidy changes and financial setbacks, drawing inspiration from Southwest Airlines' innovative problem-solving ethos. I reveal strategies for diversifying income without burdening parents, ensuring your childcare program stands strong against financial difficulties.

We'll confront the startling reality that 91% of childcare centers falter before a decade, with an even smaller fraction successfully sold. Discover the critical steps to treat your business as a future-focused asset, avoiding the fate of those who failed to prepare for the future. Plus, explore the game-changing potential of tools like Kangaroo Time that streamline operations and promote innovation. Tune in to this episode for actionable strategies and personal anecdotes that will empower you to build a successful, sale-ready childcare business while embracing change and innovation.

It's not too late! Join our free Webinar:
www.childcarebusinessprofessionals.com/grow2025

Ever felt the weight of the world on your shoulders, even when everything seems to be going well? That's exactly where I found myself this year, navigating the intertwined exhilaration and daunting moments of 2024. Join me on this emotional journey as I unveil the strategies I've developed to transform negative thoughts into positive ones, using tools like gratitude and praise journals to realign my perspective. I promise you'll uncover tools to help you sift through chaos and unearth beauty and strength even in the most challenging seasons.

Through honest reflections and personal stories, I contemplate the stark difference between fleeting happiness and enduring joy, offering insights into how faith, especially my relationship with Jesus, plays a crucial role in preserving joy and peace. As we approach a busy holiday season, explore how mindful self-care and positive thought management can nurture these essential qualities. My hope is to inspire you to cultivate your own joy and peace, ensuring that no matter the challenges, your spirit remains enriched and resilient.

Join us for our free webinar: 
www.childcarebusinessprofessionals.com/grow2025

In this episode of The Child Care Business Coach Podcast, Evelyn Knight takes a candid look at the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. She reflects on the weight of responsibility, the struggle for balance, and the fulfillment of living a life of purpose. Drawing from her own journey, Evelyn shares the importance of perseverance, mental fortitude, and staying true to your calling, even when the challenges seem insurmountable.

Whether you're a seasoned daycare business owner or just starting in the child care industry, this episode will inspire you to embrace your purpose, navigate obstacles, and avoid the regret of an unfulfilled life. 

Sign up for our free training here: https://childcarebusinessprofessionals.com/grow2025

🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The truth behind entrepreneurship and why it’s not as glamorous as it appears on social media.
• How to find peace in purpose rather than ordinary simplicity.
• Strategies for overcoming the mental and emotional toll of leadership.
• The importance of stepping into your calling to leave a lasting legacy.
• Why failure is just a stepping stone and how to bounce back stronger.
• A glimpse into Evelyn’s personal and professional struggles, including her decision to never give up.
• How to navigate tough economic times while keeping your child care business thriving.

Tune in to discover the mindset shifts needed to succeed as a preschool, child care business owner and create a meaningful impact in your community.

Entrepreneurship’s Reality vs. Social Media Glamour

1. • Addressing the misconceptions of entrepreneurial success seen online.
2. Purpose Over Simplicity
   • Choosing purpose-driven challenges over an unfulfilling, ordinary life.
3. Mental Fortitude
   • Insights on handling the emotional weight of leadership and staying resilient.
4. Failure as Growth
   • Turning setbacks into stepping stones for long-term success.
5. Leadership and Legacy
   • Building a business that aligns with your calling and impacts generations.
6. Thriving During Tough Times
   • Practical advice for child care business owners navigating economic challenges.

Sign up for the free training happening January 20- 24, 2025: 
https://childcarebusinessprofessionals.com/grow2025

Follow me on all Social Media platforms: https://linktr.ee/evelynknight

In this episode of The Child Care Business Coach, we’re diving into one of the most challenging aspects of leading a daycare or child care center: the stress and heartache of losing trusted staff members. Staff turnover in the child care industry can be particularly painful, leaving leaders to manage the emotional toll while also dealing with practical setbacks, from disrupted routines to strained relationships with families. This episode is for child care center directors, owners, and leaders who have felt the pain of turnover and need strategies for resilience, rebuilding, and keeping team morale high.

We’ll discuss:

• The emotional impact of losing valued team members and how it affects leaders and staff alike
• Practical ways to manage the transition and ensure the center’s stability
• How to support remaining staff during times of change and prevent burnout
• Proven strategies to retain talented caregivers and foster a positive work environment

If you’re a child care leader who’s ever felt the sting of staff departures, join us for practical advice, emotional support, and insights on creating a more resilient workplace.

Key Takeaways:

• Handling the emotional impact of staff turnover
• Effective strategies to minimize the disruption of losing key team members
• Tips to maintain morale and strengthen team bonds post-turnover

Listen in to build a strong, supportive environment that values your team and keeps your center thriving.

Email us at: [email protected]

Feeling drained even after a full night’s sleep? Join me, Evelyn Knight, as I unravel the mysteries of mental fatigue and its sneaky ways of creeping into our lives. From the frustration of irritability to the rollercoaster of eating habits and insomnia, mental fatigue can mask itself well, but it's crucial to recognize its signs. I share my personal journey preparing for the NACI conference in Anaheim, where I confronted these challenges head-on. Together, we'll explore the underestimated impact of decision fatigue and how constant choices can sap your vitality. Armed with insights into sleep patterns and screen time, we'll tackle how to maintain well-being amidst the chaos—because understanding these elements is the first step toward effective leadership.

Shifting gears, the episode also delves into the delicate balancing act of being an entrepreneur while nurturing oneself. Reflecting on my experiences, including the emotional toll of caring for a terminally ill spouse, I emphasize the critical role of taking breaks and trusting others with responsibilities. It's about more than just surviving—it's about thriving. For those on an entrepreneurial path feeling cornered by challenges, I introduce the visionary circle, a community to uplift and guide you through business complexities. And for a hands-on experience, I warmly invite you to a transformative event in Napa, California, where empowerment and growth are at the forefront. Whether you’re eager to share your thoughts on the episode or excited to connect further, I’m just an email or message away.

As child care leaders, we dedicate so much time to improving our leadership skills, yet many of us still face burnout. Often, we overlook the importance of caring for our whole self—both mind and body. 

In this episode, I’m joined by Maraya Brown, a Functional Medicine Practitioner and Entrepreneur, to explore this critical topic. Maraya specializes in helping high-performing individuals, like child care owners and leaders, who focus on mental performance but neglect their physical health. She offers insights on how to achieve balance and live your best life by understanding that leadership is just one part of who we are. 

Discover how to reconnect with your whole self and prevent burnout in your child care leadership role. 

Learn more about Maraya Brown and her transformative approach here: [https://marayabrown.com/pause/](https://marayabrown.com/pause

Learn more about Child Care Business Professionals here: 
www.childcarebusinessprofessionals.com

Find me on social media: 
evelynknight | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

I am grateful to have my flight delayed a day. yes, I said it. I am also grateful for the impact I get to have and for the collaborations and people who have helped me along the way.