The $10 lease secret
Mary Hornbeck bought her second childcare center for $10 — and it taught her the negotiating question she still uses today. Real lease lessons for directors.
Suppliers - Think Before You Buy
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The Conversation Happening in Childcare Offices Right Now
In childcare programs, one conversation keeps repeating: enrollment vs. staffing vs. payroll. Owners want to fill classrooms, while directors worry about capacity—and both are right. The real issue isn’t communication. It’s visibility. Without clear insight into how enrollment impacts staffing, payroll, and profitability, leaders are forced into reactive decisions. This post explores how Decision Intelligence helps childcare leaders move from guesswork to clarity—so they can align decisions, reduce stress, and lead with confidence.
The Real ROI of Childcare: How One State Turned $300M Into $11 Billion (And What Every Director Can Learn From It)
Childcare is often treated as a cost—but the data tells a very different story. In New Mexico, a $300 million investment in early childhood education grew into an $11 billion trust fund, now powering universal childcare access across the state. This transformation didn’t happen by chance—it happened through decades of advocacy, coalition-building, and a clear understanding of childcare’s true economic value. For every dollar invested in high-quality childcare, communities can see a return of $13–$17 through workforce participation, education outcomes, and reduced public system strain. This post explores how childcare intersects with workforce development, education, and public safety—and why it’s critical for directors to understand both the advocacy and the business side of the industry. Because sustainability isn’t just about keeping your doors open—it’s about ensuring childcare is recognized, funded, and valued at the level it deserves. Strong programs don’t just survive policy changes—they help shape them.
The 3-Minute Walkthrough: The Leadership Habit That Retains More Staff Than Any Bonus Ever Will
Staff retention in childcare is often misunderstood as a compensation issue—but in reality, it’s a leadership visibility issue. The “3-Minute Walkthrough” is a simple, powerful habit that helps directors reconnect with their teams, strengthen relationships, and build a culture where staff feel seen and valued every day. Inspired by “Management by Walking Around,” this leadership practice involves intentional, brief classroom visits focused not on correction, but on presence and observation. When done consistently, it transforms culture—boosting morale, improving communication, and significantly increasing staff retention. Because what keeps teachers isn’t occasional appreciation—it’s daily recognition, genuine awareness, and leadership that shows up. Start small. Walk a room. Notice something real. Say it out loud. That’s how strong childcare cultures are built.