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
cklehnhoff@gmail.com

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: admin@childcarebusinessprofessional.com