As the digital transformation continues to permeate the childcare industry, childcare management software has become essential for organizing operations, simplifying communication with parents, and enhancing child safety. These systems come with important responsibilities surrounding data security and privacy. Protecting sensitive data—including personal and health information of children and their families—demands robust security measures and a commitment to privacy best practices. This blog will explore the security and privacy considerations every childcare provider should be aware of when implementing or choosing childcare software.

When you care for children, a safe environment is critical. No childcare professional wants to tell a parent a little one has been injured or become ill because of something at the facility. Improving safety in your daycare is an ongoing activity that reassures parents you are taking your responsibility seriously and is high on a family’s list of “must-haves” for an appropriate care situation.

COVID-19 both put the brakes on many children’s lives and created a world of ever-expanding change. The last two years have been overwhelming for everyone, but children have fewer tools to help them make sense of everything.

Over half of childcare providers reported losing money by staying open during the pandemic. Just under half reported taking on debt using a personal credit card to pay for supplies and other necessities. 

Many parents struggle to pay for childcare. It has long been a cliche that parents need childcare so they can work. Yet, a substantial part of earnings is spent on that very childcare — up to 10 percent or more of the average parent's household income. 

Parents are trusting you with a precious family member who will be going through many milestones and changes that the parents won't see. They want to know that you are ready to take care of everything and able to help them relive some of those experiences.

Amidst all the holiday art projects and class parties, you need to take some time to prepare your childcare center for the end of the year. As a business owner, you are responsible for more than your basic income tax preparation. Several areas are requiring your attention right about now.

Let's dive in.

While parents have always been partners in their children’s education, this year has required working together with educators more than ever before. Children who face online learning still need plenty of engagement from the adults around them to receive the full value of school lessons.

The pandemic hit hard and fast, but as a small business owner and expert childcare provider, you need to lead through this crisis. While the world didn’t quite tilt on its axis, everyone is still scrambling to get their feet back under them.

Leading your childcare center through a crisis isn’t easy, but running a business and taking care of children isn’t easy either. You’ve got this. 

Here are some tips and tools to help you along on your leadership journey.

COVID-19 has caused widespread closures of many businesses, including childcare, summer camps, and afterschool care. Communicating with families is crucial for maintaining relationships and ensuring everyone is receiving accurate information about hours of operation, length of the closure, and how they can receive future communications.