The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is taking over life as we know it for the time being. Childcare services are being hit from all sides, from parents taking their children out for home care as they shelter in place to essential workers looking for places to put their kids while they work.

On March 26, 2020, we teamed up with the National Afterschool Association for a live webinar called “Ease Operational Headaches with EZChildTrack Afterschool Management Software."

We talked about using childcare management software to simplify and streamline program operations. The webinar focused on finding ways to help your program grow, empower your staff, and provide enrichment opportunities for every student.

We took questions from attendees and wanted to share them with you.

COVID-19 continues to make headlines. Childcare businesses are on the front lines, providing care for the children of essential personnel who still report to work during the crisis.

Federal funding is a major resource for afterschool programs in the United States. One of the most extensive programs, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) initiative, has been under fire in recent years by an administration intent on cutting educational funding programs. 

While federal funding isn’t the only resource for afterschool grants, it has the broadest impact. Many communities rely on it, especially in financially disadvantaged areas. Both rural and urban youth populations need a safe place to be in the afterschool hours. Research shows these programs decrease crime in the area as well as improve student achievement.

There is no doubt that afterschool programs are beneficial to students, parents, and the community. However, many programs are supported by grants and, while it has always been challenging to run an afterschool program in many areas of the country, grant-funded programs seem to struggle the most.

The Christmas holidays aren't the only thing to think about this time of year if you are a business owner. It's also time to close the business books and get ready for the New Year. Most of what you need to do is financial in nature.

Afterschool programs must keep complete and accurate records to show their value to the community and to obtain grants such as those from the 21st Century Community Learning Center program. Without the records, they would be unable to retain funding or attract students. 

Ever since the days of “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute,” the environmental movement has found ways to include children in the campaign to clean up our Earth. Reducing paper use is one of the easiest and most visible activities young children can understand and participate in. 

Besides teaching your students about the value of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, saving paper in your childcare center means you save money and a few thousand trees. Below are some ways to save paper in your childcare center beyond using found paper objects in art activities.

Running any business without the help of technology is nearly impossible in this day and age. The question now is how to get the most out of your technical solution. For childcare, parental expectations and the need to streamline operations require a quality childcare management system that provides the tools needed to run your business.

Getting the most out of your childcare management system means taking a close look at your operations and processes, determining what problems the software can help you resolve, and taking the time to customize the various applications to your specific childcare operation.

More than Mozart, Little Einsteins, and Sesame Street, communicating effectively with parents has a positive impact on early childhood success. When you and a child’s Mom or Dad are on the same page, that child will continue learning at home what you taught at childcare. Mom and Dad trust that you have the best interests of their child at heart. And you have greater insight into each child.