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A childcare consultant is a valuable asset to any childcare provider, whether they’re just starting in the industry or have been in the business for many years. Consultants can provide objective feedback, help you create and implement systems and processes, and offer valuable marketing and networking opportunities for your business. They can also give guidance and support to help you comply with regulations for the safety of your children.
As the demand for quality child care continues to grow, so does the need for experienced, qualified consultants to help providers meet the challenges of running a successful business. In this article, we'll cover how a consultant can help take your childcare business to the next level.
What is an early childhood consultant?
An early childhood consultant provides professional guidance and advice to childcare providers, parents, and other professionals working with young children. Consultants typically have a background in early childhood education or a related field. They use their knowledge and expertise to help others improve the quality of care and education they provide to children.
While some consultants work for themselves, others are employed by organizations that provide services to childcare providers, such as accreditation bodies or training and technical assistance providers. Some states also have early childhood consultation programs offering childcare provider services.
If you’re interested in becoming an early childhood consultant, here are some of the skills you need:
- A strong understanding of child development and early childhood education
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational, time management and prioritization skills
- Ability to collaborate, build relationships, and work with diverse groups of people
If you have the necessary skills and knowledge, becoming an early childhood consultant can be a very rewarding career. You’ll be able to make a difference in the lives of young children and their families, and you’ll be satisfied knowing that you’re helping improve the quality of child care and education.
How can a consultant help my business?
Consultants provide various services depending on their skills and areas of expertise. While their main role is to provide advice, support, and guidance to businesses, they are also often hired to help with specific projects or tasks. Here are ways your business can benefit from a consultant:
General business consulting
A childcare center operates as a business, and like any business, it requires effective management to thrive. A childcare consultant can offer advice on various aspects such as financial planning, organizational structure, marketing strategies, and more. The aim is to ensure the childcare center operates efficiently and profitably. For instance,
Tax Consultation
Navigating the intricate tax regulations specific to childcare businesses is crucial for financial health and compliance. A consultant can assist with:
- Tax planning and compliance: Ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local tax obligations, including income, employment, and sales taxes. They can help you understand deductions available to childcare providers, such as those for supplies and business-related expenses.
- Payroll management: Assisting with accurate payroll processing and compliance with employment tax requirements, including Social Security and Medicare taxes.
- Tax credits and incentives: Identifying and applying for relevant tax credits, such as the Child and Dependent Care Credit, to reduce tax liabilities.
Legal Consultation
Operating within the legal framework is crucial for the sustainability and longevity of your childcare business. A consultant can provide guidance on:
- Licensing and regulatory compliance: Navigating the process of obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses, and ensuring adherence to state and federal regulations.
- Employment law: Developing compliant employment contracts, understanding labor laws, and implementing fair hiring and termination practices.
- Policy development: Creating comprehensive policies and procedures that align with legal standards and best practices, covering areas such as health and safety, staff conduct, and parent communication.
Developing curriculum
A curriculum for an early education program needs to be developmentally appropriate and meet all applicable state requirements. A childcare consultant can offer guidance on what needs to be included and ensure your curriculum meets early learning standards. Many early childhood consultants are also experienced educators who can give valuable insights into effective teaching methods for young children.
With brightwheel's Experience Curriculum, you can save hours every month with digital lessons for baby, toddler, and preschool age groups paired with hands-on learning materials mailed to you each month. The curriculum is aligned with all 50 states' early learning standards and NAEYC, Common Core, and Head Start.
Hiring and training staff
Hiring and training your staff is a time consuming process, but having a team of qualified and competent employees is essential to your business. A childcare consultant can help with your childcare hiring efforts by creating job descriptions, conducting interviews, and onboarding new employees.
You can also bring in a consultant on a professional development day to train your staff on child development, behavior management, or effective teaching methods.
Assessing childcare programs
A childcare consultant can assess your program to ensure that it’s effective and provides quality care. This includes observations of the staff and children, interviews with families, and policy and procedure reviews. The consultant will look for areas of improvement and make recommendations on how to improve your program.
Consulting with families
Beyond the day-to-day operations of a childcare program, consultants can also work with families. This can involve providing guidance on things like choosing the right childcare program, potty training, and dealing with challenging behavior. A childcare consultant can be a valuable resource that your families can turn to for advice and support.
Helping with accreditation
Meeting high standards of quality through an accreditation process with an organization like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), can be a lengthy and involved process. A childcare consultant can assist and advise on all steps of the process including the application, assessment, and site visit requirements. In addition, a consultant can be brought in to help you maintain your status and adhere to the accreditation policies.
Developing policies and procedures
Policies and procedures are essential for ensuring that your childcare program operates in a smooth and organized manner. A consultant can help create or update things like your family handbook, daycare sick policy, or staff evaluations.
Navigating regulations
There are a lot of rules and regulations that childcare programs have to follow, and it can take a lot of work to keep up with any changes. A consultant can help ensure that your program complies with all the relevant laws and regulations, including things like licensing requirements and health and safety standards.
Writing grants
Childcare centers often rely on grants to help with funding. A consultant specializing in grant proposals can assist with the grant application process and writing and developing proposals.
Advocating for children
A childcare consultant may also serve as an advocate for children, working with policymakers to change laws and regulations, raise awareness about important issues, and ensure that all children have access to quality care and education.
Conducting research
Child development consultants often conduct research to improve their understanding of the field and keep up with new developments and trends. This research is used to inform their work with childcare providers, children, and families.
Questions to ask consultants
Here are some common questions to ask consultants before deciding on one:
What is your philosophy on child development?
It’s best to choose a consultant that shares your philosophy on child development so they can provide the most relevant information and resources to your specific program.
How much experience do you have in the childcare field?
Usually, childcare consultants will have a degree in education, child development, psychology, business, or a related field, and significant experience working in the childcare or education industry. This could include former experience working in a classroom, school, or education setting as a teacher, administrator, or other professional.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing childcare programs today?
This question will provide insights into the consultant's understanding of the current childcare landscape and will also be a helpful starting point for discussing your program's needs.
How much experience do you have with accreditation and regulation?
If this is the area you need help in, choose a consultant who is well-versed in the accreditation and regulatory process. They will be up-to-date on the latest changes and be able to help your program navigate the process successfully.
Do you have any experience writing grants?
If you're looking for help with applying for funding or grants, a consultant familiar with the grant process will be a valuable asset. Ask for details about their track record and request to see samples of their work.
What are your rates?
Rates can vary by consultant, project, and location. Having a clear understanding of the rates will help you avoid surprises. Be sure to clarify hourly or project-based rates and any additional fees, such as travel expenses.
What are some of the most recent projects you've worked on?
The consultant's recent projects will give you a sense of their areas of expertise. This will help you determine whether they fit your program or specific project.
Do you have references?
Past clients can provide valuable insights into the consultant's work. Ask for references, and be sure to follow up with them.
How would you approach a project like ours?
A consultant’s process will be tailored to the specific needs of your program. By asking this question, you can get a deeper understanding of what to expect.
What is your cancellation policy?
Ask about their specific cancellation policy before signing any contracts.
When are you available to start?
Be sure to ask about availability before making a decision to confirm their schedule fits the needs of your program.
Do you have any questions for us?
Provide any prospective consultant with the opportunity to ask you questions about your program, goals, and objectives. You want to make sure your project is aligned with their expertise and interests as well.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling to find solutions on your own or want some help taking your business to the next level, a consultant is worth considering. A childcare consultant can provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help you run your business more effectively. Their objective feedback, fresh perspective, and creative ideas will be invaluable in helping you improve the quality of your childcare program and better meet your family's needs.
Brightwheel is the complete solution for early education providers, enabling you to streamline your center’s operations and build a stand-out reputation. Brightwheel connects the most critical aspects of running your center—including sign in and out, parent communications, tuition billing, and licensing and compliance—in one easy-to-use tool, along with providing best-in-class customer support and coaching. Brightwheel is trusted by thousands of early education centers and millions of parents. Learn more at mybrightwheel.com.
