🔮 Fortune Telling with Financial Reports

Today’s Issue: ECE Costs More than Rent, Reader Poll Results, Raffle Reminder, Which Reports Should You Run, ECE News, ECE Hacks = 1 cup of coffee.

Looks Like Childcare Costs More Than Rent!: We all know that to provide quality childcare services takes a lot of investment. But families are feeling the strain with all the combined costs. Per a recent Redfin Report, sending 2 Kids to childcare costs more than rent in most major U.S. metro areas. In some areas, such as Denver, sending one kiddo is equivalent to 83% of one month’s rent! Oh boy. Looks like ramen may be back on the menu for a lot families to help make ends meet.

Reader Poll Results!

We love sharing our poll results. It looks like just a bit over half (54%) of our readers take some form of electronic payment (most taking ACH and credit card). But that means 47% are still taking manual payments.

🎁 P.S. Remember to Win Some Fun Swag!

🔥 Before we dive in — we’re raffling off our summer Ecential tumbler!

📧 The more you share, the more chances you can win!

👉 To make it easier, here is your personal link. Just copy and share!

Sharing & Reviewing Financial Reports - How to Level Up

Let’s be honest — do you run regular financial reports to stay ahead of your center’s needs? Do you share them with your team? This is a scary step to take. But regularly reviewing your financial reports with your team isn’t just about numbers. It’s about understanding the story of your business and making sure your center and team are set up for success.

Here’s why it matters:

• Stay ahead of problems — Spot overdue payments, enrollment dips, or higher labor costs before they become bigger headaches.

• Protect your cash flow — Know exactly what’s coming in and going out so you can plan for payroll, supplies, and rainy days.

• Make smarter decisions — Whether it’s hiring a new teacher or launching a new program, the numbers can tell you what’s possible.

• Build a stronger team — Sharing key financial info with your directors and admin staff creates accountability and makes everyone feel invested in the center’s success.

• Plan for growth — Regular reports help you see trends, track progress, and identify where you have room to expand.

Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry. We got you covered. We created an easy to follow table that covers all the details.

👉👉👉  See the table HERE!

☀️ Summer Hack: “Ice Block Treasure Hunt” ❄️🔍

What You’ll Need:

• Plastic animal figurines, beads, or small waterproof toys

• Large plastic containers or silicone molds

• Water

• Food coloring (optional)

• Child-safe tools (wooden spoons, plastic hammers, spray bottles with warm water)

How It Works:

1. Fill a container with small toys and cover with water. Add a drop of food coloring for fun.

2. Freeze overnight.

3. Pop the ice blocks out during outdoor playtime.

4. Give kids child-safe tools to “excavate” the frozen treasures.

5. Watch them cool off and practice fine motor skills, teamwork, and problem-solving!

Why It’s Great:

✅ Keeps kids cool

✅ Builds hand-eye coordination

✅ Easy setup, endless variations

✅ No one notices it’s secretly educational

ECE in the News:

🎗️ Most Want Head Start Funding: 3/4 voters (72%) believe federal funding for early learning programs for low income families is a good investment: 62% of Republicans, 64% of Independents, 83% of Democrats all say so! 🏎️

🔔 AT&T’s Onsite Childcare: AT&T launched a summer camp pilot at its Dallas headquarters to support working parents and assess the need for onsite childcare. AT&T shifted from a hybrid work model to a five-day in-office policy in January. This might be the start of a new trend. 📈

The Internet is a Playground:

🗓️ On this Day in History: The first copies of the classic vampire novel Dracula, by Irish writer Bram Stoker, went on sale on May 27, 1897. 🧛‍♂️

🧑🏽‍🍳 Horchata Flavored Oreo? Ummm, Yes Please: Oreo launched its latest celebrity partnership with Selena Gomez inspired by horchata…🤤

👨🏼‍💻 Childcare Search App: A Bay Area mom launched June App, a new app for finding childcare on demand. Might be a good option for more visibility?

🐑 Aww Besties: Baby sheep are freakin’ cute

YOUR VOICE COUNTS

Is there a topic you want more info on or want to share a funny story? Then let us know! Shoot us a quick email at [email protected]. This newsletter is for you, and well, you should have a say, don't’ you think?

Sources:

• Redfin Report

• Head Start Funding Support

• AT&T FT Childcare