Today’s Issue: Unions & Childcare Workers; Enrollment Tech Insights; ECE in the News = 1 cup of coffee.

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🔥 Let's Talk About It: Should Childcare Workers Unionize?

The debate is getting loud, and it's coming from Michigan. Across the state, childcare workers are asking a hot topic question: Can a union actually fix what ails us? MI’s ECE workers hold the unfortunate distinction of earning the lowest average childcare educator salary in the nation. Workers report being priced out of housing, juggling multiple jobs, and questioning whether they can stay in a career they love. Advocates say collective bargaining is the answer to addressing wages and sustainability. Critics aren't so sure. Sound familiar in your area? This debate isn't just Michigan's, you also have a voice. 👉 Read the full article here

📊 Quick Poll — Your Voice Matters!

**Vote and see what your fellow ECE pros say! We’ll publish results in next week’s issue.

Well…that escalated quickly. Last week’s poll pulled in our biggest response yet-and let’s just say, ECE is not aligned on deregulation. It’s a near 50/50 divide, with some very strong opinions on both sides. Want the full breakdown (plus the best subscriber commentary)? Click here.

🎯 Move Over Google Searches - AI is Becoming the New Norm

Meghan Travinski, an enrollment expert with 20+ years shaping data-driven strategies for some of the largest ECE brands in the country, is addressing one of the biggest shifts in HOW parents search for care. Her recent article (below👇) on this big change is something we wanted to share with our readers, as it impacts a LOT.

We all know that parent referrals are still the “go to” when it comes to trusted sources for bringing in families. But, the days of simply Googling “childcare near me” are going away. Parents are now tapping into AI to help search for childcare. This is changing the game big time.

Her article provides a deep look into why this shift is happening and the impact it can have on your enrollment. Her article is linked below, and we HIGHLY ENCOURAGE you give it a read. But here are some key things to know.

• Online reviews are the KEY! - As more families search for childcare with AI, it interprets online reviews for them. It gives them visibility into not only your rating, but it searches for key concerns, frequency of reviews and so much more.

• AI filters are not standard - Each family is unique, and, now so are their searches. So they can search for comments and reviews that matter to them.

• The decision process starts earlier - AI tools help parents know more with greater clarity upfront. They come to school tours better prepared to ask tougher questions.

The bottom line: you can't grow enrollment if you can't see your enrollment story clearly. The insights provided in the article are gold. 👉 Read the full article here

📰 ECE In The News

🏫 ECE Centers Are Hot Right Now: Buyer demand for ECE businesses is surging. According to HINGE Early Education Advisors, the nation's top expert in selling childcare businesses, many ECE owners are now prepping their businesses for sale. Rising costs and operational complexity are accelerating the trend. Whether a sale is on your 3-year or 10-year horizon, this is worth a read.

💡 Quick note: Don't overlook your Google Reviews as part of your positioning strategy. Buyers (and families) are looking. A strong profile can meaningfully improve how your center is perceived (& valued) in the market. 👉 Read more here

🎒 Colorado District Bets on Preschool to Reverse Enrollment Declines Pueblo School District 60 is converting Bradford Elementary, a school sitting half-empty from years of declining enrollment, into a full preschool. A second site, Heritage Elementary, will add a new preschool center while keeping its K–5 students. Like much of Colorado, Pueblo County faces a serious licensed childcare shortage. District leaders are betting that leaning into ECE is both an Ecential community service and a long-term enrollment play. 👉 Read more here

🌐 The Internet is a Playground:

🗓️ On This Day in History — April 7, 1948: The World Health Organization was officially established by the United Nations. The WHO was created to lead global health efforts — and today, April 7 is celebrated as World Health Day worldwide. Not a bad legacy for a Tuesday! Given that the health and development of young children is literally what we show up every day to protect, feels pretty relevant. Here's to the small humans who make it all worth it. 🌍❤️

⌨️ This is Fun! Miss typing on a typewriter? You can, sorta, try it HERE.

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?