☔ Rising ECE Insurance Rates-What Can You do About It?

Today’s Issue: Commercial Liability Increases; Ecential Reports & Business Insights; ECE Steps to Manage Premiums; ECE in the News = 1 cup of coffee.

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Why Is Everything Expensive?!: From Pumpkin Spice Lattes to eggs, it doesn’t seem that we can catch a break with any costs. Sigh…😮‍💨 A simple family dinner out seems to cost as much as a one-way ticket to Chicago. Ouch. Even basic business costs, such as insurance, keep going up. Commercial insurance rates are still climbing. According to a recent survey, Q2 2025 saw a 3.8% increase. Think of it like your gym trainer saying, “Don’t worry, it’s only three more burpees.” But I’m tired….and my arms and legs hurt. Read more about those trends 👉👉👉 HERE!!

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⚠️ How ECE Can Tackle Rising Insurance Costs

If you feel like your liability insurance bill has grown faster than the kids in your toddler room, you’re not alone. 📈 Across the country, ECE providers are reporting increases in premiums—sometimes as high as $10k a year. And to boot, 🥾 many insurance providers are dropping coverage for ECE centers all together. It’s the “perfect storm” of higher claims, inflation, and litigation risk. You can’t control the market, there are steps you can take to manage costs and protect your program.

1. Strengthen Risk Management Practices

Start with your own practices. Insurance companies love proof that you’re serious about safety. Update staff training regularly (i.e. supervision, first aid, mandated reporting). Document everything. A paper trail gives insurers confidence in your program. Show off and use this to help negotiate your premiums.

2. Review & Update Policies Annually

It’s easy to forget about insurance until you need it. Don’t treat yours like a forgotten stack of nap mats. Review your coverage every year, line by line, to make sure you’re not paying for outdated or unnecessary add-ons.

💪🏻 Pro Tip - Put your insurance policy into an AI tool to spot where your policies may not be providing the coverage you need!

3. Shop Around & Negotiate

Yes, it’s a hassle—but getting multiple quotes can uncover big differences in rates and coverage. Brokers who specialize in childcare insurance can help negotiate better terms or find carriers for early learning programs. Understand your state needs first!

‼️Extra Help - Check out this resource with deets on ECE insurance changes 👉👉👉 HERE!!

4. Consider Joining a Pool or Association Plan

Some states and associations are exploring group insurance models, where providers get together to spread risk. If an option like this exists in your area, it can offer more stability and lower costs. By diversifying the risk pool, providers can offer more competitive rates.

‼️Extra Help - This site has a state-by-state map of resources available 👉👉👉 HERE!

Insurance costs may not drop anytime soon, but by tightening safety practices, reviewing policies, and exploring group options, ECE centers can soften the blow.

ECE In The News

🌆 City Program Supporting ECE: Akron, OH and local partners are investing $950k into a pilot program for the Unified Early Learning System aiming to improve ECE and family resources. The program is trying to tackle Kindergarten readiness, where currently only 47% of kids enter at grade level. Want to know more? Click 👉👉 HERE.

🎓 Apprenticeships On the Rise: ECE career growth can be tough. Most teachers are full-time parents and the hours are long. New apprenticeship programs are popping up aimed at helping ECE professionals gain experience and fast track their careers. Read more 👉👉 HERE if this is an option for you!

The Internet is a Playground:

🗓️ On this Day in History: In 1620, the famous Mayflower sails from England, for the Americas with 102 passengers. The ship was headed for Virginia, but stormy weather and navigational errors forced the ship off course, and on November 21 the “Pilgrims” reached Massachusetts. ⚓️

🍷 Haha: Think you’re good at picking wines? Might be based on the animal on the label.

🥱 Bored? Try this silly game collecting delicious baguettes!

🪿 Goosey Goose: Honk honk!

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