Blog

Many Alberta child care programs are experiencing enrollment dips—even strong, well-run centres. In a $15-a-day environment, families assume fees are similar everywhere. The differentiator is no longer price. It’s confidence, clarity, and consistency. Discounting can fill a spot temporarily, but it often creates long-term instability by attracting families who are still shopping, increasing negotiation, and […]

As we step into 2065, the childcare industry faces exciting opportunities and ongoing challenges. To help daycare centers thrive, we’ve outlined key daycare trends and actionable insights that address critical areas like staff retention, parent engagement, and revenue growth. Let’s dive in! Retaining Childcare Educators Hiring and retaining exceptional Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) remains a […]

Staying compliant doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this Lunch & Learn, Krystal Churcher breaks down the highest-impact regulation areas that support safe, high-quality care and consistent program practices. Watch the recording to learn how to translate regulatory requirements into practical, real-world systems your team can actually follow. Whether you’re preparing for inspections, onboarding staff, […]

A practical guide for Alberta operators, including how to use PD funding and release time supports. A PD day is one of the easiest ways to strengthen your team — but it’s also one of the most common things programs put off. Why? Because it can feel overwhelming: The good news is: you can run […]

Strong educators are the foundation of high-quality childcare — and supporting them goes far beyond one-time training. In this January Lunch & Learn session, we explore why training that sticks, competency-based support, and ongoing professional development are critical for educator success in 2026 and beyond. Whether you’re a childcare owner, director, or leader, this session […]

You know that feeling when you’re knee-deep in crayon masterpieces, snack wrappers, and a gaggle of tiny humans, and then, bam!—it’s time to handle billing. Just another regular stressful admin headache, right? Thankfully, simplifying billing processes for child care providers is no longer a dream. New tools and automation can easily make your regular billing […]

The holiday season is officially here, and at ChildFriendly, we want to end the year by giving back to the people who make our community great—you! 🎁 We are giving away a $250 Amazon gift card to one lucky ChildFriendly user AND a second $250 gift card to one lucky daycare center. All we ask in return […]

As we step into 2026, daycare centers across Alberta and Canada are presented with an exciting opportunity to redefine excellence in early childhood education through setting new daycare goals for the new year. With evolving parental expectations, advancements in technology, and a growing emphasis on holistic child development, setting clear and actionable goals is more […]

On December 10, ChildFriendly co-founder and childcare operator Laura Bancroft unveiled our brand-new Curriculum & Planning Suite—a modern solution designed to help centers showcase quality, support intentional teaching, and keep enrollment high. If you missed the live session, the full recording is available below along with next steps and upcoming learning opportunities. Watch the full […]

The holidays are a time of joy, but also a time of excess stimulation, activities and commitments. As daycare educators, you can help ensure that children are able to enjoy the excitement without becoming disregulated. With a focus on implementing simple actions through predictability, calming corners, sleep/naps, and communication with parents, daycares play a big […]

Your new teaching partner has arrived! We’ve spent the last year working non-stop to solve your biggest challenges. ChildFriendly is thrilled to announce the launch of our highly anticipated Learning Module – an incredible new tool that eliminates the stress of curriculum and reporting! To maintain full enrollment at your center, you must stand out! Families must see your […]