Blog

Every child care center aspires to create a joyful, nurturing environment. But let’s face it: you first need children to show up! Boosting enrollment in your child care center is not a magical feat; you just need to follow some basic and important steps to attract families, and then continue providing the best care to […]

Running a daycare means juggling snack time, nap schedules, parent communication… and then taxes show up right when you’re in the thick of it.The good news? With a little organization (and this tax prep checklist for daycare providers), tax season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you run an in-home daycare, a small childcare center, […]

In this Lunch & Learn, Krystal Churcher breaks down why some child care centers remain full while others experience enrollment dips, even within the same region. You’ll learn what’s actually influencing family decisions — and how to build a more consistent, confident enrollment experience without compromising your values. In this session, we cover:• Why enrollment […]

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 […]