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This year is coming to an end in just a few short weeks.\u00a0 Are you ready for 2018? \u00a0Most childcare owners would respond \u201cNo.\u201d \u00a0Moreover, the thought of trying to find time to add one more thing to the \u201cto do\u201d list does not excite the already frazzled childcare owner.\u00a0 However, I promise time spent now creating your end of the year checklist will save you many hours of time and help you operate your childcare business better next year.<\/p>\n
Areas to include in your end of the year childcare checklist:<\/p>\n
Financial <\/strong><\/p>\n Reviewing your childcare business financial statements often can help you operate your childcare business more profitability.\u00a0 You should review the following:<\/p>\n The revenue and expenses noted on the Profit and Loss Statement are key.\u00a0 Did your childcare business make a profit?\u00a0 If not, why not?\u00a0 Can you identify expenses that are above normal that caused the loss?\u00a0 How can you operate your childcare business next year to achieve a higher level of profitability?<\/p>\n Accounts Receivable<\/strong><\/p>\n You should have a list of parents that are not current in their tuition payments.\u00a0 If possible, be sure to collect it before the end of the year.\u00a0 Use the money collected to pay business debts and expenses before the end of the year.<\/p>\n Facilities<\/strong><\/p>\n Take a new look at all furniture, fixtures, \u00a0equipment, furnishings, and classroom materials.\u00a0 Are there items that need to be repaired or replaced?\u00a0 If so, be sure to note each item and include this information in your business planning and budgeting for next year.<\/p>\n Technology and Data<\/strong><\/p>\n Be sure that all-important data \u2013 children and family files, employee files, local, state and federal agreements, and information are backed up.\u00a0 It is a good idea to have at least three copies \u2013 one on your local computer system, a backup onsite to a portal hard drive, and then another offsite backup either to an online service or a second portal hard drive stored safely outside the center.<\/p>\n Moreover, do not forget to go through your old emails, save or make copies of the important emails, and delete from your email account.\u00a0 A good goal is to STOP using email as a filing cabinet.\u00a0 It is one of the highest security risks a business owner can prevent.\u00a0 Get in the habit of immediately printing all important emails and attachments when received.\u00a0 And, at least once a week review all emails received and sent \u2013 save a copy, download, or print and then delete from your email account.\u00a0 The larger the email account becomes \u2013 both the number of emails and required storage space increases the chances the data can be lost, slows down the email account and computer used to retrieve emails.<\/p>\n Human Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n The end of the year is a good time to do an annual review with each employee.\u00a0 Annual reviews provide an opportunity for you and the employee to discuss things that are going well and opportunities for improvement next year.\u00a0 The end of the year provides a great time for awarding bonuses or having a special employee celebration meal or event. \u00a0Do you have the level and quality of staff that you need to offer quality childcare and early education?\u00a0 Assessing year-end staffing needs can help with your recruitment planning for next year.<\/p>\n Licensure<\/strong><\/p>\n Is your childcare business in compliance with all licensing rules and regulations?\u00a0 What about all the paperwork and documentation required for parents, children, and staff?\u00a0 Set aside time to review every child and family file information to ensure everything is up-to-date.\u00a0 Do the same for each employee \u2013 current information, current education, current medical information, and criminal background check.<\/p>\n Parent Feedback<\/strong><\/p>\n Do you have a method for parents to provide you feedback?\u00a0 If not, the end of the year is a great time to send parents a simple survey asking them \u201chow you are doing.\u201d\u00a0 Seek their comments and suggestions.\u00a0 Use their feedback to improve your customer service and relationship with your parents.<\/p>\n Set Goals for Next Year \u2013 Business and Personal<\/strong><\/p>\n Did you achieve your childcare business goals this year?\u00a0 If not, why not?\u00a0 What goals should you set for your childcare business and personal goals next year?\u00a0 Remember goals without action plans for achievement are often only a wish.\u00a0 Be objective and realistic in constructing your goals and action plans for next year.<\/p>\n What about your personal goals and life balance?\u00a0 Did you spend more time this year working in your childcare business than with your family and friends? \u00a0\u00a0Did you achieve your personal goals this year?\u00a0 What actions can you take to make sure you reach your personal goals next year?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This year is coming to an end in just a few short weeks.\u00a0 Are you ready for 2018? \u00a0Most childcare owners would respond \u201cNo.\u201d \u00a0Moreover, the thought of trying to find time to add one more thing to the \u201cto do\u201d list does not excite the already frazzled childcare owner.\u00a0 However, I promise time spent…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1092,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2030","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-child-care-business-operations","category-56","description-off"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n