Balancing the Iron Triangle: A Guide to Financial Sustainability in ECE

This practical training introduces early childhood leaders to the Iron Triangle framework, developed by Louise Stoney, as a powerful “dashboard” for program financial health. Participants will explore the three interdependent sides of a sustainable childcare business: Full Enrollment, Full Fee Collection, and Revenue Covering Per-Child Cost. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, this session helps programs move from surviving to thriving by stabilizing cash flow, reducing bad debt, and understanding their true break-even point. Attendees will learn how to track occupancy rates, enforce effective tuition collection practices, and calculate the real cost of care to ensure long-term sustainability. Participants will leave with a clear action plan to strengthen their financial foundation so they can focus on what matters most: delivering high-quality care to children and families.

Business & Financial Structure

Operating a child care business includes understanding and managing potential risks and liabilities. In this training, participants will identify common risks associated with operating a child care program and explore strategies for minimizing those risks while maintaining compliance with regulations. Providers will learn practical approaches to risk management and develop a basic Risk Management Plan that supports a safe and secure program environment.

Child Care Budgeting & Bookkeeping

Budgeting and bookkeeping are essential components of running a successful child care business. In this session, participants will explore different budgeting methods and learn how to maintain accurate financial records through effective bookkeeping practices. The training will also cover strategies for tracking profits and losses, maintaining an organized budget, and preparing financial records to simplify year-end tax filing.

Child Care Program Marketing

This training will help you understand the foundation of creating an effective marketing plan. We will explore how the seven P’s of marketing apply to your program, work on developing a clear marketing position statement, and create a strong value proposition statement to highlight the benefits of your program.

Cultivating Awareness in Early Childhood

This interactive two-hour training is designed for childcare providers, early childhood educators, and administrators who are committed to creating inclusive and equitable learning environments. Participants will explore the concept of perspectives and assumptions, and how cultural, behavioral, and special needs–related assumptions can impact children’s development and classroom experiences.

Through case studies, role-playing, classroom material reviews, and self-reflection activities, participants will learn practical strategies to foster cultural awareness, implement gender-neutral and equitable discipline practices, and ensure meaningful inclusion for children of all abilities. The training also focuses on building self-awareness, recognizing implicit influences, and developing ongoing cultural competency.
Participants will leave with a personalized action plan to strengthen inclusive practices within their programs. A certificate of completion will be provided upon active participation and completion of course requirements

Child Care Budgeting & Bookkeeping

Budgeting and bookkeeping are essential components of running a successful child care business. In this session, participants will explore different budgeting methods and learn how to maintain accurate financial records through effective bookkeeping practices. The training will also cover strategies for tracking profits and losses, maintaining an organized budget, and preparing financial records to simplify year-end tax filing.

Ensuring Effective Supervision in NYS Childcare Centers

This training provides an in-depth understanding of child supervision requirements in New York State childcare centers. Participants will learn about the regulations set by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), best practices for supervising children, strategies for managing risks, and how to be prepared for emergencies. The training includes interactive activities, case studies, and role-playing to help apply what you learn.

Facilities and Liability

Operating a child care business includes understanding and managing potential risks and liabilities. In this training, participants will identify common risks associated with operating a child care program and explore strategies for minimizing those risks while maintaining compliance with regulations. Providers will learn practical approaches to risk management and develop a basic Risk Management Plan that supports a safe and secure program environment.

Ongoing Financial Management

This training will use financial planning and management skills to sustain the program’s operation. Providers will learn basic accounting terms that are needed for child care finances, identify common revenues for child care programs, and implement a system for financial record-keeping procedures.

Safety, Supervision and Security

Your number one priority is the safety of children in your care. In this workshop participants will review the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) safety standards in child care regulations, review child care provider’s responsibilities related to the program’s health care plan. The training will include the performance of daily health checks, health and infection control, supervision of children, medication administration, CPR and First-Aid, emergency procedures, accident reporting procedures, and tips for effective communication, and behavior management.

Serious Incident Reporting (SCR) and Mandated Reporter Training for Child Care Providers

The training is designed to equip childcare center directors, administrators, and staff members, including teachers, aides, and support personnel—with essential knowledge and skills related to child welfare and mandated reporting. Participants will gain an understanding of serious incidents and the associated reporting requirements, as well as familiarize themselves with the regulations set forth by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Additionally, the training will focus on recognizing signs of child abuse and neglect and provide guidance on how to appropriately file reports to ensure compliance with state laws.

Staff Recruitment, Management, and Retention

Recruiting and retaining qualified staff is essential for maintaining high-quality child care programs. This training will help participants understand strategies to minimize staff turnover and build long-term staff retention. Participants will learn methods for recruiting qualified candidates, develop effective interview and hiring processes, and create structured orientation procedures for new employees. The session will also explore how to build individualized professional development plans that support staff growth and strengthen overall program quality.

Stronger Teams, Calmer Classrooms: How Staff Collaboration Shapes Children’s Behavior

This training examines how adult dynamics directly shape children’s behavior. When staff are misaligned, stressed, or inconsistent, children experience confusion, test boundaries, and escalate behaviors. When adults are calm, unified, and predictable, children feel emotionally safe and regulate more effectively. Participants will explore how co-regulation works in team settings and how children internalize what adults model. Through discussion, role-play, and real classroom scenarios, we’ll identify common “behavior gaps” caused by inconsistent expectations, contradicting responses, or unresolved tension between staff. Educators will develop practical tools, including communication agreements, neutral “tap-in” support language (“I’ve got it.” / “Want me to take over?”), and unified response charts for common behaviors such as biting, defiance, or dysregulation. The session emphasizes that classroom climate — not curriculum alone — is one of the strongest predictors of child outcomes, and that adult collaboration is a behavior support strategy in itself.

Summer School-Age Programming: Creating Engaging, Safe, and Developmentally Appropriate Summer Experiences

This training is designed for school age child care providers, directors, and staff working with children during summer programming. Participants will explore the importance of intentional summer programming, understand New York State regulations related to school-age care, and learn practical strategies for creating engaging activities that promote learning, social-emotional development, physical health, and positive behavior. Providers will leave with tools to development structured yet flexible summer schedules that keep children active, engaged, and safe throughout the summer months.

Supporting Children with Challenging Behaviors in ECE

This course is designed to equip early childhood educators and caregivers with the knowledge and tools to effectively support children with challenging behaviors effectively. Participants will learn to identify underlying causes behind these behaviors, implement positive behavior strategies to guide children, collaborate with families and specialists, and manage stress as professionals.

Understanding Stress and Burnout in Childcare Settings

Childcare professionals play a vital role in nurturing, educating, and insuring the well-being of young children. However, the demanding nature of this work can cause high levels of stress, which can lead to burnout over time. This training is designed to help childcare workers identify the signs of stress and burnout, understand how they affect their work and health, and learn practical strategies to prevent and manage these challenges.