Direct Pay vs Payroll: Tax Implications Every Childcare Owner Should Know Direct pay might feel simpler in the moment, but for most childcare centers, running proper payroll is usually the safer and more tax‑efficient path once you have staff beyond yourself. The way you pay people (and yourself) directly affects your taxes, compliance risk, and long‑term profitability. First things first: read more.

The child care industry faces a severe workforce crisis. In fact, more than 150,000 workers are “missing” compared to pre-pandemic projections. As a result, staffing shortages keep getting worse. For child care center owners, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act — known as WIOA — offers powerful tools to recruit, train, and retain staff at little to no cost. What read more.

Payroll is the single largest expense in most child care businesses — often consuming 60% to 70% of total revenue. However, it’s also the area where the costliest compliance mistakes tend to hide. From IRS penalties to Department of Labor investigations, a single child care payroll error can snowball into thousands of dollars in fines, back pay, and sleepless nights.​ read more.

If you run a childcare center or daycare, understanding the new overtime law is important for your business. Starting in 2025, a new tax rule lets your employees save money on their taxes when they work overtime. This guide will show you exactly how to track qualified overtime hours in QuickBooks Online Payroll (also called Intuit Online Payroll). What Is read more.

Supporting Neurodiverse Learners in Childcare Centers: Strategies for Inclusive, Compassionate Care Imagine walking into a classroom where every child feels seen, valued, and supported—no matter how they process the world around them. In today’s childcare environment, that vision isn’t just a dream; it’s becoming a necessity. With one in five children estimated to be neurodiverse (meaning their brains work differently read more.

Don’t Let Payroll Changes Catch You Off Guard As a child care center owner or preschool operator, you’re juggling a lot. Managing staff, keeping the kids happy, handling parents, and keeping the lights on all demand your constant attention. The last thing you need is a surprise when it comes to payroll. But here’s the thing: on January 1, 2026, 19 read more.

Affordable Alternatives to Traditional Health Benefits for Childcare Centers As a childcare center owner, you want to attract and keep amazing staff—but offering traditional group health insurance can feel out of reach for many small businesses. The good news? There are creative, cost-effective alternatives that can help you offer valuable health benefits without breaking the bank. Let’s explore some practical read more.

How to Support Your Childcare Employees’ Mental Health    This school year, invest in your childcare team by supporting your employees’ mental health. In the following guide, we explore five ways you can help your staff prioritize their mental wellbeing. Read on to find out more.  Why Support Employee Mental Health  For anyone who works in the childcare industry, the read more.