Consolidate Your Childcare Business Tech Stack

As the saying goes, “It’s possible to have too much of a good thing.” Today’s childcare business owners know that going digital is no longer an option if they want to stay relevant with technology-loving parents and stay ahead of the competition. However, too much technology can bog down your childcare business with wasted time, money, and effort with no guarantees of a return on investment. In the following guide, we offer practical tips to help you evaluate and consolidate your tech stack and make sure the technology you rely on is making a positive impact on your bottom line.

 

What Is Your Childcare Business Tech Stack?

 

Your Early Childhood Education business tech stack refers to all the digital tools you rely on to operate your business. Your tech stack includes all your software programs, from your payroll processing solution to your parent and team communications system. Savvy childcare business owners look for the right technology offerings to save their business time, money, and effort, but with thousands of options out there, how do you know which ones you really need? Check out the following tips for evaluating and consolidating your tech stack.

 

Decide What Business Solutions You Need from Your Tech Stack

 

What business functions does your childcare management tech stack need to accomplish? Take a look at all aspects of your childcare business and see where software programs can fill in the gaps and make things run smoother and more efficiently. Here are some basic areas to consider:

 

• Payroll Processing
• Billing and Payments
• Parent Communication
• Classroom Management
• Staff Scheduling

 

Of course, these solutions among others, will likely be a priority to you as you consider your technology needs. You may already have a number of software programs that are serving these basic needs for your childcare business. However, can they be consolidated into a single platform, or at least far fewer digital solutions than you currently use?

 

Look for a One-Stop Shop

 

Once you’re clear on what you need your tech stack to accomplish for your Early Childhood Education business, consider finding as many of these functions as possible within a single technology solution. Many childcare management platforms offer a variety of solutions that cover the basic administrative, communication, and classroom management tasks sought by childcare businesses. Chances are, you can find one that meets most (if not all) your technology needs.

 

The benefits of using fewer digital solutions and consolidating your tech stack are many. You and your teachers will save time and frustration by using a single login across multiple functions, from parent communications to classroom notes. You will save time by using technology that shares your data across and within its systems, eliminating the need for duplicate data entry and reference to siloed information. Plus, you will cut costs by relying on a solution that “does it all” (or most).

 

Prioritize Integrated Systems

 

Chances are, there are some things you really like about the digital solutions you are already using. That’s great! As you reevaluate your tech stack, you may decide to keep one or more of your current solutions around because they are working well for you. If that’s the case, look for “integrated systems,” or management systems that are compatible with the digital tools you already use. Your goal is not to ditch everything and start from scratch if you don’t need to but to reduce your tech stack as much as possible to create a seamless workflow for yourself and your staff.

 

What are your favorite digital childcare management solutions? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below!

 

The Honest Buck Accounting team knows how quickly the administrative tools you rely on, especially your tech stack, can drain your budget. We help Early Childcare Education business owners cut costs, optimize spending, and increase profitability. Schedule a call with our professional accountants to learn more about our financial services.