Kelly Turner, President & CEO of Civitas Strategies, drives innovative, scalable and inclusive solutions for small businesses nationally.
Without technology, the child care industry will crumble—and so will the economy.
Last I checked, no one wants that. Fortunately, organizations across the country are working to bring technology to child care businesses in a variety of ways. But here’s something we’re noticing: even the smallest steps toward technology adoption, like learning to use a simple spreadsheet or basic communication app, can transform operations, save time and build confidence.
At Civitas Strategies, we’re seeing firsthand that some technology is better than none. And it’s no secret that technology helps businesses thrive. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce highlights the transformative impact technology has on small businesses in their 2023 report:
• Revenue Growth: Small businesses that integrate multiple technology platforms are more likely to experience increases in sales.
• Profitability: Using higher numbers of technological tools correlates with higher profit margins for small businesses.
• Employment Expansion: Adopting multiple technology platforms contributes to workforce growth within small businesses.
• Operational Efficiency: Technology streamlines processes, helping small businesses operate more efficiently.
Nationally, we are also seeing that taking small steps toward technology adoption can have big benefits. We are finding that technology and digital literacy have been game-changers among the most resilient child care businesses. Even simple tools for communication, check-ins and financial management are streamlining operations and boosting efficiency. Further, when paired with digital literacy and business training, these tools aren’t just improving day-to-day tasks—they are helping build long-term sustainability.
For those that didn’t fall into the category of “most resilient child care business,” we’ve found that technology adoption varied, with some providers hesitant due to concerns about staff training and the complexity of systems. However, even with small steps, incremental changes are leading to tangible impacts as well as laying the groundwork for adopting more comprehensive systems over time.
We take a dosage-based approach to child care business resiliency at Civitas Strategies. Like medicine, the right solution must be tailored to the individual and their unique needs—targeting the right problem with the right tools in the right amount. Technology is no different.
Take my dad, for instance, who asks how to plug the YouTube TV into the cable box, compared to my 8-year-old coding Minecraft “mods” in his free time. The starting points couldn’t be more different.
Imagine asking them both to set up an Apple TV, hardwired to the internet, with access to three specific streaming apps. My dad would not even know what I’m asking, whereas my child would probably start recommending newer streaming apps that provide a better user experience. That’s where help is critical. Think of Best Buy’s Geek Squad—Need tech help? They’re just a call away.
Child care businesses need their own “Geek Squad” to integrate technology into operations effectively. But tech support alone isn’t enough.
Now imagine asking both my dad and my son to use comprehensive accounting software to build a cash flow projection. My dad, a successful small business owner for many decades, knows how to create a cash flow forecast. But how to use fancy software? Not so much. My 8-year-old could probably teach me a thing or two about fancy software, but he has no idea how to build a cash flow forecast. Without sufficient business acumen, the technology is useless.
This is no different than what we see in child care—you can’t use technology to manage your cash flow successfully if you don’t understand cash flow in the first place. And with the wide range of business acumen found in an industry driven by passion for children versus passion for cash flow, we see varying “dosages” of support needed in both areas.
This is exactly what we’ve done through the most recent implementations of our coaching model—a combined approach that:
1. Meets providers where they are: Understanding their starting point with both technology and business knowledge.
2. Provides support with technology solutions: Introducing tools in manageable, practical steps.
3. Blends technology with business coaching: Ensuring the tools are used effectively to support broader business goals.
The results are promising. Many providers we have worked with were hesitant about adopting technology due to its perceived complexity and cost, especially smaller and older operators. However, with coaching support, incremental steps like digitizing enrollment and switching to automated billing systems are proving transformational for these businesses, and, in our experience, more successful compared to those that take a one-size-fits-all approach to technological solutions.
By aligning technology with business practices, providers gain the confidence and capability to make meaningful, lasting changes regardless of business acumen and technological skill.
Taking small steps toward technology integration paves the way for larger transformations in the future. These initial efforts create momentum, allowing businesses to grow their technological capacity over time.
Starting small reduces the intimidation factor, making adoption feel manageable and achievable, allowing business owners to move at their own pace. Knowing that technology is only going to continue to get more complex and that there are many incredible solutions that exist in a more comprehensive form, investing in these small steps keeps small businesses moving in the right direction.
True success in industry support lies in creating pathways that are flexible, scalable and inclusive. Technology is a vital lifeline for small businesses, but its true impact depends on accessibility and thoughtful support.
With so much at stake in building a sustainable child care infrastructure, we cannot afford to lose even the smallest child care businesses along the way. Offering a range of tools—paired with technology and business coaching—empowers businesses across the spectrum, from simple starter options to advanced, modular systems.
No business should be left behind simply because complex solutions feel overwhelming or because no one is there to guide them. Supporting businesses in taking those first small steps toward integrating technology is not just inclusive—it’s essential—and some technology is better than none.
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