At Childcare Sales Australia, we appreciate the importance of maintaining a healthy industry, and a healthy industry comes from healthy businesses. With a reach as deep as ours into the Australian childcare market, we thought it would be a pity to not share the knowledge of our contacts with the rest of the industry. What is good for you is good for us. The child care business is not child's play and with the current level of regulation and reporting you need to be up-to-date to run your child care business.

Independent Articles

Child Care Sales Australia is proud to have developed the types of relationships that allow us to share with you, articles written by industry specialists that attempt to provide you with relevant information that will ensure that you are running a coherent, productive, stable and financially profitable centre. With advice on issues ranging from recruitment to Child Care Benefit entitlements, town planning to the lead up to your first day, Childcare Sales Australia affiliate articles are here to help.

Written by independent leaders in their child care field, they are a great source of information whether you intend to buy or already own one or several child care businesses.

Creating a culture   
Expect a Star - July 2010

If I was to tell you there is one secret to achieving all of the above and it was absolutely FREE by simply calling me then we would be flooded with calls! Unfortunately there is no secret or exact science to building a successful culture in your business, however through my experience in running business and working with a large volume of centres nationally I have begun to understand (after much trial and error) how to influence, develop and maintain a positive team environment. For those of you reading this article that may already be enjoying the spoils of a strong team environment and culture - congratulations, but for the remainder it is time make a start.
 

Starting a new service / purchasing a new centre   
Succeed Consultancy - May 2010

Are you looking into building a brand new Child Care Centre or perhaps you are looking at purchasing an existing child care centre. Well keep on reading as there are many aspects that required to be looked at to begin your new and very exciting journey into the Child Care Industry and for you to commence the wonderful satisfaction of owning your own childcare business, and Succeed Consultancy can help you in everyway right from the very beginning.
 

Have you got your rose coloured glasses on?   
Succeed Consultancy - April 2010

This article “have you got your Rose Coloured Glasses on? In an extract from Succeed Consultancy training package “Are you 100%”. It is a reminder to look at your Centre from a parent’s perspective on a regular basis; see what parents are seeing. What is your Centre’s presentation saying about you?
 

Securing finance in a nightmare financial market   
Guild Financial Services - April 2010

Anyone currently applying for Childcare finance could be mistaken into thinking it might be easier to walk on water. In my travels, I keep bumping into people with the same storey; ...”the last time we applied for finance, we only had to... and it was approved”.... Most likely was but the world has changed significantly. The banks are lending less and conditions are stricter.
 

Is your centre going to be forced to close due to COAG changes?   
Succeed Consultancy - March 2010

This article is a one off article on the impending changes to the industry. It is a follow up from the recent tour Succeed Consultancy participated in, in NSW during February.
 

Where has the fun gone?   
Succeed Consultancy - February 2010

Succeed continues their journey of articles on occupancy growth and marketing. This article “how can playdough, goop and messy play enhance the quality of your programs but also assist you in maximising your Centre’s occupancy” is a good reminder to have fun and continue the fun in the program.
 

Workplace Based Study - Could this be the answer to your training needs?   
TLC Training Solutions - February 2010

With new regulatory requirements now established in many States requiring child care staff to be qualified, many are now battling with the decision to study externally or attend classes. Juggling everyday life with a busy child care position tends to lean us towards external study rather than try to fit classes into an already hectic schedule.
 

What is the word on the street about your Centre?   
Succeed Consultancy - November 2009

Have you ever been to a shop and have waited for some time to have someone come and ask you “Would you like some assistance”. Have you ever been through a bad customer service experience when you feel that you have not gotten what you have paid for? I am sure that we can all say ‘yes’ to this.
 

Are you ready for 2010?   
Succeed Consultancy - October 2009

We all know the cycle of child care centres highs and lows. Currently your Centre will be experiencing a peak in occupancy with the warmer weather and it will be climbing steadily, this will be experienced up until mid November. By mid December families begin to exit your Centre with preparation of their children commencing big school and for Christmas holidays. A decline in occupancy commences in December and continues throughout January up until school commences.
 

Preparing your centre for 2010   
Expect A Star Education Services - September 2009

If you are a childcare centre owner or you are planning to acquire a centre then planning for 2010 should be at the top of your agenda. There are many things you can do now to ensure you are well prepared for the coming year. By formulating a simple recruitment, marketing and training strategy you will ensure your centre is in the best possible position for 2010. Planning areas to be considered include covering for your staff’s annual leave, staff training requirements and how best to market your centre for the coming year.
 

Negotiating finance: The smart way !   
Guild Financial Group - September 2009

With the banks more cautious and funds harder to come by, financing your child care centre may not be easy. It’s important to speak the bank’s language and understand the key criteria by which they assess your suitability as a borrower. By considering the bank’s requirements, with the right help, you can present your position more effectively and negotiate the right long-term financing solution for your centre.
 

Tax Depreciation for the Child Care Centre Owner   
BMT Tax Depreciation - May 2009

Tax Depreciation can help ease the pressure this financial year and put more money back in your pocket! How? By making sure you obtain the maximum tax depreciation deductions from your child care centre. Many child care centre owners are losing potential credits by failing to take full advantage of their centre’s tax depreciation potential. An often overlooked method of obtaining tax credits, property tax depreciation is available to any property owner who obtains assessable income by way of rent or operates a business from a property.
 

Utilising your local community to market your centre   
Succeed Consultancy - April 2009

Do you pay thousands in advertising? - Your Centre’s growth is all about strong word of mouth - Word of mouth starts and stays in your local community. Childcare Sales Australia is proud to publish an article from Succeed Consultancy. Succeed begins a new journey of articles on occupancy growth and marketing. The first article in this series; “do you pay thousands in advertising?”- It’s all about strong word of mouth in your community.
 

Industry Advice - Negotiating the Purchase   
Childcare Sales Australia - December 2008

Your ultimate aim is to obtain the property you want and clinch the deal. If you are looking at childcare opportunities via an agent, always remember the rules. The agent conducts all the negotiations for buying and selling. Avoid the temptation of negotiating directly with the property’s seller, if they are using an agent to sell their property. If the seller contacts you directly, always redirect back to the agent.

Buying an existing centre - you're buying more than just a building   
Educational Experience - October 2008

When buying an existing, operating centre, you’re not just buying bricks and mortar. Like it or not, you’re also buying a culture and a pre-existing customer-base with a lot of questions, anticipations and high expectations. The enrolled families will be concerned about the type of service you will offer.

Equipping your new childcare centre   
Judius Educational Resources - September 2008

Building a new Child Care Centre can be an overwhelming task to undertake and then you still need to equip your Centre with Educational toys and furniture!! Being aware of a few things before you take this next step will help to minimise what can sometimes be yet another daunting step in establishing your centre.

Finding the right staff for your team   
Expect a Star - September 2008

Finding the right staff is the best thing you can do for your Service/Organisation. It is staggering the amount of time spent organising, monitoring, training, counselling and last but not least-hiring staff.

The benefits of using consultants   
Maximise Childcare Consultants - August 2008

Today, Conny shares with us a case study of a childcare business she has recently worked on and talks briefly about the advantages of using consulting professionals to troubleshoot problems in your business rather than using options that lock you into lengthy contracts and unnecessary monthly fees.

Doing it right for the children   
Childcare NSW - July 2008

On Thursday 5th July three CCNSW Executives were invited to attend a roundtable meeting with the Hon Maxine McKew, Parliamentary Secretary for Early Childhood Education and Child Care.

Buying a Childcare Centre   
Childcare Sales Australia - July 2008

What is the competition near the centre you are considering buying -- make an internal inspection of the other centres by posing as a prospective parent, obtain their fee and charges and any additional services they provide ie meals morning tea nappies etc. and obtain a copy of their promotional brochure or parent handbook. Check the local Council for any applications pending for childcare centres in your area of interest. Don't hold out for the perfect childcare centre 10 minutes from where you live -- you'll probably never find it!

Are you asking the right questions in interview?   
Succeed Childcare Consultancy - July 2008

You’ve now made yourself stand out from the crowd with your staff advertising. You have received several promising applications. Now it’s interview time? Are you ready to get the right person for your Centre. Someone who is committed to their chosen career, has vast experience, a sound communicator, competent, a team player, can program, quick learner, proactive in their learning and the list goes on and on…..

The challenges of recruitment   
Succeed Childcare Consultancy - June 2008

Erin follows up with her second article on staffing “The Challenges of Recruitment: putting the pieces together”. At some stage this year you will be looking at recruiting staff. Are you recruiting effectively? We are all very aware of the critical staff shortages the Child Care Industry is facing nationally. Gone are the days when employers had a choice of high quality applicants with up to twenty applications. These days we are fighting for one quality applicant...

A Peek into Business in the Future   
Child Care Central Solutions - April 2008

Child care service operators have for time immemorial never had to use, mention or even consider the World Wide Web. Times are certainly changing however, as the Government’s new Child Care Management System (CCMS) being implemented nationwide begins to bring all approved child care services online, to standardise and simplify the administration of the Child Care Benefit (CCB) system.

Are you surfing the CCMS net?   
Child Care Central Solutions - March 2008

As many of you are aware, the Australian Government is introducing a national child care computer system that will provide improved information on child care supply and usage for families, services and the Government, and will be implemented progressively across all approved child care services from 4 February 2008 to 30 June 2009. The decision to introduce a national system recognises the need for better management of, and information about child care. 

Building Strong Staff Morale   
Succeed Childcare Consultancy - March 2008

Childcare Sales Australia is proud to publish yet another article from our regular columnists Erin Allen of Succeed Consultancy. Erin begins a new journey of articles on staffing. The first article in this series; A strong teams + a strong staff morale = a strong business looks at the fundamentals of a Centre the staff.  As usual it is sound practical information for owner operators, investors and new buyers alike.

New to business? Here are some handy hints   
business.gov.au - February 2008

New To Business Checklist and Growing Your Business Checklist. The business.gov.au New to business checklist and Growing your business checklist will guide you through the various stages of your business, whether you're just starting or ready to grow.

Preparing for the Child Care Management System   
Succeed Childcare Consultancy - January 2008

Another article by respected childcare consultant Erin Allen of Succeed Consultancy. This article follows on from 2007 articles “Child Care Benefit: The Importance of a strong system” and “Child Care Benefit Acquittals: What are They? What Do I Do With Them? Are You Losing Money?”. Again you will find sound practical information for owner operators, investors and new buyers alike.

The Childcare Industry - a Valuer's Insight    
Egan National Valuers - January 2008

In this unique interview, Kevin Stapleton, Director - Childcare Sales Australia, interviews Michael Hoskings from the Melbourne office of national valuation firm Egan Valuers. Covering topics such as expected return on investment, national pushes on commercial yields and the impact on the childcare market, wages and the general requirements for the effective valuation of childcare properties, this is an interview not to be missed.

The Benefits of a Professional Employment Strategy  
Expect A Star Recruitment - November 2007

The organising of staff for a child care centre may possibly be the most stressful part in any Director’s day. Not knowing whether you are going to have the correct amount of staff for your centre can be a constant worry. This is where the use of a Professional Employment Strategy such as the forming of a trusting with a recruitment agency can be invaluable.

CCB Acquittals - What are they? Am I losing money? 
Succeed Childcare Consultancy - October 2007

As many of you know, the Australian Government funds long day care services to provide care mostly for children not yet attending school, whose parents are working, undertaking vocational study, training or looking for work. Indirectly of course, the Government inevitably funds child care centres through the Child Care Benefit Scheme.

Traineeships - The future of training in child care   
Expect A Star Recruitment - October 2007

The very word ‘Traineeship’ has frightened off many a Director or centre owner over the years, conjuring up thoughts of excess paperwork, increased costs and most importantly the added ‘time-cost’ of administering the program. Thankfully much of this has changed and the increased benefits to the employer make traineeships the way forward for the childcare industry. 

CCB - The importance of a strong system    
Succeed Childcare Consultancy - September 2007

As many of you know, the Australian Government funds long day care services to provide care mostly for children not yet attending school, whose parents are working, undertaking vocational study, training or looking for work. Indirectly of course, the Government inevitably funds child care centres through the Child Care Benefit Scheme.

Are you ready to take the next step?          
Maximise Childcare Consultancy - September 2007

Conny shares with us some tips and tricks to help you know if your ready to own more than one childcare centre. She also shares her expertise on gaining greater efficiencies when owning more than one centre.

Take your centre to the next level               
Maximise Childcare Consultancy - August 2007

Conny shares her industry expertise on ways in which you can take your centre “to the next level”. If you want to improve the results in your business then you need to have a target to aim for and a system for monitoring progress.

In the lead up to the first day                      
Maximise Childcare Consultancy - August 2007

Conny shares her industry expertise on ways in which you can prepare for the operation of your new centre. She highlights the key foundations that will assist operators in a smooth transition and some of the common mistakes made by operators that can potentially damage your business.

What to look for when buying...                  
Maximise Childcare Consultancy - July 2007

Buying a child care business may well be one of the biggest financial transactions that you will ever undertake. As a result it is important to understand the fundamentals that drive the business you are looking at purchasing.

10 Marketing Tips                                        
Marketing Angels - July 2007

It’s a myth that Marketing needs to be overly expensive or needs to take up a lot of time or resources in your business to achieve real measurable results and add to your bottom line.

Special Audio Interview Pt 1                      
Maximise Childcare Consultancy - October 2006

Part 1
Title: The Industry's Future
In this part of the series, Kevin and Conny discuss, based on recent industry trends, where the industry is likely to move over the short to medium term.

Part 2
Title: Staffing issues for purchasers
In this part of the series, Kevin and Conny discuss the issues surrounding staffing during a change of ownership.

Part 3
Title: Things to look for when buying a centre
In this part of the series, Kevin and Conny discuss some of the most basic essential elements to be considered when purchasing a childcare centre.

Special Audio Interview Pt 2                      
Maximise Childcare Consultancy - October 2006

Part 4
Title: The Industry's Future
In this Part of the series, Kevin and Conny discuss, based on recent industry trends, where the industry is likely to move over the short to medium term.

Part 5
Title: Staffing issues for purchasers
In this Part of the series, Kevin and Conny discuss the issues surrounding staffing during a change of ownership.

Part 6
Title: Things to look for when buying a centre
In this Part of the series, Kevin and Conny discuss some of the most basic essential elements to be considered when purchasing a childcare centre.

Part 7
Title: Things to look for when buying a centre
In this Part of the series, Kevin and Conny discuss some of the most basic essential elements to be considered when purchasing a childcare centre.

Aged Care Sales Launch                           
Aged Care Management Australia - August 2006

Aged Care investments, owner managed centres and developments should not be overlooked by the astute investor or entrepreneur wishing to expand and diverse their portfolio, and enter into this thriving and ever growing market before the corporates take over.

Who's Minding the Kids                             
Time Magazine - April 2006

Ask policy makers to sketch their dream family, and they might come up with one something like Susie's. She and her husband are young and work hard, and they have a toddler and plans for more. They've moved inland to a regional town, where Susie works as a midwife, a profession often badly short-staffed in rural areas. The community needs her, and she needs to work to help pay the mortgage. So everyone's happy, right? Not quite. The birth of Susie's first child almost forced her out of the workforce. Not only does her town have no child-care center, but she has spent nearly a year on a waiting list for the area's tiny family day-care scheme, in which groups of children are looked after in a carer's home. She has no relatives nearby to help her, and few options.