Thrive Pathway© Assessment/Self-Assessment
Introduction:
Running a child care business is hard work. Whether you’re a family child care provider working from your home or a center director managing a larger program, you likely wear many hats; teacher, administrator, accountant, marketer, and more. On top of that, the early childhood education field is constantly changing, with new regulations, funding opportunities, and expectations from families.
With so much to manage, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the things you could be doing differently. You may wonder where to start, what to focus on, or how your business compares to others like yours.
The good news?
There is a clear and proven pathway to building a resilient, financially stable, and thriving business. Thousands of child care providers across the country have taken simple, practical steps to strengthen their operations, and you can too.
This Thrive Pathway© Self-Assessment is designed to support you by helping you:
See what strong, successful child care businesses do consistently
Identify your own strengths and opportunities
Find your “first step” without being overwhelmed
Mark each question honestly with Yes or No. Your first “No” is your top priority to focus on.
1. Cash Flow & Financial Health
Why it matters:
Strong financial systems help your business stay open, stable, and prepared for emergencies. Accurate tracking, budgeting, and planning ensure you can pay yourself, meet obligations, and make smart decisions.
☐ Do I have a monthly budget and a 6-month cash flow forecast?
☐ Do I use a business account and keep accurate records (payroll, expenses, income)?
☐ Do I pay myself regularly and consistently from the business?
☐ Do I have a plan for taxes (quarterly estimates, preparation, review for savings)?
☐ Do I have an emergency fund or reserve and manageable debt levels?
2. Diversified Revenue
Why it matters:
Having multiple income streams (e.g. subsidies, CACFP, grants) builds resilience so your business isn't dependent on a single source.
☐ Do I have more than one funding source (private pay, subsidies, CACFP, grants, etc.)?
☐ Have I reviewed and updated tuition rates in the past year based on costs and market?
☐ Do I include when temporary revenues (like grants) end in my planning?
3. Staff Culture & Retention
Why it matters:
Your team is the heart of your program. Keeping staff engaged, supported, and well-managed improves stability, morale, and quality.
(Businesses with employees)
☐ Do I have clear staff agreements, policies, and handbooks that are updated annually?
☐ Do I provide low/no-cost staff supports (recognition, flexibility, professional development)?
☐ Do I track turnover and plan ahead for hiring?
(Businesses without employees)
☐ Do I have support systems for myself (networks, training, or professional community)?
☐ Am I planning for retirement or future financial security?
4. Safety & Communication
Why it matters:
Trust and safety are critical. Effective communication with families and safe environments ensure quality care and long-term success.
☐ Do I communicate with families daily about their child and provide monthly updates/newsletters?
☐ Do I maintain safe facilities and plan ahead for licensing needs (home or center)?
☐ Do I have liability insurance and facility/homeowner coverage?
5. Adaptability & Professional Growth
Why it matters:
Being adaptable helps your business navigate change and grow stronger over time. Ongoing learning keeps your practices current and effective.
☐ Do I have an emergency plan and a succession plan in case I cannot run the business?
☐ Do I (or my leadership team) participate in coaching, training, or conferences at least twice a year?
☐ Do I stay up to date with industry best practices and new opportunities?
6. Community Partnerships
Why it matters:
Leveraging local resources and relationships supports outreach, growth, and sustainability.
☐ Do I use community resources (Small Business Development Centers, food programs, nonprofit partners)?
☐ Do I engage families and staff to help with outreach and recruitment?
☐ Do I have a referral incentive program for families and staff?
7. Technology & Marketing
Why it matters:
Using the right tools and online presence saves time, attracts families, and helps you make better business decisions.
☐ Do I use at least two technologies to save time (apps, bookkeeping, CCMS, etc.)?
☐ Do I have a website and/or social media presence?
☐ Do I track and use data to improve communication, enrollment, and finances?
Scoring & Next Steps
Count your Yes answers. Celebrate your strengths!
Find your first No. This is your top priority to address.
Then, find your next two “Nos” so you are up to 3.
Example, if you answered “no” on question 2, 3, 5, 8, ad 9, your priorities are questions 2, 3, and 5.
Pick no more than 1–3 goals depending on your “no” answers to work on at a time and list them below. Small steps build big resilience.
Example, a goal applicable to working on questions 2, 3, and 5 from the example above.
Goals:
Goal 1:
Goal 2:
Goal 3: