What role does it play in achieving a high level of enrollment? Welcome back, astronaut. You've boarded the ship, you've discovered the S.P.A.C.E. framework, and now it's time to make your first planetary landing. Today, we're touching down on one of the most powerful and most often underestimated planets in the childcare universe: Staff Management. Why This Planet Matters In our S.P.A.C.E. framework, every planet plays a role, and removing even one breaks the circle. Staff Management holds a particularly critical orbit because your teachers are the conduit through which quality reaches every child, every day. Think of it this way: the administrator is the conductor, and the teachers are the ones applying the skills. When you invest in the people who are directly facing children for a significant portion of each day, everything else rises with them. Landing Gear Down: Setting Clear Expectations Every successful mission begins with a clear flight plan, and when it comes to your staff, that plan needs to be in writing. A teacher's handbook should outline transitions, care practices, safety protocols, and self-help routines, because just like children, adults perform best when they know exactly what's expected of them. Your job description isn't just an HR document. It's a roadmap. If the expectation is "you greet every child as they walk in the door," then it should live in the job description, show up during walkthroughs, and be reflected in formal evaluations. That consistency is what gives administrators real control over the quality of care happening in every classroom, every day. Mission Control: The Administrator's Role Great administrators don't run their programs from behind a desk. They’re on the floor frequently and with purpose, scanning every room for safety, engagement, and quality interaction. Think of it as your own bird's-eye view from orbit, hovering above your building checking for vital signs. Since you can't literally do that, aim for at least four walkthroughs in the morning and four in the afternoon, spending just 5 to 10 minutes in each classroom. You're looking for: Safety: Is the environment physically safe? Are chairs tucked in? Are transitions smooth and calm? Physical environment: Does the room reflect the week's theme? Is it clean and organized? Curriculum in action: Are teachers delivering the day's lesson with energy and intention? Are children engaged? Child behavior: Are children crying without being attended to? Are they excited, curious, learning? Always count your children: This is fundamental to classroom safety, licensing compliance, and the trust families place in your program. Ask yourself: “If I were three years old, how would I feel in this room right now?” That single question will tell you more than any checklist ever could. Your Team Is Your Brand When a parent walks in for a tour and sees a team that looks cohesive, confident, and professional, that moment does more for your enrollment than any marketing campaign ever could. Your teachers should look the part, because they are the part. Simple things like wearing your center's logo, maintaining a neat and polished appearance, and showing up as the best representation of your program can go a long way. What Does Your Perfect Classroom Look Like? Training isn't a one-time event. It's a continuous conversation that happens every time you walk through a classroom. Smaller, consistent touchpoints are how learning actually sticks, and when training is woven into the rhythm of the day, it works. That's why every administrator should carry a mental picture of the perfect classroom and constantly measure reality against it. Walk to any window in your building right now. What do you see that doesn't meet that standard? Chairs stacked on tables at the wrong time? A child crying with no one responding? Toys scattered without purpose? These details matter, not to criticize, but to coach. The perfect classroom is safe, intentional, warm, and alive with learning. Hold that picture clearly in your mind. Then help your team rise to meet it. From Staff Management to Staff Development Formally, every teacher should receive a structured evaluation every six months, tied directly to their job description. But don't overlook the quiet power of self-evaluation. When someone reflects on their own performance and sees the gap or the growth, it lands far deeper than simply being told. The psychology of working with children is exactly the same as working with your staff. Teachers need praise, encouragement, and the genuine belief that they can make a difference. Your job as an administrator is to give them that foundation and turn what starts as a job into a career. Through individual meetings, group staff gatherings, shared resources, and ongoing learning, you help your teachers grow into educators who show up year after year, genuinely loving what they do. Back to the Mission: Sustainable Enrollment Every child care provider's dream is a full and thriving school. When your staff is trained and inspired, you can walk any prospective family through your center with complete confidence. You're not hoping they see something good. You know they will. Because quality isn't a performance, it’s a practice. Every lead your enrollment tools generate means nothing if the experience families find when they arrive doesn't match the promise. You cannot retain enrollment without a quality center, and you cannot have a quality center without quality staff. Family loyalty is earned by teachers who care, administrators who lead, and a program that holds everyone in it to the highest standard. Join us on the next stop on our S.P.A.C.E. journey: the Physical Environment!

Every child care provider’s dream is to run a full, thriving, and sustainable school. One where classrooms are bustling, teachers feel supported, and families proudly recommend you to everyone they know. During the busy enrollment season, however, it is easy to focus solely on filling seats and lose sight of the systems that must be in place to make that enrollment sustainable. You can enroll 20 new children, but if they all leave within six months, the impact is short-lived. True success comes from building a program that supports both enrollment and retention. And today, we are inviting you to hop aboard our spaceship and explore the planets that lead to long-term success. S.P.A.C.E. The Framework for Success At IKS Academy, we believe that every successful early childhood education program fits into one cohesive framework called S.P.A.C.E.: Staff Management, Physical Environment, Administration, Curriculum, and Enrollment. Each of these areas represents a planet on your journey. Miss one, and the system falls out of balance. When all five work together as a circle that cannot break, you create something powerful. A center where quality care and steady enrollment thrive. Why Enrollment Matters Sustainability begins with full classrooms. A full school provides stable and sustainable pay for your staff. It allows operations to run more smoothly and predictably. It gives leadership the freedom to focus on quality instead of survival. Most importantly, it creates a healthier school culture for everyone involved. Similarly, enrollment doesn’t just happen. It is built through intentional strategy, consistent systems, and a clear process that transforms interest into commitment. You may not be able to control who drives by your building or clicks on an ad, but you can control what happens once a family reaches out. That is where the journey truly begins. The Circle That Cannot Break Quality child care programs are built on a complete and interconnected circle. S — Staff Management: Ensures consistency, professionalism, and stability. When leaders invest in staff development, employees feel confident, supported, and empowered to do their best work. Hiring the right people and giving them opportunities to grow builds a strong, united team. Families feel that positive energy right away. P — Physical Environment: Creates a warm and welcoming first impression. A clean space that looks, smells, and sounds pleasant helps families feel comfortable and builds immediate trust, setting the tone for quality care. A — Administration: Provides structure and support behind the scenes. Strong systems keep the center organized and running smoothly, giving leaders and staff the confidence and clarity they need to stay focused on what matters most. C — Curriculum: Designed with developmentally appropriate goals to give purpose and direction to learning. A consistent curriculum supports meaningful experiences for children and helps families feel confident in their child’s day. E — Enrollment: The ultimate goal that sustains the business and allows every other element to thrive. Remove any one of these elements, and the circle breaks. Even the most beautiful new building will struggle to maintain enrollment if internal expectations, systems, and experiences are not in place. Likewise, you can invest heavily in marketing, but without strong tours, well-trained staff, and a clear leadership philosophy, families will not choose your school for the long term. Journey From Lead to Lifelong Advocate 1. Capture the Lead It starts with that first phone call, email, or inquiry. This is the moment a family says, “Tell me more.” Whether they found you online or through word of mouth, you have one opportunity to make a strong first impression. 2. Convert the Interest Inquiries are handled promptly and professionally, families feel heard and informed about the program’s value, and the conversation confidently leads to scheduling a tour that builds excitement and trust. 3. Turn Tours into Enrollment A great tour is never random. It is thoughtful, intentional, and reflective of your mission to offer the highest quality early childhood education. Your staff should speak confidently about your philosophy, environment, training, and commitment rather than improvising in the moment. 4. Create Lifelong Families Your job does not end when a spot is filled. It evolves. When you support families and children through growth, transitions, and new siblings or cousins joining later, your school becomes the one they recommend. Word of mouth remains an incredibly powerful marketing tool, even in the digital age. Astronauts: It Is Your Mission Owners and directors are the astronauts leading this mission. You are not just managing a school; you are guiding an entire system with care and purpose. Your role is to make sure all five planets are visited, supported and aligned so everything can thrive. Ready for Lift Off Enrollment may be the destination, but the journey touches every part of your program. At IntelliKid Systems, we strive to provide you with the tools that help you build full schools, confident teams, and sustainable success. So join us on the journey and visit each planet. Strengthen the circle. And watch your child care center reach new heights!

At IKS Academy, we believe strong leadership is the foundation of every successful child care program, and it starts with leading yourself first. That’s why we were excited to welcome Sara Schreiner, CEO of ChildMYnder, for our recent webinar. With her signature boldness and honesty, Sara shared inspirational strategies to help child care directors, owners, and educators lead with greater clarity, purpose, and confidence. If you missed the session or want a quick recap, here are some of the key takeaways: The difference between fixing problems quickly and framing them for long-term clarity Why burnout comes from carrying too much, not just doing too much How calm leadership is something you practice, not something you provide Shifting your mindset from saving to steady by building systems that don’t live only in your head Creating teams and processes that succeed even when you’re not in the room Final Thoughts The next level of leadership isn’t about being more available. It’s about being steadier. When you stop being the solution and start building the system, everything changes. About Sara Schreiner As the CEO of ChildMYnder, Sara Schreiner is a seasoned child care program owner and leadership coach. She is known for blending raw honesty with strategic insight, helping early education professionals not just manage their teams but inspire them. Her mission is to support child care leaders in building thriving, empowered teams while staying focused on what matters most: the children. Watch the full webinar replay here. Want to see how IntelliKid Systems can help you convert more leads into enrolled families? Jump into your self-guided demo today!

Enrollment rarely comes down to just “not enough leads.” More often, it’s also inconsistent follow-up, unclear handoffs, and bottlenecks that keep families from moving forward. In this interactive webinar, our IKS experts Kaia Gallop, Director of Client Strategy, and Karen Blatter, Director of Training and Enterprise Strategy, shared practical ways to start 2026 with a clear plan and a system that supports it. Here’s What We Covered: Using reporting to identify where leads stall and refine your process for better outcomes. Leveraging Call Ai to capture higher-quality information upfront, enabling more meaningful conversations and reducing back-and-forth delays. Utilizing custom data fields to better track and organize prospect information. Driving tour conversions through personalized follow-up, tailored email templates, strategic timing, and consistent team communication that builds trust. Implementing tasks and performance reporting to ensure consistent follow-up, improve visibility into team activity, and increase conversions. Streamlining paperwork with IntelliForms to save staff time, eliminate paper chasing, and enhance the experience for both families and leadership. Final Thoughts A stronger 2026 isn’t about doing more, it’s about measuring what matters, standardizing follow-up, and letting the systems carry the load. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Kaia and Karen for an incredible kickoff webinar, and to everyone who shared their goals and questions. Watch the full webinar replay here. Use the January–March Enrollment Worksheet to guide your team in reflecting on last year’s wins and challenges, setting a clear enrollment goal, and identifying the top strategies to reach it. Want to see how IntelliKid Systems can help you convert more leads into enrolled families? Jump into your self-guided demo today!

Use the worksheet to reflect on last year’s wins and challenges, set a focused enrollment goal, and identify the top strategies to achieve it. Align your team on lead response standards, assign clear ownership for each task, and document quarterly commitments, so nothing slips through the cracks and your plan turns into daily action!

The childcare industry has evolved significantly over the years, and parent expectations have evolved right along with it. Today’s modern parents, many of whom are Gen Z or younger millennials, have grown up in a digital-first world. They expect speed, convenience, transparency, and open communication from every service they interact with, including childcare centers. For centers still relying heavily on traditional processes, this shift can feel overwhelming. However, for those willing to adapt, it creates a powerful opportunity to stand out, build trust with families, and grow enrollment more efficiently than ever before. Convenience and Communication Matter More Than Ever Modern parents value open and consistent communication with their child’s school. They want quick answers, easy scheduling, digital forms, and updates that fit seamlessly into their busy lives. If a childcare center feels difficult to reach, slow to respond, or outdated, parents are far more likely to move on, often within minutes. These expectations do not stop once a child is enrolled. Ongoing communication, transparency, and accessibility strongly influence how parents perceive your center and whether they are willing to recommend it to others through reviews and referrals. The Challenge of Admin Availability While everyone understands the importance of prompt responses, it is not always realistic for administrative teams to be available at a moment’s notice. Staff are often balancing classroom support, tours, meetings, and daily operations. Even the most organized teams have limitations, which can lead to missed inquiries and delayed follow-ups. This is where digital solutions, like IntelliKid Systems, help childcare centers stay ahead without sacrificing the personal connections that make their programs special. Meeting Parents Where They Are with Automation Automated Texts and Emails With IntelliKid Systems, childcare centers can automate text messages and emails that are sent immediately after a parent submits an inquiry. This ensures families receive timely, relevant information right when they are actively searching for care. Self-Scheduling Tours To further improve convenience, parents can book their own tour times using a self-scheduling feature. Automated reminder texts and emails help reduce no-shows and create more opportunities to convert tours into enrollments. Instant Texts for First-Time Calls When a new lead calls your center for the first time, IntelliKid Systems can automatically send a follow-up text. This message can invite parents to share more details about their family or encourage them to schedule a tour right away. If texting is an option for your childcare center, it is important to promote it. Many parents do not realize they can text a business. Using reporting tools, you can track where leads come from, monitor how conversations progress, review call recordings, and identify missed calls at the end of each day. Assigning clear responsibility for follow-up ensures no inquiry slips through the cracks. Collecting and Building Up Reviews for Your Center Parent reviews are one of the most powerful ways to build credibility and attract new families. Reviews provide social proof, improve search rankings, and reassure prospective parents that your center is trusted and valued by its community. Parents need time to form a genuine opinion before leaving a meaningful review. The 90-day mark is ideal because, by that point: Their child has adjusted to the classroom environment They have seen your teaching team in action They have built relationships with your staff Using IntelliKid Systems workflows, you can automate a “Leave Us a Review” email that triggers after 90 days of enrollment. This ensures every family has an opportunity to share their experience without adding extra work for your team. Social Media and Your Digital Presence Your digital presence extends beyond emails and texts. Social media, online listings, and communication policies should all align with the image and reputation you want to project. Everything parents see, both online and offline, contributes to their overall trust in your center. A Modern Enrollment Strategy Recap To successfully attract and enroll today’s families, childcare centers should rethink their follow-up and communication strategies with these principles in mind: Speed and responsiveness Multi-channel, personalized follow-up Showcasing authenticity and center culture Using social proof and parent reviews Offering flexibility and convenience Sharing visual and short-form digital content Asking for small, easy commitments during follow-up The Future Is Digital and Personal Automating processes does not mean eliminating the personalized experiences that set your childcare center apart. Instead, it means adapting to the modern landscape while preserving meaningful connections. Automation tools like those offered by IntelliKid Systems help your center rise above the noise and clearly communicate why your program is the right fit for prospective families. With the right tools in place, you can modernize your lead management and communication processes to meet the expectations of today’s parents without compromising quality or care. Isn’t it time your approach reflected the way modern families live and communicate today?

Running a preschool means wearing many hats, and when growth takes center stage it’s easy to lose sight of the financial fundamentals that truly drive success. With the right systems, data, and financial clarity in place, childcare leaders can confidently build centers that are both mission-driven and financially strong. In the following IKS Academy webinar, Back to Basics: How to Make More Money and Pay Less Tax, we learned from Michael A. Blanco, CPA, preschool owner, and CEO of Radius Childcare Solutions. Drawing on his rare combination of hands-on childcare ownership and deep tax and accounting expertise, Michael shared what it truly takes to run a financially healthy early education business. His insights helped demystify the numbers behind childcare and showed how profitability directly supports better classrooms, stronger teams, and long-term stability. Throughout the session, Michael reinforced an important message: it’s okay to make a profit. When owners understand their numbers, optimize enrollment systems, and execute consistent billing and operational processes, they create centers where children, families, and staff can all thrive. Here’s What We Covered: Why financial visibility starts with knowing a few key numbers How to stabilize enrollment using measurable lead funnels and forecasting The importance of consistent billing execution to improve cash flow How operational systems and automation reduce waste and labor strain Essential tax strategies every childcare owner should understand Final Thoughts Profitability in early learning is not about cutting corners, it is about building systems that support sustainability. When owners measure what matters, use data to guide enrollment decisions, and run disciplined billing and financial processes, they gain clarity, confidence, and control. A financially healthy center is better equipped to pay staff fairly, maintain safe facilities, invest in quality programming, and plan for growth or succession. With the right tools and guidance, childcare leaders can move beyond survival mode and build centers designed to last. A sincere thank-you to Michael for his insights and to everyone who joined us and contributed to such a meaningful discussion! We’re excited to continue supporting our community with conversations that strengthen the future of childcare. Watch the full webinar replay here. Want to see how easy lead management can be with IntelliKid Systems? Jump into your self-guided demo today!

Q: How does Call Ai integrate with our current enrollment system or CRM? A: If you’re using IntelliKid Systems (IKS) with our Call Ai add-on, everything works together seamlessly. Call Ai ensures that call activity, insights, and lead information flows directly into your business. Importantly, Call Ai doesn’t just support new leads, it engages with anyone who calls your IKS number. That includes prospective families, returning callers, and even currently enrolled families. This ensures that every call is captured, analyzed, and routed appropriately, helping your team stay informed and responsive without any additional effort. Q: What should we track to measure the ROI of Call Ai? A: By automating the removal of non-leads, a task that normally consumes valuable time, this feature delivers a clearer picture of your true conversion rate and helps your team respond more quickly to new inquiries. Q: Are there any privacy or compliance considerations when using Ai to capture and store call data? A: IntelliKid Systems securely stores all call transcripts within your own protected database. IntelliKid Systems is proudly SOC 2® Type II certified, one of the highest standards for data security, placing us among the few childcare software providers to earn this rigorous, independently verified designation. This certification proves we follow strict practices to safeguard sensitive information, giving centers and families complete confidence in how their data is handled. IntelliKid Systems maintains full control of all data at all times, protected under our privacy policies and all applicable laws. Q: How often should staff review Ai-transcribed calls for accuracy? A: Continue reviewing calls as you normally would with far less manual data entry. Be sure to periodically check the Deleted Leads section for any calls removed by Ai, which will be clearly marked with an Ai icon. You can also provide immediate feedback on each transcript using the thumbs-up or thumbs-down option. Q: What’s the best way to train new staff on using Call Ai effectively? A: Review our Call Ai Best Practices Guide. The most important thing is to make sure you ask the caller all of the key questions you need to collect, such as the child’s name, date of birth, and the parent’s email address. If the spelling of a name or email isn’t immediately clear, be sure to confirm it so that Ai can maintain accuracy. Q: Will this actually answer every call that comes through, ensuring we do not miss any calls? A: Call Ai doesn’t answer calls for you. Instead, it ensures all leads are captured in your database and helps extract key information that would otherwise need to be entered manually by your staff. This will provide the data that was used to create or update the lead’s profile and child information. Call Ai currently identifies and records the following fields: Caller: First Name, Last Name, Email, Relationship Child: First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, Gender Q: How can we ensure Ai-entered data is accurate and complete? A: The Ai will extract all available core lead data fields from each call. To ensure the highest level of accuracy, it’s important to ask clear and targeted questions so the Ai can capture the necessary information. For additional guidance, you may refer to our Call Ai Best Practices Guide. Q: What happens if Ai incorrectly filters a legitimate inquiry as spam? Once you’ve confirmed that a lead was deleted in error, you can quickly get things back on track. Simply recreate the lead using the steps outlined in our Help Center article here, then report the issue using the Feedback option within the Call AI feature. Your feedback helps us continually improve accuracy and enhance your experience. Q: How do we retrieve and review deleted leads marked by Ai? A: Leads can be found in the Deleted Leads section, and any removed by Ai will be clearly marked with a “Deleted by Ai” icon. Q: What’s the process for submitting feedback on Ai-generated content? A: Call Ai includes the ability to provide feedback on any call or transcript directly within the system, helping to train the Ai and continuously improve its performance. Learn how to share detailed Call Ai feedback in our Help Center here! Q: Is there a way to track improvements or changes made based on our feedback? A: Call Ai includes built-in tools to provide feedback on any call or transcript directly within the system, helping to train the Ai and continuously improve its accuracy and performance. Q: What are some examples of how other centers have saved time or improved enrollment using Call Ai? A: Clients using this feature have found that even the most diligent staff can miss small pieces of information. Call Ai not only saves time, but also helps ensure that all necessary details are accurately captured in your system. Don’t just take our word for it! See how childcare organizations like yours are using Call Ai to save time, support staff, and drive real results in two featured case studies below: Ivy Kids Early Learning Center: How Call Ai Transformed the Enrollment Process From the Inside Out 10% Higher Tour Conversions in Weeks: O2B Early Education’s Call Ai Success Story Still have questions? Send them our way here! We’re happy to help and tell you more! Helpful Resources: See Call Ai in Action Want a hands-on feel for what Call Ai can really do? Check out this interactive product walkthrough. Explore the Best Practices Call Ai Overview How Call Ai works behind the scenes and how to set it up for success Read the "Best Practices for Using Call Ai" Help Center Article

Michelle M. González, Vice President of Marketing for O2B Early Education Overview O2B Early Education is a leading early childhood organization dedicated to whole-child development through a child-directed, play-based curriculum enriched with music, sports, and science. With accredited programs and proprietary learning systems designed to support kindergarten readiness, O2B serves families across a growing network of schools. As enrollment demand increased, teams faced rising call volume and follow-up responsibilities while continuing to support children and families on-site. With the support of Michelle M. González, Vice President of Marketing, O2B adopted IntelliKid Systems’ Call Ai solution to ensure every family inquiry was captured and addressed. The result was a transformative shift that delivered stronger enrollment outcomes, more efficient teams, clearer coaching insights for leaders, and a scalable approach to enrollment support across multiple schools. The Challenge Before Call Ai Before adopting Call Ai, the organization faced mounting pressure from high call volumes. Front desk and administrative teams were stretched thin, juggling in-person families, phones, voicemails, and manual note-taking throughout the day. In many cases, staff lacked the available time to fully utilize IKS during calls. This created a ripple effect: Inconsistent follow-ups Growing frustration among staff Lost enrollment opportunities The process was not broken due to a lack of effort. It was broken because it relied too heavily on overwhelmed team members trying to manage too many moving parts at once. Immediate Impact After Implementation Faster Follow-Up, Stronger Conversions The impact of Call Ai was almost immediate. Within weeks, the organization saw a 10%+ increase in tour conversion, followed by continued growth of 5–10% per location, per month. With clearer call summaries and more complete information captured automatically: Follow-ups happened faster Conversations were more informed Enrollment teams could prioritize high-intent families “While we’re currently in a softer enrollment phase industry-wide, Call Ai has allowed us to maximize every opportunity. We’re better able to summarize, prioritize, and service incoming leads, and our centralized Enrollment teams, who support multiple schools, can manage more volume while driving enrollment more effectively.” Cutting Through the Noise One of the most unexpected wins was Call Ai’s ability to reduce distractions. “It has significantly reduced noise by filtering out spam calls, allowing teams to focus their time and energy on real, qualified family inquiries.” Reducing the backlog of voicemails and unnecessary callbacks created a calmer, more focused work environment for front desk and enrollment staff. Reduced Stress, Higher Confidence The impact on staff satisfaction was immediate. With Call Ai capturing call details automatically, staff no longer felt pressured to write everything down during conversations. As a result: Stress levels dropped Confidence during calls increased Engagement with IKS improved “We also saw engagement with IKS increase, as teams began to view it as a valuable tool rather than a chore.” Visibility That Changed Leadership Decisions From a leadership perspective, Call Ai fundamentally changed how enrollment was managed. “Call Ai gave us real visibility into call quality and outcomes. We can now quickly identify trends, coaching opportunities, and high-performing behaviors across schools—something that simply wasn’t scalable before.” What was once reactive management became strategic leadership, supported by real-time data instead of assumptions. Staff Adoption and Culture Change “I expected some apprehension, but I was pleasantly surprised. The team was very open and welcoming from the start. Over time, they fully embraced it, especially from a training and development standpoint. We were able to identify opportunities and celebrate school-level wins almost immediately.” Advice for Other Centers When asked what she would say to another center considering Call Ai, the response was simple and confident: “Give me a call, I’m happy to walk you through our experience and even connect you directly with one of our Directors or Enrollment team members so you can hear it firsthand.” One-Sentence Summary “A total game changer.” The Bigger Picture Call Ai did more than improve call handling. It reduced cognitive load, restored staff confidence, and gave leadership the visibility needed to scale enrollment effectively. By removing friction from the very first family interaction, the organization built a stronger and more resilient enrollment foundation that supports staff, families, and long-term growth. About O2B Early Education O2B Early Education is a leading provider of early childhood education and care, dedicated to preparing children academically, socially, and emotionally for lifelong success. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, the organization operates a growing network of schools across multiple states offering play-based preschool, afterschool, and enrichment programs for children from infancy through school age. With a philosophy grounded in enriching early experiences and trusted by families for over two decades, O2B Early Education focuses on creating nurturing environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Looking to transform how your team handles calls, follow-up, and enrollment? Call Ai was designed to help childcare organizations turn overwhelming call volume into a clear, consistent, and high-performing enrollment process, starting with the very first ring. Learn more about Call Ai here.

Nikkie Handy, Franchise Business Coach, Ivy Kids Early Learning Center As a seasoned Franchise Business Coach with 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), Nikkie Handy specializes in transforming childcare centers into thriving, high-quality educational environments. Overview For many childcare organizations, successful enrollment begins with the very first conversation a family has with a school. Recognizing how critical that moment is, Ivy Kids Early Learning Center incorporated IntelliKid Systems’ new Call Ai product into a broader enrollment strategy focused on improving consistency and confidence across locations. With guidance from Nikkie Handy, a Franchise Business Coach with more than 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Care and Education, the team implemented Call Ai to capture better information and create a smoother enrollment journey for families. Drawing on her background as a teacher, campus and regional leader, business consultant, quality assurance auditor, and professional development coach, Nikkie brought a practical perspective grounded in the real needs of childcare teams. The Information Gap Before Call Ai Before adopting Call Ai, the organization struggled with a high volume of incomplete and partially captured lead profiles. Critical information was often missing after initial phone inquiries, making it difficult for administrators to confidently nurture families through tours, follow-ups, and enrollment decisions. “In childcare, a single lead can represent more than $12,000 in annual revenue, so every incomplete profile was a direct hit to potential growth.” As a result, the enrollment process became reactive, with teams working hard but not always having the full information they needed to support families smoothly. The Call Ai Impact Dramatic Reduction in Incomplete Leads Since implementing Call Ai, the organization has seen a dramatic reduction in incomplete leads across the system. “We now have a higher percentage of high-intent, fully-vetted inquiries remaining in the funnel, which gives us a meaningful advantage when nurturing families toward a tour or enrollment decision.” Rather than spending time tracking down missing information, teams are able to focus on building relationships with families, scheduling tours, and supporting parents as they move toward confident enrollment decisions. Data Quality Is Accelerating the Enrollment Cycle The most noticeable improvement has been the quality and completeness of enrollment data. With cleaner lead profiles: Admins follow up faster and with greater confidence Communication feels more personalized and intentional Families move deeper into the enrollment cycle without losing momentum “Conversion opportunities have simply increased because the foundation is stronger.” Building a Culture of Consistency and Professionalism Beyond improving data quality, Call Ai has made a meaningful difference in how staff approach enrollment conversations. “Once they saw how many work hours Call Ai saves on the backend, they became far more consistent and intentional in how they capture information on the front end. It has elevated skill, confidence, and follow-through in a very real way.” Rather than simply automating a task, Call Ai helped create a culture of consistency and professionalism, allowing staff to focus on building trust and connection with families. A Solution That Strengthens the Enrollment Foundation From Nikkie Handy’s perspective as a Franchise Business Coach, the value of Call Ai is easy to see. When schools capture clear, complete information from the start, they are better positioned to support families and protect enrollment opportunities. Incomplete inquiries often mean families slip through the cracks without anyone realizing it. Call Ai helps prevent that by making sure every call is handled with care and that each family receives the attention and follow-up they need. Advice for Other Centers For organizations wondering whether Call Ai is the right fit, Nikkie suggests starting with a simple check: “Look at your incomplete lead queue. If you aren’t consistently capturing full information, you’re likely losing enrollments you never even had the chance to convert.” Seen this way, the value of Call Ai becomes clear. By helping schools capture complete information from every inquiry, Call Ai protects enrollment opportunities and quickly proves its worth. One-Sentence Summary “Call Ai transformed our lead management from reactive and inconsistent into a clean, complete, and highly convertible process, making enrollment growth far more attainable.” About Ivy Kids Early Learning Center Ivy Kids Early Learning Center is a family-focused early childhood education provider that offers high-quality childcare, preschool, Pre-K and after-school programs in safe, nurturing environments where kids can grow in confidence, curiosity, and character. Their mission centers on delivering exceptional early education that fosters whole-child development, prepares young learners for future academic success, and supports families and communities through trusted, engaging childcare. Ivy Kids provides franchisees with a comprehensive support system including training, operations guidance, and a strong brand foundation, all built on decades of experience and a proprietary curriculum designed to help children reach their full potential. Looking to create a more confident and consistent enrollment experience like the one shared here? Call Ai was designed to support childcare teams at the very first point of contact, helping ensure every family inquiry is handled with care and captured completely. By bringing structure and consistency to enrollment calls, Call Ai helps staff feel more confident, reduces missed opportunities, and creates a smoother experience for families from day one. The result is a stronger enrollment foundation that allows teams to spend less time fixing gaps and more time building meaningful connections with the families they serve. Find out more about Call Ai here!

Navigating enrollment conversations can feel overwhelming when you're balancing systems, team responsibilities, and a constant flow of parent inquiries. Our recent IKS Academy webinar focused on providing a clearer path forward that strengthens relationships, reduces repetitive work, and builds confidence throughout every lead’s journey. The webinar was led by Nikkie Handy, a seasoned Franchise Business Coach with more than 25 years of experience across nearly every role in Early Childhood Care and Education. Drawing on her expertise in child development, operations, data-driven decision-making, and customer experience, Nikkie offered a wide-lens perspective on what high-quality communication looks like inside the IntelliKid Systems platform. She encouraged teams to zoom out, understand the true purpose behind their workflows, and elevate everyday interactions into meaningful, relationship-driven conversations. Bringing It All Together Winning enrollments is not about chasing numbers; it is about nurturing a community through every conversation. Nikkie encouraged teams to reflect on two key questions: Where is our team operating today? Where do we want to be? When communication flows, connection grows, and teams that use IKS with intention and curiosity build relationships that extend far beyond a tour or enrollment decision. We are grateful for the insight, clarity, and practical strategies Nikkie Handy shared in this session, and for the continued dedication of our IKS community as we grow together! Watch the full webinar replay here. Want to see how easy lead management can be with IntelliKid Systems? Jump into your self-guided demo today!

Enrollment is the number one driver of revenue in every early childhood program, but many schools unknowingly lose hundreds of thousands of dollars each year simply by missing opportunities on the phone. In our recent IKS Academy webinar with Chelsea Reue, a Child Care Sales Specialist, licensed real estate agent, and host of The Business of Preschool Podcast, we explored how strengthening your phone practices can transform your school’s financial health, boost family trust, and help you serve more children with confidence. Known for blending financial expertise with compassionate guidance, Chelsea brought real-world strategies that make enrollment conversations both effective and natural. This session broke down the real impact of capturing opportunity, the psychology of today’s parent callers, and the practical systems that turn each inquiry into a warm, meaningful connection. Here’s What We Covered The true cost of missed enrollment opportunities The critical role of the phone in shaping first impressions and standing out from the competition What today’s parents are really looking for during inquiry calls How phone scripts create consistency and confidence while guiding teams toward successful enrollment conversations Final Thoughts Your phone practices have the power to transform your school both financially and culturally. When your team approaches every call with clarity, professionalism, and genuine care, enrollment grows, trust strengthens, and families feel confident choosing your program. Every call is an opportunity. With the right systems, language, and mindset, you can reclaim those opportunities and create lasting transformation for your school. A special thank-you to Chelsea Reue for empowering our IKS Academy community with such meaningful insights! Watch the full webinar replay here. Want to see how easy lead management can be with IntelliKid Systems? Jump into your self-guided demo today!

Employee turnover can often feel like an inevitable part of running a child care program, but it does not have to be. With the right systems in place, child care leaders can confidently attract, select, develop, and retain team members who strengthen their culture rather than drain it. In our recent IKS Academy webinar with Tameenah Adams, a Certified Human Resources Professional, John Maxwell Certified Coach, founder of ChildcareHR, and experienced child care entrepreneur with more than 25 years of expertise, we explored the full lifecycle of hiring and retention. Drawing on her deep background in HR, leadership development, and building successful child care teams, Tameenah guided us through how a strong and intentional selection process can dramatically reduce turnover. The session delivered practical, actionable steps leaders can implement right away to create a more stable, engaged, and accountable team. Here’s What We Covered How to build a full-system approach to reduce turnover. How to strengthen the selection and interview process. How to identify the right candidates and avoid red flags. How to set clear expectations and reduce turnover costs. Final Thoughts Reducing turnover is not about luck; it is about systems. When leaders build strong, intentional processes across recruiting, selection, onboarding, retention, and off-boarding, they create workplaces where staff feel valued, supported, and equipped to succeed. By hiring for character, communicating openly, and building relationships from the very first interaction, leaders can dramatically increase stability and create a school culture where both children and staff flourish. We are grateful for the incredible engagement and insights shared during this session with our IKS Academy community! Watch the full webinar replay here . Want to see how easy lead management can be with IntelliKid Systems? Jump into your self-guided demo today!

Running digital ads can feel overwhelming: balancing budgets, targeting, creatives, and lead follow-up. At our recent “Are You Ready for Google Ads?” webinar, we welcomed Gwendolyn Guarino, a career digital ads marketer at Rose Marketing Solutions. With over 15 years of experience in the Google Ads and Facebook Ads platforms, Gwen shared some valuable insights to help child care providers succeed with digital advertising. Here’s what we covered: Why Ads Fail Many child care centers run ads but struggle to see real results. Gwen walked us through the most common pitfalls: Weak landing pages – Sending traffic to a homepage instead of a purpose-built page confuses parents and lowers ad quality. Slow follow-up – Leads are lost if calls and forms aren’t answered quickly. Wrong audience targeting – Ads must be precise to reach the right parents. Poor creatives – Low-quality photos and videos don’t stop the scroll. Short-term thinking – Ads are a long-term game, not a quick fix. The Five Pillars of Readiness To avoid wasted ad spend and set campaigns up for success, Gwen introduced the five pillars every center should have in place before running ads: 1. Websites & Landing Pages · Mobile-friendly and fast-loading (80%+ of traffic is mobile). · Clear CTAs above the fold like “Schedule a Tour.” · Highlight your unique selling points (USPs). · Use plain program names (infant, preschool) and list starting tuition rates for qualified leads. 2. Lead Response System · Consider using a reliable, consistent CRM system to track every lead. · Respond to lead forms within two hours. · Answer phone calls before the third ring. 3. Enrollment Goals · Know your lead sources: Google = high intent but low volume; Meta = lower intent but higher volume. · Target specific age groups and parent personas. · Avoid broad “advertise to everyone” campaigns. 4. Creative Assets · Real, authentic photos and videos. · High-quality visuals that compete with other content in parents’ feeds. 5. Budget & Timeline · Google Ads: $1,000–$1,200/month, with at least a 90-day test period. · Facebook/Meta Ads: $500+/month, tailored to targeted promos. · Benchmark cost per lead (CPL): $70–$90. Final Thoughts Digital ads are not a “set it and forget it” solution. They require preparation, strategy, and patience. But with the five pillars in place, your school will be positioned to not just run ads, but to win with them. We truly appreciate the time and wisdom Gwendolyn Guarino shared with our IKS Academy attendees! Want to dive deeper? Watch the full webinar replay here. Want to see how easy lead management can be with IntelliKid Systems? Jump into your self-guided demo today!

Discover What’s New. Use What Works. Running a child care center means juggling people, processes, and priorities, often all before lunchtime. Staying ahead with the right tools isn’t just helpful…it’s essential. At our recent IKS Feature Fest 2025, we welcomed Kaia Gallop and Karen Blatter for a dynamic walkthrough of the year’s most impactful innovations. Drawing from their deep experience in product development, customer support, and real-world school operations, Kaia and Karen highlighted the tools that are truly making a difference for centers across the country. Their energy and practical guidance made this a standout session for any childcare professional ready to work smarter, not harder. Here’s What We Covered Call AI automatically captures call summaries and profile details so staff can stay focused on families instead of manual work. Custom Reporting gives centers full flexibility to track only the metrics that matter without unnecessary clutter. IntelliForms Upgrades streamline paperwork with one-off package sending, required public fields, automated workflows, and fewer administrative bottlenecks. Roles & Permissions Enhancements make it easier to control what staff can view, send, and edit, creating more clarity and reducing cleanup. Final Thoughts Efficiency isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what works. With the right systems in place, childcare professionals can shift their focus from constant task management to confident, purposeful leadership. If you’re ready to streamline your workflows and amplify your impact, these tools are designed to help you get there with clarity and ease. We’re thankful to Kaia and Karen for offering such meaningful, actionable insights to our IKS Academy attendees! Watch the full webinar replay here. Want to see how easy lead management can be with IntelliKid Systems? Jump into your self-guided demo today!

First impressions shape everything, especially in childcare, where families walk in with a picture already in mind of what they expect. During our recent webinar, we explored how to transform those expectations into powerful “WOW” moments that leave families feeling seen, valued, and excited to join your community. We were joined by Kate Woodward Young and Carrie Casey, nationally recognized early childhood trainers, keynote speakers, and business strategists with more than 32 years of experience each in childcare leadership, training, and business development. As Master Trainers registered in multiple states and co-hosts of the internationally ranked Childcare Conversations podcast, Kate and Carrie brought deep real-world expertise and infectious energy to our session. Together, we unpacked how intentional design, genuine connection, and consistent communication can turn everyday interactions into magical moments and equip leaders with practical tools they can implement immediately. Here’s What We Covered Creating a WOW first impression for families visiting your program. Understanding the power of personalized communication in building trust and connection. Exploring why consistency is essential in childcare environments. Implementing strategies for building loyalty and creating lifelong fans of your program. Final Thoughts Every family who enters your program is a guest, and your opportunity to create a WOW moment begins the moment they walk through the door. By designing intentional first impressions, personalizing every touchpoint, and staying consistent in your care and communication, you lay the foundation for loyal families who feel connected and appreciated. We appreciate the valuable perspectives and enthusiasm shared today and look forward to watching you create meaningful moments for your families! Watch the full webinar replay here. Want to see how easy lead management can be with IntelliKid Systems? Jump into your self-guided demo today!

Motivating today’s workforce remains one of the most significant challenges school leaders face. This core issue took center stage during our 50th IntelliKid Systems Academy webinar, where nationally recognized early childhood leader Vernon Mason Jr., M.Ed., presented “I Just Want Them to Do Their Job: Accountability Without Frustration.” Vernon explored how true accountability can shift from feeling like harassment to becoming a catalyst for growth, motivation, and stronger relationships across your team. With more than 30 years in the field, 10 years as a multi-site owner, and a reputation for humor, heart, and hands-on strategies, Vernon returned to our virtual stage to help leaders rethink how they inspire, engage, and support their teams. His message was clear: Accountability should never resemble harassment. When approached the right way, it builds pride, fosters growth, and strengthens school culture. The webinar highlighted the power of teacher buy-in, emphasizing that people support what they help create and that early input builds ownership across sites and teams. Vernon encouraged leaders to replace “How do I make them do their job?” with questions that inspire, motivate, and equip today’s workforce, who respond to purpose rather than command-and-control. Vernon Mason delivered wisdom, warmth, and strategies that school leaders can implement immediately to reduce frustration and elevate performance. We are grateful for the expertise, humor, and heart he shared with our IntelliKid Systems Academy community! Watch the full webinar replay here. Want to see how easy lead management can be with IntelliKid Systems? Jump into your self-guided demo today!

Playful leadership can feel elusive as you balance expectations, team culture, systems, and the daily fires that come with running a school. At our recent Playful Leadership webinar, we welcomed Rachel Supalla, M.Ed., a renowned Early Childhood Business Expert, consultant, trainer, author, and multi-site child care owner with more than 25 years of experience. Rachel launched Discovery KidZone in 2009 and has since expanded it into 10 successful locations across Montana and Utah, earning numerous awards including Innovative Business of the Year and Best Daycare and Preschool in Helena. Known for her brain-based creative teaching, playful leadership development, and her signature Practically Perfect Performance™ course, Rachel brought her deep expertise to our session with inspiring energy. Drawing from her journey as an educator, entrepreneur, and the driving force behind Vision Tree Leadership, she shared powerful insights to help child care leaders rediscover their purpose, empower their teams, and lead with clarity and joy. Here’s what we covered: What playful leadership means and why reconnecting with your “why” matters How purpose and values guide your team and protect your culture Celebrating team strengths and using them to set aligned goals Turning mistakes into learning moments with a “fail forward” mindset Empowering your team so you can scale without burning out Final Thoughts Playful leadership is about being grounded, intentional, and willing to lead with both structure and joy. When leaders honor their purpose, celebrate strengths, and build systems that support their teams, they create schools where children and staff flourish. We are grateful for the energy, wisdom, and inspiration Rachel Supalla shared with our IKS Academy community! Watch the full webinar replay here. Want to see how easy lead management can be with IntelliKid Systems? Jump into your self-guided demo today!

Navigating tough leadership moments can feel overwhelming: balancing communication, resilience, staff development, and those hard conversations you’d rather avoid. At our recent webinar Feedback Without Fear: Coaching Teachers Through Behavior Breakthroughs & Personal Growth, we welcomed Dr. Teri DeLucca, founder of Impact Early Education, who specializes in helping child care leaders grow thriving, emotionally intelligent teams. With years of experience training directors and teachers in communication, coaching, and resilience-building strategies, our speaker shared powerful insights to help child care leaders strengthen their culture and guide their teams with confidence. Here’s what we covered: Why leaders struggle with tough conversations, accountability, and burnout, and how avoidance weakens a center over time Resilience as a skill built through communication and adaptability How active listening, emotional validation, and collaborative communication strengthen team culture Coaching as collaboration rather than correction How clear and compassionate leadership strengthens the entire school community A huge thank you to Dr. Teri DeLucca for sharing her insight with the IKS Academy community! Her guidance on communication, resilience, and collaborative coaching has equipped childcare leaders with the confidence to navigate tough conversations, support their teachers more effectively, and build stronger, more connected school cultures. Watch the full webinar replay here. Want to see how easy lead management can be with IntelliKid Systems? Jump into your self-guided demo today!