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Odd Lots

The Economics of Building a Childcare Business

Nov 6, 2023
Matt Bateman, a key figure at Higher Ground Education and an expert in early childhood education, dives deep into the complexities of the childcare industry. He discusses the tangled economics of childcare, highlighting the financial pressures and rising labor shortages that plague this sector. The conversation uncovers innovative solutions to increase access and affordability, while addressing societal perceptions of early education jobs and the need for policy reform. Bateman explores how to elevate this essential industry amidst its ongoing challenges.
46:49

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The childcare industry in the US is mainly composed of mom-and-pop establishments with limited margins, making it challenging to expand capacity and attract talent.
  • Preschool education involves significant costs, with pricing competition and limited public funding, making it difficult to provide affordable and high-quality education.

Deep dives

The Challenges of Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education faces challenges in terms of cost, labor, and business models. The industry is mainly made up of mom-and-pop establishments with limited margins. Expanding capacity is difficult due to regulatory requirements and the labor-intensive nature of the work. The status and perception of the field also contribute to the difficulties in attracting and retaining talent. Ensuring that early childhood education is of high quality is crucial but presents its own set of challenges.

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