By Andrew Singer
Little Discoveries Early Learning Center of Minden has announced they have acquired Little Feet Daycare of Carson City, NV. The new location will be branded Small Wonders Early Learning Center, the original name of the Singer family company.
When asked about the decision to change the name David Singer replied that Small Wonders has some brand recognition in the Carson Valley area, and they want to differentiate themselves because of the enhancements to the facility they are making. This news follows a trend of consolidation of the childcare industry.
When asked why he is expanding when so many competitors are closing Singer responded, “We have an incredible opportunity to grow our business. Roughly 15 percent of our current clientele lives and works in Carson and they’d like to transition. Little Feet has a great tradition we’ll continue and an amazing staff. We’re also at capacity at the Minden location so this will allow us to serve more families in the community.” Mr. Singer also sees continued strong growth for the area as many California residents are fleeing wildfires and relocating to Nevada and has not been as concerned about volatility in the business created by the pandemic.
Pandemic Ravages Childcare Business
Covid-19 has caused disruptions across the business world and the impact is arguably felt the most in the child care industry. Since the beginning of the pandemic daycare centers across the country have been closing at an alarming rate
exacerbating an already difficult task for parents: finding quality care for their children. So, what is making it so difficult on childcare facilities?
Legal & Administrative Nightmares
Whereas large corporations have in house legal and human resource teams, most daycare businesses are owner operated where one person wears many, if not all, hats. They simply do not have the time nor resources to navigate new required protocols and procedures such as mask mandates
and increased reporting to governing bodies.
Volatility In Attendance (Workers & Children)
With a greater number of people now working for home, parents have decided to cut back on the amount of childcare they need. Parents are also more likely to keep children home if they are sick for fear of spreading illness. Employees are also missing more work due to illness and employers are feeling the same crunch with regards to demands for increased wages and workers leaving for another job.
What Is Being Done To Help
So far, we have an additional child tax credit. Unlike other tax credits this is paid in advance based off previous year income. There is also currently a social spending bill proposed that includes universal free VPK and other benefits including increased wages for workers. Proponents of the bill argue this will get more people back to work, easing rising inflation as increasing labor costs are a leading factor. Detractors argue it will increase inflation as more money is being added to the system. The answer may be somewhere in the middle, but it is clear the industry needs help to provide more stability.
