Training Available
The Civitas Strategies Early Start Team is available for trainings! In addition to working directly with providers both in one-on-one and group coaching sessions, our experienced coaches also train others to support child care business owners around the country. Our principal training program is the Thrive Pathway 3-Day Coach Training. Below is an overview of the program, followed by additional details.
Thrive Pathway 3-Day Coach Training
Training Description
This 3-day online training program includes 12 hours of live facilitation combined with optional office hours and required post-session independent work. The program is designed to help child care business coaches develop the confidence and skill they need to build strong, effective partnerships with providers. Through this training, participants will gain an understanding of how child care businesses work, what they need to prosper, and how to use the Thrive Pathway to help providers adopt sound operational business practices. During the facilitated sessions, coaches will have opportunities to investigate scenarios they might encounter with child care providers and practice approaches that will help them navigate challenging situations. Trainers will be available during office hours directly following the daily sessions to answer any questions participants might have. Independent work will include the review of coach resource guides that will reinforce the concepts learned during facilitated sessions. These guides will serve as reference tools for coaches beyond the training as they put their learning into practice with providers.
The training fee is $3,000 per participant (for sessions offered during Eastern Standard Time business hours) and up to 30 participants can be accommodated per training cohort. (Training sessions are also available outside of traditional business hours for an additional fee which goes to the presenter.)
Please note: Participants are required to complete independent study activities that will take approximately 1 hour following Day 1 and Day 2 of training. We recommend planning for this time in advance so that participants are prepared for the following day’s training.
Detailed Agenda
Day 1: Understanding the Business of Child Care
Welcome and Introductions
Understanding the Business of Child Care
Impact of the Pandemic on Child Care Industry
Break (30 minutes)
Case for Strength and Goal-based Child Care Business Coaching
Child Care Business Coach’s Role
Thrive Pathway Overview
Day 1 Conclusion
Optional: Trainer Office Hour
Independent: Independent Study
(1 hour to be completed prior to day 2)
Day 2: Thrive Pathway Implementation
Welcome Back
Quick Review of Thrive Pathway Overview
How to Implement the Thrive Pathway
Getting to Know a Provider and Their Business
Using Resources and Guides
Financial Foundations
Break (30 minutes)
Recruiting and Retaining Staff
Mitigating Risk
Sales and Marketing
Tapping into Revenue Streams and Growth
Day 2 Conclusion
Optional: Trainer Office Hour
Independent: Independent Study
(1 hour to be completed prior to day 3)
Day 3: Knowledge to Practice-Provider Scenarios
Welcome Back and Recap
Review Thrive Pathway Implementation
Progress Planning with Providers
Providers Scenarios You May Encounter
Navigating Challenges and Managing Difficult Conversations
Break (30 minutes)
Role Playing and Practice
Resources and guides
Day 3 Conclusion
Optional: Trainer Office Hour
Thrive Pathway Topics
Financial Foundations
Monthly Budget
Paying Yourself
Creating a 6-Month Cash Flow
Pricing (Setting Rates)
Record Keeping
Leveraging Federal Funds
Recruiting and Retaining Staff
How to Attract Staff
Strategies to Keep Staff
Staff Benefits and Compensation
Mitigating Risk
Creating an Employee Handbook
Creating a Parent Handbook
Tax Education
Liability Insurance
Determining Ideal Corporate Structure
Sales and Marketing
Creating a Marketing Strategy
Setting Up a Website/Google Page
Family Engagement and Referrals
Enrollment Incentives
Tapping into Revenue Streams and Growth
Existing Governmental Programs (e.g. CACFP, Subsidy, Mixed-delivery, QRIS)
Access to Capital
Icons from The Noun Project