Key Takeaways from Our “Profit is NOT a Bad Word” Webinar with Chelsea Reue

Running a successful childcare center is about more than providing quality care—it's also about running a sustainable business. One of the key takeaways from a recent webinar on profitability in preschools was the idea that "Profit is NOT a Bad Word." Led by Chelsea Reue, a Childcare Sales Specialist at Preschool Exchange with over a decade of experience as a multi-site preschool owner, the session provided valuable insights into how profitability can be a positive force for your center, your staff, and the families you serve.

Here’s a breakdown of what we learned:

1. Reframing Profitability

Chelsea kicked things off by addressing the guilt that many preschool owners and directors feel when it comes to profit. As heart-centered educators, we want to focus on providing excellent care, but financial health is just as important for long-term sustainability. Chelsea emphasized that profitability isn’t about cutting corners or sacrificing quality – it’s about ensuring your center can continue to provide top-notch education while taking care of your staff, families, and yourself.

2. The Importance of Financial Balance

One of the key takeaways from Chelsea’s presentation was how to structure your center’s finances for balanced financial success. She shared actionable insights on setting up your budget to cover both high-quality care and the costs necessary to run a thriving business. From managing daily expenses to planning for long-term growth, Chelsea’s advice on structuring pricing and budgeting was invaluable.

3. Practical Budgeting and Pricing Strategies

Chelsea took us through sample budgets and real-life pricing models that reflect both the cost of quality care and the need for profit. She explained how you can use these tools to avoid underpricing your services while still remaining competitive. By focusing on value rather than simply cost, she encouraged us to charge appropriately for the excellent care and education our centers provide.

4. Profit as a Growth Opportunity

A powerful point Chelsea made was that profit isn’t just a number on your financial

statements – it’s a tool for growth and reinvestment. When your center is financially healthy, you have the means to invest in better facilities, hire and retain top-quality staff, and offer the best experiences to the children and families you serve. Profitability fuels improvements, staff satisfaction, and long-term success, allowing you to continue making a positive impact.

5. Shifting the Mindset

One of the most impactful aspects of the webinar was Chelsea’s challenge to rethink the way we view profit in early childhood education. Rather than seeing it as something to feel conflicted about, she encouraged us to view it as a way to build stronger, more resilient centers. Changing this mindset allows us to make confident decisions that benefit everyone involved – staff, children, and families alike.

Final Thoughts

Chelsea Reue’s “Profit is NOT a Bad Word” webinar was an empowering experience that helped us reframe the role of profitability in our centers. By focusing on strategic budgeting, appropriate pricing, and a positive mindset around profit, childcare professionals can create financially thriving schools that continue to provide exceptional care and education.

If you missed the webinar, watch it here.

Schedule a demo with IntelliKid Systems here.