It’s not every day you get to be someone’s first guest ever on their podcast. In 2024, I had the honor of being Erica Saccoccio’s inaugural guest on The Childcare Director’s Chair Podcast. Fast forward to 2025, and she’s invited me back as the very first guest of the new year. Let me tell you, starting the year by talking about goal-setting, planning, and how to crush it in your childcare business feels pretty special.
We dove into all things 2025—how to pick a guiding word for the year, map out your goals, and use tools like The Provider Planner & Organizer to stay on track. Here’s a recap of what we talked about and how you can set the stage for a successful year.
How to Set Goals and Plan for a Thriving Childcare Business in 2025
Why Planning for 2025 Matters
Let’s face it: running a childcare business is no walk in the park. Between managing enrollment, communicating with parents, and keeping the little ones happy and safe, the to-do list never ends. That’s why having a clear plan is so important.
Planning helps you:
- Stay focused on your goals.
- Prioritize what really matters.
- Avoid the dreaded burnout.
As childcare providers, we pour so much into others. This year, let’s pour a little into ourselves too by setting ourselves up for success.
Step 1: Choose Your Word of the Year
On the podcast, I shared how choosing a guiding word for the year can keep you motivated and intentional. It’s like a compass for your decisions and actions.
Here’s How to Pick Your Word:
- Make It Visible: Write it down, frame it, or even make it your phone wallpaper. Keep it front and center!
- Reflect on Last Year: What worked? What didn’t? What do you want more of in your life and business?
- Think Big Picture: Choose a word that aligns with your values and goals. Words like “growth,” “balance,” or “focus” can work wonders.
Listen to the episode to find out my word for 2025. HINT: It’s all about helping my business, my clients, and myself grow and flourish this year.
Step 2: Set Clear, Achievable Goals
Goals without a plan are just wishes. On the podcast, we broke goal-setting into three simple steps:
1. Dream Big, But Stay Realistic
Think about where you want your childcare business to be by the end of 2025. Do you want to increase enrollment? Launch a new program? Maybe streamline your operations?
2. Break It Down
Once you’ve set your big goals, break them into smaller, actionable steps. For example:
- Goal: Increase enrollment by 20%.
- Steps: Host open houses, update marketing materials, and improve parent communication.
3. Set Deadlines
Deadlines create accountability. Assign a timeline to each step to keep yourself on track. Accountability is Key: Maybe consider partnering with a friend, coach, or group like the Rise & Thrive Club to stay on track.
Let’s make your childcare program even more amazing together! CLICK HERE to see how Adrienne can help you tackle the toughest challenges in your childcare business, boost your growth, and set you on the path to success.
Step 3: Use Tools to Stay Organized
This is where The Provider Planner & Organizer comes in. I designed it specifically for childcare providers to help with everything from scheduling and goal-setting to tracking expenses.
Why the Planner Is a Game-Changer:
- It’s built with childcare providers in mind.
- It has sections for monthly goals, daily to-dos, and even self-care reminders.
- It’s the tool I wish I’d had when I started out!
With the right tools, staying organized becomes second nature, and you can focus more on growing your business.
Step 4: Make Reflection Part of Your Routine
Planning isn’t just about looking forward—it’s also about reflecting on what’s working and what’s not. Set aside time each week or month (at least quarterly) to review your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
Ask yourself:
- What have I accomplished?
- What challenges am I facing?
- What’s my next priority?
Reflection keeps you aligned with your goals and helps you course-correct when life inevitably throws curveballs.
[FREE DOWNLOAD] Here Are The 10 Must-Have Daycare Templates
Ready to Crush 2025?
Being Erica’s first guest of 2025 was such an honor, and I’m so excited to share these strategies with you. Now it’s your turn to take action!
Start by choosing your Word of the Year, setting clear goals, and using tools like The Provider Planner & Organizer to make this your best year yet.If you want to hear more, you can catch the full conversation on The Childcare Director’s Chair Podcast. Listen now or watch it on YouTube.
