Childcare startup & expansion consulting
Practical, one-on-one guidance to help you plan your childcare business with confidence—from startup budgets and staffing to enrollment, expansion, and help navigating licensing.
MBA + Master’s in Early Childhood Education • Undergraduate & MBA business professor
Flexible, practical support
Choose an initial consultation, a structured startup or growth package, or flexible support at $250 per hour for specific business needs.
A focused 75-minute virtual consultation to explore your childcare business idea and next steps.
A structured advisory package to turn your childcare concept into a workable business plan.
For existing childcare owners evaluating a new location or looking to improve their business model.
Use your time for focused advice or practical help with payroll setup, marketing, website development, and the other areas listed below.
Tell me what you need help with and your preferred times. We’ll agree on the scope, estimated hours, and appointment by email before starting.
Request Hourly Support — $250/hour →You can send an inquiry without paying. Your appointment is confirmed by email, not by submitting this form.
Practical support, from the ground up
From finding your first location to running a program day to day, we can focus on the areas where you need the most support.
Support is tailored to your goals through a consultation, a fixed-price package, or hourly help at $250 per hour. We’ll agree on the scope and any hourly time estimate before work begins. Legal, tax, banking, and licensing decisions should be confirmed with the appropriate qualified professionals or authorities.
Meet your advisor
I’m Leah Hanlon, an entrepreneur and university business professor. I’ve run multiple successful childcare businesses, and I teach business courses at both the undergraduate and MBA levels. I hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education, bringing together hands-on business experience and a background in early childhood education.
My experience includes programs grossing over $1 million annually, earning consistent five-star reviews, and maintaining low staff turnover.
I know how many decisions go into launching a childcare business—from determining whether the numbers work to building enrollment and managing the realities of growth.
I can also help you navigate the childcare licensing process, including understanding requirements, organizing application materials, and preparing for next steps. My consulting approach is practical, approachable, and focused on helping you make informed business decisions.
Let's Talk About Your Goals →Multiple successful childcare businesses, with experience in programs grossing over $1 million annually, consistent five-star reviews, and low staff turnover.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master’s in Early Childhood Education. Business teaching at both the undergraduate and MBA levels.
Hands-on experience with staffing, marketing, enrollment, operations, expansion, and help navigating licensing.
Simple by design
Share what you need help with, your preferred service, and your preferred times. We’ll confirm the scope, pricing, and appointment by email.
Work together virtually on the priorities covered by your consultation or package, or choose hourly support at $250 per hour.
Leave with clear next steps and the deliverables agreed for your consultation, package, or hourly session.
An example, not a client case study
Imagine you’re exploring your first childcare program. You have a possible location in mind, but need help understanding startup costs, planning your classrooms, and knowing what to do next.
Example cost: One hour of support is $250. We’ll confirm the time and scope together before your appointment.
This is an illustrative agenda for a one-hour consultation, not a real client story or a promise of results. Your time can instead focus on payroll, marketing, website development, or another area where you need support.
Request a Consultation — $250/hour →Frequently asked questions
Yes. I can help you navigate childcare licensing, understand requirements, organize application materials, and prepare for the steps involved in opening your program. Licensing decisions and approvals are made by the state licensing agency.
Yes. Sessions are virtual, and business planning principles apply across states. You'll need to confirm local licensing and legal requirements with the appropriate authorities.
Not at all. A strategy session can help you assess whether your idea is financially and operationally feasible before making major commitments.
No. Business results depend on many factors, and I don't provide guarantees of profit, financing, enrollment, or regulatory approval.
Let's get started
Choose the $295 initial consultation, the $1,500 Startup Blueprint, the $3,000 Expansion & Profitability Review, or hourly support at $250 per hour. Tell me what you need help with and when you’d like to meet, and I’ll follow up by email to confirm the scope, pricing, and appointment.
Email leah@earlylearningbusinessadvisors.com, or use the form to prepare an inquiry in your email app and send it to request a consultation.
