Dearly beloved childcare business owners, we are gathered here today to bid farewell to an old friend—the childcare business model that served us as well as it could in its prime. Yes, it had its moments, but let’s face it, it was time for it to go. Some might call it resilient, but most of us know it for what it truly was—stubborn, outdated, and stubbornly outdated. Either way, it has finally run its course, and we all know it was way past its prime

The old childcare business model was born in an era when “childcare” was synonymous with “keeping children alive until their parents got home.” It provided a comforting structure of blocks, goldfish crackers, and whatever else would get them to stop, sit down, and be quiet. An assortment of VHS tapes that everyone hoped wouldn’t get eaten by the VCR. Remember when rewinding a tape took longer than a toddler’s nap? Or if you were really cool you had the scratched-up DVDs. Ah, the good ol’ days.

This model believed that finger-painting and naptime could solve every problem. Having a meltdown? Give the kids a coloring book and let them go to town. As much as we all appreciated the simple times, we knew the truth: the world changed, and the old model didn’t get the memo.

It tried to adapt, bless its heart. It dabbled in technology, but its idea of “cutting edge” was moving from chalkboards to whiteboards. When it did try to “get with the times”, it looked like the weird uncle wearing a “cool” T-shirt at a family reunion: awkward and clearly out of its element. Remember when we replaced floppy disks with CDs and thought we were in the future? But, deep down, we all knew the old model was a dinosaur coming into the age of smartphones.

Despite its best efforts, the old model just couldn’t understand that today’s parents wanted more than just a safe and nurturing environment. They wanted a place that not only understood child development, encouraged social-emotional learning, and offered educational content but a place where they too felt connected, and their family thrived. As the rest of the world moved toward the latest and greatest innovation, the old model was still stuck in the age of “Duck, Duck, Goose & Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.”

Let’s not forget the later years, when the childcare business model grew tired. It became less about inspiring young minds and more about cutting costs. Suddenly, “quality care” was a memo instead of a mission. “Efficiency” became the keyword, and “creativity” was somewhere between unicorns and Bigfoot on the list of believable things. It was no surprise when the old model quietly faded away, probably from exhaustion, an overdose of paperwork, being called “essential”.

But let’s not be too hard on it. It had its place and purpose. It taught us the importance of safety, structure, and the fine art of using glue sticks without making a complete mess. It gave us stories to tell and lessons to learn, like the day the fire alarm went off during nap time or when someone “accidentally” microwaved a metal spoon. But mostly it helped us put food on our tables and identify our life purpose—and for that, we will always be grateful.

So, let’s say our final goodbyes, knowing that while the old model is gone, something new and better is on the horizon. A model that embraces innovation, values diversity and connects with the community in meaningful ways. A model that understands that childcare is about shaping the future, a true legacy–not just keeping kids busy until closing time.

Rest in peace, old childcare business model, old buddy. old pal. You had a good run, but it’s time for a change. Don’t worry, we’ll keep the finger-painting tradition alive—just with a little more creativity and a lot less stress. Goodbye, old friend. Your relics of old will not be missed, but we choose to remember you for all the lessons we learned along the way.