The Podcast

Decoding the Business
of Childcare

Join Zuleika Hines as she pulls back the curtain on the childcare industry. Real conversations, actionable strategies, and the honest truth about what it takes to succeed.

All Episodes

7 Episodes

NYC 2K & 3K Expansion Deep Dive
33:35
Episode 07Feb 16, 2025
NYC 2K & 3K Expansion Deep Dive

A comprehensive deep dive into NYC's 2K and 3K expansion programs. Understand the opportunity, the requirements, and the financial implications of participating in these publicly funded early childhood education initiatives.

ARE YOU READY TO COMMIT? Your Personal Survival Checklist
30:53
Episode 06Feb 9, 2025
ARE YOU READY TO COMMIT? Your Personal Survival Checklist

Starting a childcare business requires more than passion — it requires personal and financial readiness. In this episode, Zuleika walks you through a personal survival checklist to determine if you're truly ready to make the commitment.

Mistakes to AVOID Launching a Childcare Business
22:51
Episode 05Feb 1, 2025
Mistakes to AVOID Launching a Childcare Business

In this episode, Zuleika reveals the most common pre-launch mistakes that doom childcare businesses before they even open. From underestimating costs to skipping market research, learn what to avoid so you can launch with confidence.

Protect Your Assets: Naming Your Childcare
24:52
Episode 04Jan 25, 2025
Protect Your Assets: Naming Your Childcare

Your childcare business name is more than a label — it's a legal asset. In this episode, learn how to choose a name that's marketable, legally protectable, and sets the foundation for your brand. Zuleika covers LLC formation, trademark basics, and common naming mistakes.

How Will You Start? Home Based vs Center Based Childcare
34:23
Episode 03Jan 18, 2025
How Will You Start? Home Based vs Center Based Childcare

One of the biggest decisions you'll make is whether to start a home-based daycare or a center-based program. In this episode, Zuleika breaks down the real differences — costs, licensing, scalability, and lifestyle impact — so you can make the right choice for your situation.

Why We Stay: A Director's Honest Journey Through NYC Universal Pre-K
27:19
Episode 02Jan 18, 2025
Why We Stay: A Director's Honest Journey Through NYC Universal Pre-K

In this powerful interview episode, hear from a veteran childcare director about the real challenges and rewards of participating in NYC's Universal Pre-K program. An honest look at what it takes to maintain quality while navigating government partnerships.

Introduction: Decoding the Childcare Business
5:44
Episode 01Jan 11, 2025
Introduction: Decoding the Childcare Business

Welcome to Decoding the Childcare Business! In this premiere episode, Zuleika Hines introduces the series and shares her vision for helping aspiring and current childcare business owners build profitable, high-quality programs. Learn what to expect from the show and how it will guide you through every stage of the childcare business journey.

New Episodes Every Sunday at 8pm EST

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