The Business Of Early Childhood Education with Alethea Etinoff

The Director’s Nook That Didn’t NOOK: A Lesson in Public Failure and Moving Forward

I led the Director’s Nook and completely blanked on a topic I know well. This episode is about owning public failure, leading with honesty, and moving forward without shame.

Why I Automated Redundancy and What I Learned the Hard Way

Redundancy used to feel like busywork until I realized only 30% were following through and I needed a system that worked without me. In this episode, I share how automating redundancy became a game-changer for my early childhood business strategy.

Know Your State's Child Care Regulations—It Matters!

If you're in early childhood education, your first step is understanding your state’s regulations.Compliance protects your license, your income, and your reputation—know the rules before you build.

Marketing Lately?!

Have you marketed your business lately?

New CACFP Sugar Guidelines: What’s Changed & What’s Final

Big changes are here for CACFP sugar guidelines, and they directly impact child care businesses. In this brief episode, Alethea Etinoff—Child Care Nutrition Professional (CCNP) and early childhood business strategist—shares what every child care owner needs to know to stay compliant and protect their reimbursements.
Ideal for those managing CACFP participation in early learning settings, this two-minute update cuts through the noise so you can stay ready.

Systems That Sustain: Building a Business That Runs With or Without You

In this episode, I’m breaking down the power of having strong systems in place especially for early childhood educators and entrepreneurs who wear all the hats. Whether you’re stepping away for a day or scaling for growth, your business should still work for you. Systems help you reduce stress, maintain consistency, and build with intention. Let’s talk about how to put the right ones in place.

The Food Program Isn’t Optional—It’s a Business Tool

Too many educators are leaving money on the table by skipping CACFP. In this episode, I break down why the food program is still one of the most underused tools for building sustainability in early education—and how to stop missing out.

Business Buddy Tip: The Story Behind BECEThreads™

In this short episode, I share the real story behind BECEThreads™—how a simple idea turned into a powerful brand reminder. It’s not just merch, it’s movement. Let’s build something that lasts.

Business Buddy Tip: Systems Make Business Sustainable

Today’s tip is all about streamlining. I’m sharing how shifting my process helped me stay compliant without the daily overwhelm.

Business Buddy Tip: Trademark Your Work Before They Copy It

In this short episode, I’m breaking down why I trademarked The Business of Early Childhood Education™—and why every serious entrepreneur should protect their brand.
If you’re building something with substance, someone will try to replicate it. This isn’t about ego—it’s about ownership. And if you're doing the work, your name deserves to be on it.
No fluff. Just strategy.