16
WEEKS
32
SESSIONS
4
CERTIFICATES
12+
NATIONAL EXPERTS
Tue+Sat
WEEKLY SESSIONS
CURRICULUM
Four Foundations modules. One complete credential.
Each module is a standalone certificate. Complete all four and earn the full Childcare Operators Academy Certificate.
01
BUSINESS & LEGAL
Foundations of Business & Legal Structure
CERTIFICATE AWARDED
For-profit vs. nonprofit · Incorporation & governance · Staff policies & employment contracts · Parent agreements & fee policies · Insurance & liability · Tax structure · Business setup at any stage
First Module: 8 Tue sessions · 4 Sat workshops · Sept 2–27
02
FINANCE & FUNDING
Foundations of Finance & Funding
CERTIFICATE AWARDED
Budgeting & operating costs · Staffing for ratios · Financial sustainability · Public grants & funding · Business planning · Branding, marketing & value-add for families · Developing a sustainable program
Second Module: 8 Tue sessions · 4 Sat workshops · Oct 7–Nov 1
03
COMPLIANCE & LICENSING
Foundations of Compliance & Licensing
CERTIFICATE AWARDED
Licensing process & inspection readiness · Understanding regulations & practical implementation · Staff training & competency building · Building a culture of compliance · Regulatory navigation · Childcare policy in practice
Third Module: 8 Tue sessions · 4 Sat workshops · Nov 11–Dec 6
04
LEADERSHIP & OPERATIONS
Foundations of Leadership & Operations
CERTIFICATE AWARDED
Hiring & building a strong team · Professionalism in the sector · Program development & enhanced services · Building a strong leadership culture · Communication with educators & families · Navigating enrolment fluctuations · Growth & expansion
Fourth Module: 8 Tue sessions · 4 Sat workshops · Jan 6–Feb 1
Built by practitioners. Taught by practitioners.
EXPERT PRESENTERS
Every session brings a nationally recruited expert with real Canadian experience. The Churcher Group facilitates every session and provides the ELCC policy lens that no other program can offer.
Corporate Lawyer
Incorporation, governance, contracts, employment law, liability, and business structure across Canadian provinces.
LEGAL EXPERT
MODULE 1
MODULE 3
CPA / Accountant
Tax planning, bookkeeping, grant reporting, audit readiness, and financial strategy for childcare operators.
FINANCIAL EXPERT
MODULE 2
MODULE 4
MODULE 1
Commercial Realtor
Childcare-specific commercial leasing, zoning, change-of-use applications, and site selection across Canada.
REAL ESTATE EXPERT
MODULE 2
Financial Manager
Business planning, pro formas, investor readiness, feasibility analysis, and financial modelling for ELCC.
FINANCE EXPERT
MODULE 2
MODULE 4
The Churcher Group
Registered lobbyists and active childcare operators. CWELCC, provincial grants, licensing, advocacy — present in every module.
POLICY & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
ALL MODULES
Licensing Professional
National licensing frameworks, inspection processes, compliance, operator agreement obligations, and regulatory navigation.
REGULATORY EXPERT
MODULE 3
HR / ECE Workforce Specialist
ECE hiring, labour standards, compensation benchmarking, retention strategies, and workforce planning.
HR & WORKFORCE
MODULE 4
Operating Childcare Owner
Real-world case studies and site visits from the Churcher Group's licensed Fort McMurray childcare operation.
OPERATOR PERSPECTIVE
ALL MODULES
PRICING
Simple, transparent pricing for operators.
Enrol in the full program, a single module, or at the ACE National member rate. At $2,197–$2,497 for 16 weeks of expert-led instruction, this is less than one hour of legal or financial advice per session.
FULL PROGRAM — COHORT 1
$2,497
full program · CAD · launch pricing
Save $291 vs. module-by-module · Sept 2025 only
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All 4 modules · 32 sessions
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All Tuesday expert sessions
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All Saturday workshops
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Full platform access for 12 months
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All 4 Foundations certificates
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Full Academy Certificate on completion
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ACE National alumni network access
MOST POPULAR
Standard pricing from Cohort 2 onward
The $2,497 launch price is available for Cohort A (September 2025) only. From Cohort B (January 2026), the full program price increases to $3,497. Enrolling in Cohort A locks in the lower rate.
SECURE FOUNDING RATE
Ready to build your childcare business right?
Registration opens June 2025. Cohort A starts September 2. Enter your email and we'll send you the full program guide and enrollment details.
No spam. You'll hear from The Churcher Group directly — not a mailing list.