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.
Cohort 2 kicks off in February 2027 and runs through May 2027.
Registration is now open.
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: 4 Tue sessions · 4 Sat workshops · February
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: 4 Tue sessions · 4 Sat workshops · March
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: 4 Tue sessions · 4 Sat workshops · April
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: 4 Tue sessions · 4 Sat workshops · May
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 or at the ACE National member rate. At $3,497 – $3,997 for 16 weeks of expert-led instruction, this is less than one hour of legal or financial advice per session.
SINGLE MODULE
$1,100
per module · CAD
4 modules = $4,400 if purchased individually
-
4 Tuesday expert sessions
-
4 Saturday workshops
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Session recordings + resources
-
Knowledge tests + module assessment
-
Foundations certificate for that module
No single module registration for Cohort 2
MOST POPULAR
Cohort 2 — February 2027
Spots are limited — to maintain the intimate small-group setting and round table discussions that make this program unique, we keep each cohort to a select number of participants. Register now to secure your place.
Tuition
ACE Member Rate: $3,497 + GST · Non-Member Rate: $3,997 + GST
Monthly payment plans available upon request.
How It Works
No application fee. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. A 50% deposit is required upon acceptance to confirm your seat.
Key Dates
Orientation: Mid-January 2027
Final Payment Due: January 31, 2027
Academy Launch: February 2, 2027
COHORT 2 — SPOTS ARE LIMITED
Ready to build your childcare business right?
Registration is now open. Cohort 2 starts February 2027.
Reserve Your Spot.