The Child Care Operator Summit (COS) 2026 is a two-day, in-person conference intentionally created for childcare owners, directors, and leadership teams who carry responsibility beyond the classroom.

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This summit is built for those who make decisions about people, systems, compliance, quality, and long-term sustainability — often in complex, high-pressure environments with limited support and increasing expectations.

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COS was created in response to a clear gap in professional development. While the sector offers extensive training for educators, very little exists for those responsible for running child care organizations. Operators are expected to lead teams, interpret policy, manage risk, ensure quality, and plan for the future — often without spaces designed specifically for this level of work.

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The conference brings together practical leadership thinking, operational clarity, and policy-informed conversations grounded in real-world experience. Sessions are designed to move beyond surface-level inspiration and focus on how decisions are made, systems are built, and organizations are sustained over time.

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COS 2026 is not about trends or quick fixes. It is a space for thoughtful dialogue, critical reflection, and applied learning — where leaders can step back from day-to-day demands and engage with the bigger picture of their role.

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Above all, COS is designed to respect the complexity of leadership in early learning. It acknowledges that strong programs require strong systems, and that sustainable quality depends on confident, informed, and supported operators.