Child Care Emergency Fund Toolkit

Unexpected expenses are part of operating a child care program. Facility repairs, equipment failures, enrollment changes, delayed payments, and other unplanned costs can quickly create stress when there is no financial cushion in place.

The Child Care Emergency Fund Toolkit is a practical, self-guided resource designed to help child care directors and owners build a realistic emergency savings plan that supports greater financial stability and protects program operations when unexpected expenses arise.

Rather than relying on a large lump sum, this toolkit focuses on small, consistent steps that can help programs build an emergency fund over time.

The toolkit helps you:

• Separate emergency savings from everyday operating funds

• Determine a realistic weekly or monthly savings amount

• Identify the types of expenses your emergency fund should cover

• Set clear guidelines for when emergency funds should be used

• Build a savings plan that reflects your program’s actual financial situation

• Prepare for enrollment changes, delayed payments, repairs, and other unexpected costs

• Reduce the likelihood of making rushed financial decisions during stressful situations

• Strengthen long-term financial stability

Included worksheets and action tools help you move from planning to implementation so you can begin building your emergency fund with greater clarity and consistency.

Ideal for:

• Child care center owners

• Program directors

• Programs without a dedicated emergency fund

• Leaders who want to reduce financial stress

• Programs working toward stronger long-term financial stability

Instant Digital Download

This is a self-guided digital resource. No physical product will be shipped.