The Childcare Expansion Blueprint Cohort equips current and aspiring childcare owners with the knowledge to confidently grow through purchasing, building, leasing, or expanding a childcare facility. Led by childcare entrepreneur, business broker, and real estate advisor Erica Burton, the course combines practical, real-world experience with expert guidance on business acquisitions, valuations, financing, and commercial real estate. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges involved in childcare ownership while learning how to make informed financial and operational decisions. By the end of the course, you’ll have a personalized framework for choosing the right expansion strategy and the next steps to move your childcare business forward.

Meet The Instructor

Erica Burton

Founder | Childcare Business Broker | Childcare Owner | Property Specialist | Early Education Advisor

Erica Burton is a childcare entrepreneur, business broker, and real estate advisor with firsthand experience owning and operating childcare centers. As the founder of Start2Finish Childcare Business Solutions, Erica specializes in helping childcare owners, buyers, and investors navigate business sales, acquisitions, expansion, and strategic growth within the early childhood education industry. 

Unlike traditional brokers, Erica brings an operator’s perspective to every engagement. Having experienced the challenges of childcare ownership—including licensing, staffing, enrollment growth, financial management, facility operations, and regulatory requirements—she understands the complexities of building and sustaining a successful childcare business. 

Through Start2Finish, Erica provides specialized childcare brokerage, valuation, consulting, and property advisory services designed to help entrepreneurs maximize the value of their businesses and make informed decisions about ownership transitions, acquisitions, and expansion opportunities. 

With a background in real estate and a passion for early childhood education, Erica combines industry knowledge, business expertise, and practical ownership experience to serve as a trusted advisor for childcare professionals throughout Georgia and beyond. 

Course Outline

Module 1: Ways to Own a Childcare Facility | This session will explore the different pathways to owning and operating a childcare business, including purchasing, building, converting, or leasing a facility. *in person

Module 2: Buying an Existing Childcare Business | This session will focus on understanding how to evaluate, purchase, and successfully transition an existing childcare center. *virtual

Module 3: Business Valuation Fundamentals | Learn how childcare businesses are valued and what drives their market value. *virtual

Module 4: Financing Your Childcare Business | Understand the financing options available for acquiring, expanding, or developing a childcare facility. *virtual

Module 5: Understanding Commercial Real Estate & Leasing | Learn how commercial leases affect business profitability, financing, and long-term success. *virtual

Module 6: Lease vs. Buy Decision Framework & Next Steps | In this final module, Erica will help participants determine the best ownership strategy and develop an actionable plan to move forward. *in person