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Growth by Conversion, Not Spend: 2026 Benchmarks & Playbook

Turn flat lead volume into occupancy wins through full-funnel execution

With fewer leads and rising costs, growth in 2026 comes from sharper conversion—not bigger ad budgets.

The 12th Annual ECE Benchmark Report reviews data from over 5,700 childcare operators and 200,000 LineLeader users. You’ll learn the real enrollment landscape, plus practical tips to boost occupancy through stronger execution across the funnel.

 

Download the report

2025 Benchmark Report - Mock Ups

Who is this report for?

LineLeader's 12th Annual Benchmark Report is for ECE professionals at every level.

  • Leadership Teams: Benchmark your business against others your same size.
  • Regional Directors: Develop key performance indicators for each location.
  • Center Directors: Boost occupancy and enhance the family experience.
  • Enrollment Teams: Get best practices for improving conversion rates at each stage.
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What's inside:

  • Benchmarks you can use: ~60% of leads schedule a tour; post-tour conversion trending toward 40%.
  • Target fixes by cohort (new, ramping, and mature) to find momentum leaks.
  • Use lost opportunity data to guide the family journey.
  • Provide a first-90-days experience
    that retains families and protects tuition changes.
  • Embrace staffing as a conversion lever: clarify ownership, train to real objections, and improve follow-up.

Make the conversion economy work for you.

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Proudly Presented by LineLeader & The Child Care Success Company

 
LineLeader, the industry leader in childcare CRM and marketing automation, and The Child Care Success Company, the world’s largest ECE business coaching program, are united in helping early education and childcare centers thrive. Together, we provide the tools, expertise, and support you need to boost enrollment, streamline operations, and achieve lasting success.