Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/how-technology-is-changing-child-care/5024652/
The number of child care centers in the United States is on the rise. According to IBISWorld, there were an estimated 816,000 child care centers in 2017, which is more than triple the number the U.S. Census Bureau reported in 1987 (262,511). What is more, this number is expected to continue growing by 1.2 percent each year through 2021.
While the number of child care centers is not enough to meet the need for child care services in some parts of the country, child care is a highly competitive market in other areas, with child care centers facing stiff competition for attracting families with young children. Whatever you can do to set yourself apart from other providers will help your center gain an edge—and technology can be a key differentiator.
Market research firm Forrester calls this the “age of the customer,” in which technology is empowering consumers in ways they have never been empowered before. As a result, today’s consumers expect more from every interaction they have with service providers throughout their day.
With smartphone apps now available for nearly every conceivable scenario, technology is fostering a belief among consumers that they should be able to get what they ...