Before diving into benchmarks, it's worth being direct about where this data comes from and what it can — and cannot — tell you.
This page draws from three types of sources: publicly available industry research from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and childcare policy groups; search behavior data from keyword research tools and Google Search Console patterns observed across campaigns; and directional benchmarks from our own work with early education providers, noted explicitly where applicable.
We do not manufacture precise percentages. Where you see a range — say, 'search volume spikes 40–70% in January' — that range reflects real variation across markets, not a single authoritative study. Urban preschools in competitive metros behave differently from rural co-ops. Faith-based programs attract different search behavior than Montessori chains. Program tuition, age range served, and hours of operation all affect how parents search and convert.
A note on the 2026 framing: Digital behavior data has a short shelf life. Platform algorithm changes, shifting parenting demographics, and post-pandemic childcare demand patterns mean benchmarks from 2020 or 2021 may no longer apply. We update this page when new data warrants it, but always verify critical figures against primary sources before using them in grant applications or board presentations.
Use this page to build directional understanding, not to extract precise figures for external reporting without verification.