ECE Advisors

Rebuild. Renew. Thrive.

Your journey to a better preschool starts here.

Welcome to ECE Advisors

Our Mission

At ECE Advisors, we believe every preschool has the power to transform—from struggling to vibrant, from ordinary to exceptional. We are passionate about helping preschool owners and directors create thriving, high-performing schools where children, families, and staff flourish. With more than 25 years of hands-on leadership and operational experience, we don’t just consult; we partner with you to rebuild your foundation, renew your team and culture, and help your school thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Our team combines deep expertise with a genuine understanding of what it takes to successfully run and grow a preschool, delivering proven strategies that create lasting impact for your entire school community.

ECE Advisors

Who We Are

We are operators turned advisors, led by Matthew and Sara Trautman, who bring a powerful blend of experience to preschool transformation. Matthew offers over 25 years of high-level corporate leadership, bringing strategic vision and operational expertise, while Sara contributes over a decade of hands-on experience in early childhood education. Together, they created and grew Fontainebleau Children’s Academy into a network of successful preschool centers, gaining invaluable insight into the full journey of acquiring, transforming, and operating thriving schools.Our purpose is to guide preschool leaders through rebuilding strong operations, renewing staff engagement and family connections, and creating sustainable, high-performing schools that stand out in their communities. Drawing on deep, real-world expertise and lessons shared in their book From Struggling to Thriving, Matthew and Sara understand the unique challenges and opportunities of early childhood education.At ECE Advisors, we are your trusted allies in turning vision into reality—helping you rebuild your foundation, renew your culture, and thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

ECE Advisors

Our Philosophy

We believe it takes a village to build and sustain a thriving preschool. Every leader, educator, and family contributes to a school’s success, and even the strongest communities need support and fresh perspectives at times. Seeking help is a sign of strength and commitment to growth, not a weakness. Our philosophy centers on partnership, collaboration, and shared purpose—we’re here to be part of your village, providing expert guidance and unwavering support to help your preschool overcome challenges and flourish for years to come.

ECE Advisors

Our Services

Rebuild: Strengthen Your Foundation with Operational Excellence

  • Develop clear, customized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for enrollment, safety, and daily management.

  • Implement data-driven systems to manage enrollment, track leads, and improve conversions.

  • Conduct thorough operational audits to identify inefficiencies and unlock growth potential.

  • Support hands-on implementation of improved processes and technologies.

Renew: Foster a Vibrant Culture and Family Community

  • Facilitate values creation and culture-building workshops that unite and motivate your staff.

  • Train staff to build authentic family engagement using tools like Brightwheel and family-centered events.

  • Design communication systems and feedback loops that reduce turnover and build loyalty among staff and families.

  • Organize workshops and community events that strengthen trust and retention.

Thrive: Grow Enrollment, Improve Curriculum, and Market Your School

  • Create tailored marketing strategies using local SEO, social media, and digital advertising to fill your classrooms.

  • Enhance your classrooms with modern materials, layouts, and interactive learning tools backed by teacher training.

  • Review and refine your curriculum and lesson plans to align with educational standards and developmental milestones.

  • Introduce assessment tools to track student progress and ensure continued academic success.

ECE Advisors

Why Choose Us

“ECE Advisors helps preschool owners stabilize enrollment, strengthen culture, and boost revenue and profitability with proven systems from From Struggling to Thriving—so you can stop firefighting and start growing.”

“Our meeting with Matt and Sara was exactly what we needed. They gave us clarity, focus, and a path forward—and for the first time, we feel like we’re on an actionable plan to achieve our goals.”


“We didn’t know where to start, but Matt and Sara helped us define clear goals, gave us practical next steps, and pushed us to think bigger. Their guidance has set us on a path to real progress.”


“One of the biggest breakthroughs was understanding how vital culture is—not just as words on the wall, but as something we live every day. Matt and Sara helped us see how to bring that to life with our team.”


We genuinely love working alongside fellow entrepreneurs and educators. This field is filled with people who have enormous hearts—people who care deeply about children, families, and their communities. Helping them bring their vision to life, strengthen their schools, and achieve their goals is why we do what we do. Reach out today, and let’s discuss how we can assist you in becoming the very best you can be.”

ECE Advisors

Start the Conversation

Reaching out isn’t a weakness—it’s a sign of strength and vision. The best entrepreneurs and educators know that asking for help is how growth happens. Connect with us today on LinkedIn, email, or contact form below. Let’s explore how we can help You and your preschool thrive!