How Children’s Paradise Cut Prep Time by 50% and Cleared the Path to Growth

Facing compliance pressure and growing complexity, this organization made one smart switch—and turned stress into strategy.

50% Faster

Funding & Reimbursement Submission

Zero Disruptions

In Reporting, Reimbursements, & Audits

2 Strategic Hires

Driving Long-Term Financial Leadership
Company Size: Midsized
Industry: Education
Location: San Diego, CA

About Children’s Paradise

Founded with the mission to provide high-quality early childhood education, Children’s Paradise
has grown into one of California’s most respected providers of care for young children. Known
for its nurturing environments, developmentally rich programs, and commitment to family
support, the organization serves communities across the state while navigating the operational
demands that come with rapid growth and rigorous state oversight.

The Situation

Children’s Paradise was expanding quickly, and with that growth came a lot more complexity.
Managing multiple locations, keeping up with state requirements, and handling reimbursements
was starting to overwhelm the internal team.

Key Actions Taken

When Children’s Paradise brought in Optima Office, we focused on laying a stronger financial
foundation and equipping their team for scalable, compliant growth. Working closely with leadership,
we introduced smarter tools, filled key gaps, and aligned processes to reduce risk and improve strategic
decision-making.
 

Here’s what we tackled: 

✔ Matched Children’s Paradise with the most suitable fractional CFO

✔ Developed a custom workbook to simplify and accelerate complex reimbursement submissions 

✔ Led detailed audit preparation processes tailored to meet both state and internal compliance standards 

✔ Transitioned two finance roles into full-time leadership positions to support long-term financial management 

✔ Introduced standardized templates and processes to guide valuations during future acquisitions 

✔ Became an active part of executive strategy, offering finance-focused input in leadership meetings
 

The Results

  • 50%+ reduction in reimbursement submission time 
  • Clean audits from the California Department of Education, California Department of Social Services, and internal teams 
  • Zero disruptions in financial reporting or funding flows 
  • Two financial leaders are now driving oversight and strategy 
  • Stronger infrastructure supporting statewide expansion and acquisitions
     

 

Curious What Audit-Ready Confidence Could Unlock for You?

Whether you’re scaling, seeking funding, or prepping for audits, Optima Office brings the financial clarity that drives bold decisions. 

Request a Free Financial Strategy Call With a CFO →

We believe that behind every successful
business is an “Optimal” Accounting, HR, and Operations team.