CenterWorth's value depends entirely on the quality and accuracy of its data. These standards govern how we select sources, verify information, calculate outputs, handle corrections, and communicate limitations.
CenterWorth compiles staff-to-child ratios, group size limits, space requirements, and conditional staffing rules exclusively from official, primary-source government documents — state administrative codes, state statutes, licensing agency regulations, and agency-published rule documents. We never use secondary aggregators, advocacy organization publications, informal web summaries, or user-contributed data as a regulatory source.
The following categories are explicitly excluded from CenterWorth's regulatory data pipeline:
Each state regulatory record passes through a structured verification process before publication:
Population, household income, and childcare-age population data comes directly from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) via the Census Bureau API. CenterWorth uses 5-year ACS estimates at the census tract level for paid reports, which provides the highest geographic resolution available. ACS estimates are published annually; our data reflects the most recent available vintage at the time a report is generated. Margin of error exists for all ACS estimates, particularly for smaller geographies — we acknowledge this uncertainty rather than presenting point estimates as precise counts.
Wage benchmarks for childcare workers, preschool teachers, and center directors come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. BLS OEWS is the only nationally representative, government-collected wage survey covering these occupations at the state level. Data is published annually (typically in May) and reflects the prior year. CenterWorth uses the most current BLS OEWS vintage at the time of API query. BLS wage data lags current market conditions by 12–18 months and we note this on every benchmark that relies on it.
CenterWorth's financial benchmarks — rent per square foot, operating cost percentages, and similar derived metrics — are computed from observed market data, not from industry surveys or advocacy publications. Specific methodology:
When CenterWorth identifies an error in its regulatory data — through internal QA, a reader report, or a detected change in the source document — the correction follows a documented process: the original record is preserved in our version history, the corrected values are imported with a new timestamp and change description, and the updated data is re-verified before publication. We do not silently overwrite records.
If you believe a ratio, citation, or other regulatory value on CenterWorth is incorrect, please contact us with the specific field and your primary source citation. The most useful reports include a direct link to the applicable section of the state administrative code or statute. We review every substantive correction report and respond within 5 business days.
CenterWorth monitors registered source URLs for content changes. When a change is detected, the affected record is flagged for manual review before any values are updated. We do not automatically accept source changes as authoritative — a changed document is a trigger for human review, not an automatic data update. This prevents both missed updates and premature overwrites when source URLs change without a regulatory change occurring.
Every regulatory record in CenterWorth carries a "data as of" date reflecting when the primary source was last reviewed. This date is displayed prominently on state ratio pages and in every report that uses regulatory data. CenterWorth does not represent its regulatory data as current — it represents it as accurate as of the review date. The gap between the review date and today should inform how much additional verification the user performs before relying on the data.
Financial projections are estimates, not guarantees
CenterWorth's profitability model, break-even analysis, and feasibility grades are analytical tools for decision support. Actual outcomes depend on enrollment ramp rate, staff turnover, local competition, interest rates, lease terms, and dozens of other variables the model cannot predict. No financial projection from CenterWorth should be used as a substitute for a full financial audit, a certified public accountant's review, or an investor's independent due diligence.
Wage and rent benchmarks lag current market conditions
BLS OEWS wage data reflects the prior year and is typically 12–18 months behind current market conditions. Commercial rent benchmarks are directional. Always replace CenterWorth's regional benchmarks with current market quotes before making a lease commitment or salary offer.
Regulatory data reflects a specific review date
Staff-to-child ratios and licensing rules can and do change. CenterWorth's data reflects what the rule said on the date it was reviewed. It may not reflect amendments, emergency rules, or guidance issued since that date. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing agency before making any compliance decision.
Market comparisons are illustrative, not precise
CenterWorth's feasibility grading and market positioning analysis are based on modeled benchmarks, not a comprehensive survey of competitor centers in your specific market. A score that looks favorable against a statewide benchmark may not reflect local competitive conditions.
CenterWorth is not a legal, accounting, or consulting firm
Nothing on CenterWorth constitutes legal advice, accounting advice, or professional consulting services. Use of CenterWorth's tools and data is subject to our Terms of Service and Disclaimer.