Cheryl Hayes

Cheryl Hayes — Senior Associate

Gateway School Sales

With over 35 years of entrepreneurial experience and more than 13 years at Gateway School Sales, Cheryl Hayes is a trusted expert in the sale of preschools and child care centers across Texas. As a former owner of multiple licensed child care facilities, Cheryl brings a deep understanding of what it takes to run and sell a successful school. Her passion for early education and her hands-on industry experience make her an invaluable resource for both sellers and buyers.

Cheryl earned a degree in finance and marketing from the University of Texas and went on to obtain her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. She is also a licensed real estate agent, which allows her to expertly guide transactions that include both business and property, ensuring every aspect of the sale is handled with precision and care.

Her in-depth knowledge of licensing regulations, CCS and NIC subsidy programs, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) sets her apart. Cheryl remains actively engaged with local and national policy trends affecting the child care industry and successfully brokers dozens of school sales throughout Texas annually.

Cheryl is dedicated to helping school owners create thoughtful exit strategies while empowering buyers to realize their dream of owning and operating a center. Her reputation for integrity, professionalism, and results-driven service makes her a go-to advisor in the Texas child care market.