Child Care Sites and Sounds is a podcast for all childcare business owners & entrepreneurs. Whether you're a center owner, home day care provider, teacher, or run a preschool, you'll want to hear what these ladies have to say. ​ Listen in as Dani and her co-host, Gigi, share their child care experiences, professional growth, times of uncertainty, and funny shenanigans over the years. ​ Uncover the real day-to-day struggles of operating a business, managing employees, working with children, and so much more. Be on the look out for occasional guest appearances from experts within the industry!
Being a child care business owner can be extremely overwhelming and stressful, especially during the startup phase. 10 years in, I had found myself unexplainably unhappy. Recently, I've decided to prioritize joy, my personal health and wellness no matter what is going on around me.Want your questions featured in the consultant's corner? Leave a comment on any of my YouTube videos at YouTube.com/danichristine!Follow me on Instagram @danichristineconsulting
In this episode, I dive into the important roles of Visionary and Integrator, and how understanding the difference between the two can revolutionize your business. Last summer, I picked up the book Traction and it completely shifted my perspective on leadership. While I've mentioned this before, today I'm going to focus on one key takeaway: the distinction between the Visionary and the Integrator roles. I'll break down what each role entails and how they work together to drive a business forward. When I first read about these roles, I thought I was both – doing everything and juggling all the responsibilities. But as I've started being more honest with myself about where my company needs help, I've realized that we're missing a strong Integrator. I'll share how this insight is guiding my plans to build up one of our center directors to become our future Executive Director. I also answer a listener's question about concession periods when opening a daycare in a commercial property. I'll share the factors that affect how long a concession period can be and why it's crucial to negotiate effectively. Want your questions featured in the consultant's corner? Leave a comment on any of my YouTube videos at YouTube.com/danichristine! Follow me on Instagram @danichristineconsulting
In this episode, I'm laying it all out: the frustrations, the reality, and the questions that need answering about subsidized child care. As a multi-site child care provider in New York, over 70% of our enrollment relies on the state's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), commonly known as ACS in NYC or DSS in the rest of the state. While subsidies have been a crucial part of supporting families, the issues with payment delays, processing holdups, and slow enrollment in the system have reached a breaking point. I'm breaking down what subsidized child care is, the variations across states, and why consistent payment issues are a massive barrier for providers like me and others in my network. These delays don't just impact payroll and bills; they threaten our ability to provide quality care and even meet basic operational standards. I'll share my personal experience, highlight the importance of emergency plans (and why relying on them isn't enough), and call for solutions that prevent providers from shouldering the burden of a broken system. Let's be real: child care deserts exist for a reason, and it's time to face it. I'm inviting you to listen, share your experiences, and join me in advocating for a system that truly supports the providers it relies on. By the time you hear this, I'm hopeful there's improvement—but if not, it's time to demand change. Book a consultation on childcaresites.com Follow Dani Christine on Instagram @danichristineconsulting
Welcome back to Child Care Sites and Sounds! It's been a while, and in this episode, we're diving right back in with updates and fresh insights. First, Dani Christine reintroduces the podcast and shares what she's been up to this year. Exciting news: you can now catch episode clips on YouTube.com/DaniChristine while enjoying the full-length content on Apple Podcasts! Ever wonder what it really takes to become an expert? We're breaking down the 10,000 hours or 10-year rule and discussing why expertise can still feel elusive. Dani talks about ongoing learning and imposter syndrome. Plus, she gives an update on her journey: the launch of her company's 4th child care center location. My tip of the day? Become a better steward of your time, no matter how busy you get. Tune in for practical advice, relatable stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at life as a childcare business owner and consultant. Don't miss this value-packed return episode! Book a consultation on childcaresites.com Follow Dani Christine on Instagram @danichristineconsulting
Dani read a book and now everything has changed! The girls discuss the beginning stages of implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in their child care company with their leadership team. CONNECT WITH US
In this episode, Gigi takes on the hosting role and invites her coworker, Ms. India, for a sit-down in the studio to interview her about her experience working for Dani in the child care centers over the years. Similar to Gigi, Ms. India went from being an assistant teacher to a key role within the child care business administration very quickly. CONNECT WITH US
Even the best of friends disagree sometimes, especially those that work together. In this episode, Dani & Gigi reflect on what's been happening during their break from the podcast including details on the company's Carnival Cruise team retreat. CONNECT WITH US
Tiffany Diaz makes her return to the podcast after growing in business and expanding to help others do the same throughout the past couple of years. Dani and Tiffany discuss her process for developing partnerships with other home daycare providers and what her experience was like being contracted with a childcare network in New York City. Follow Tiffany Diaz on Instagram @mfs_consulting_nyc CONNECT WITH US
Gigi has settled into her new role as the Parent Coordinator and the girls have finally found a customer relationship management (CRM) system that they believe is best suited for their company. Grab your ticket to the Free Summit happening TONIGHT (5/23/2023) at 7:00pm EST: https://www.thechildcarechic.com/event-details/winning-in-childcare-2023-05-23-18-00 CONNECT WITH US
Thank you for 20,000+ YouTube subscribers! This episode is a reflection of all the child care grants and opportunities - past, present, and future - that I can recall learning about since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, NYS Governor Hochul released the State of the State FY24 Executive Budget regarding the Child Care Task Force. Take quick peek into that presentation with me to learn about what's to come! CONNECT WITH US
Ever thought about the possibility of becoming a contracted day care provider for a major agency like the IRS? Well, that's exactly what Brandy Hall of Great Expectations Preparatory Academy in Memphis, TN did! Listen to her journey as she explains her growth within the child care industry that expands from working FOR the government to now working WITH them in partnership as the owner of an IRS contracted preschool. Follow Brandy Hall on Instagram and TikTok @brandyhall901 CONNECT WITH US
Dani is a self-proclaimed calendar-blocking queen, and in this episode she tries to convince Gigi to join her organizational ways. The girls also discuss upcoming family engagement events, workshops in their preschool, and funky settings on Apple computers that need a bit of tweaking! CONNECT WITH US
Gigi has officially stepped into her new role as our company's Parent Coordinator - working from home and all! While it is super exciting, there is a lot to learn as we pave the way for this next step in the growth of our day care centers. Listen in to this planning meeting from a fly-on-the-wall perspective and let us know what you think! CONNECT WITH US
Krystal Kernall is a group family day care owner in Queens, NY. In this episode, she joins Dani and Gigi to introduce herself and her services that she offers not only to parents seeking child care, but also to other child care providers seeking guidance. Follow Krystal on Instagram @krystalkernall to stay up to date and don't forget to order her book, The Grant Hunt, on Amazon. CONNECT WITH US
Last week, the girls celebrated their child care programs' six year anniversary of operations. It was such a special occasion, and each center location had a cute celebration, decorations, and acknowledgement from parents. Dani and Gigi also discuss plans after securing the lease and keys for their 4th daycare location AND upcoming plans for their corporate office. CONNECT WITH US
Dani and Gigi recap their last couple weeks in their multi-site daycare center operations and discuss what's to expect in the coming months. Having over 50 employees and growing to over 80 soon calls for adding departments and specialists dedicated to specific tasks! From accounting, to recruiting, to enrollment and more...follow along this convo and add your ideas in the review section! CONNECT WITH US
This is a very special episode because Dani is joined by our first in-person guest, who just so happens to be her cousin, Lauren. Lauren worked closely with Dani during the start up process of her first child care center location by supporting her, taking on the role of "on-site provider" in at her group family day care program. Listen closely to hear about their experiences during this time and learn about Lauren's experience working for the Department of Social Services. CONNECT WITH US
Dani & Gigi are reunited in person in a brand new studio space discussing Gigi's recounts of her professional hardships over the years starting up child care centers as the on-site director. The girls also discuss how the development of the business has lead to a few new positions created within the company that assist in the continued expansion of programs. CONNECT WITH US
If I told you that 2022 was CHALLENGING as an entreprenuer, that would be a severe understatement. It was a TEST that provided obstacles within my multi-site child care business operations to prepare me for the tremendous growth that lies again. I cannot wait to share with you all that I've learned in my upcoming video series and podcast episodes. If you're thinking about starting a daycare, please be sure to prepare yourself financially, but also spiritually and mentally, because it is not for the weak! CHILD CARE GRANTS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZdNYdaes28 GOVERNMENT CONTRACT SCAM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMqMGG_hit0 BIRTHDAY VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElmEvVlrJ70 WORK-LIFE BALANCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTMt-05aprI CONNECT WITH ME
Our centers are going through transitional experiences with great experiences ahead including on-boarding a marketing manager and bookkeeper to assist in our operations as we grow. Dani and Gigi also revisit the discussion of Gigi's potential new role as a child care enrollment specialist. CONNECT WITH ME
Dani discusses a grand scheme type of scam that she nearly fell for. Have you ever heard of this type of scam? CONNECT WITH ME
There's an update on the SCREAM teachers, plus...are you prepared for doomsday? Apparently, Dani is trying to be. CONNECT WITH ME
Join the ERC webinar: childcaresites.com/webinars CONNECT WITH ME
Have you seen the viral video of the daycare worker with the scream mask on terrifying children in the classroom? Not cool. If you know, you know. CONNECT WITH ME
Gigi's job description is up for debate in this episode! For the past couple of years, she has been a child care business Operations Manager, but now it seems like she's leaning more toward becoming an Enrollment Specialist. What do you think? CONNECT WITH ME
In this Season 4 premiere episode, Dani & Gigi get personal and talk about relationships, progress in their personal child care industry careers, program plans, and much more. Child Care Conference On Demand premieres Saturday, April 16, 2022. Grab your ticket for 30% until Saturday, March 19, 2022. CONNECT WITH ME
Grant information on OCFS website: https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/deserts/#understanding NY Child Care Deserts Map: https://nysccf.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b0281149b595404e9d1c26fbef8b9735 CONNECT WITH ME
Watch/listen to our podcast episode featuring Monica J. Sutton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8D_VmBAHsU CONNECT WITH ME
Follow Gigi on Instagram @gigi_sitesandsounds CONNECT WITH ME
CONNECT WITH ME
Gina Suggs, owner of KIDS C.A.R.E. Atlanta, is the youngest African American women in Georgia to own and operate a private institute. Visit her website here: https://www.kidscareatlanta.com/ Follow Gina on Instagram @kidscareatlanta (business) and @danggggina (personal) Facebook @kidscareatlanta CONNECT WITH ME
Dani and Gigi are back together with a very therapeutic episode. CONNECT WITH ME
Where you can find Dani in 2021: -Facebook Group Child Care Clubhouse: https://www.facebook.com/groups/childcareclubhouse -On the Clubhouse app @danichristine -Webinar Wednesdays: https://www.childcaresites.com/webinars CONNECT WITH ME
'Tis the season...or at least we wish it was.
We welcome Tiffany Diaz as our first guest this season! Tiffany is the CEO & Founder of My First Steps Enrichment Programs 2 Inc. In this episode, Tiffany discusses her child care business start up journey and expansion efforts including her new franchise opportunity. If you'd like to connect with Tiffany, visit https://www.facebook.com/tiffanys.care CONNECT WITH ME
Sorry we missed last week's episode. Visit childcaresites.com/courses to save $100 on Dani's new course and visit YouTube.com/DaniChristine to watch the second center tour when it's published! CONNECT WITH ME
Do any other providers feel like there's a specific time of year where things just don't seem to go right? For us, it's November...like clockwork! Pray for us, y'all! CONNECT WITH ME
Our expansion into our second child care business location happened so fast! Listen in as we recount each step we took to speed through the licensing process! Leave a 5 star rating and a review! CONNECT WITH ME
We're getting ready to expand into a second day care center! Dani and Gigi talk about their feelings throughout the search for site number two and the ups and downs of the expansion process. Listen to them break down their experiences. CONNECT WITH ME
Dani and Gigi talk about the current events surrounding COVID-19's impact on elementary schools, how the K-12 school's reopening plans will affect child care businesses, and Gigi's recent performance appraisal. CONNECT WITH ME
Hassanatou Barry takes us through her babysitting business start up journey. From initially pursuing fashion in college as an FIT student to now providing babysitting services for many families and consultations for other providers; the experiences, tips, and tricks that Hassantou shares are so valuable! Hassanatou's webiste: https://www.thebabysitterguru.com/ CONNECT WITH ME
In this episode, Dani and Gigi discuss when the right time is to say "no," handling staff concerns, and how to position yourself as a leader within the child care business. CONNECT WITH ME
Anisha Angella is a Childcare specialist and consultant in the field of early childhood. Anisha is also a self published children's book author. Her book is set to premier this fall 2020. With over 15 years in the field of education, Anisha is a leader and advocate for children and those within the field of early education. She has played (and currently) many roles such as senior area director for a corporate multi-facility childcare center (overseeing over 45 daycares across the province of Ontario, Canada) along with working as a professor and student advisor. She offers many services to many such a professional workshops (online and offline), coaching services and also consultation to childcare owner who are looking to bring their company to the next level in the industry. Anisha's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDZ1A7iPiHqWjVJVskQ_YPg -- CONNECT WITH ME
GiGi is known as the firefighter in our child care center, and in this episode we explain why and exactly what that means. Do you have any expert firefighters in your child care programs? Email dani@childcaresites.com to share your stories! CONNECT WITH ME
This episode features a very special guest, early childhood teacher and behavior management specialist herself, Monica J. Sutton! Monica J. is also the host of Crayons and Tantrums podcast and a digital content creator on YouTube.com/MonicaJSutton where she provides consistent circle time videos for early learners around the globe! Visit monicajsutton.com to learn more about her resources and content! _ CONNECT WITH ME
In this episode, Dani and GiGi discuss their experiences transitioning into leadership positions within the child care industry as well as some of the tough decisions they have had to make as administrators.
In this episode, Dani and Gigi introduce themselves and discuss their lifetime experience in the child care industry. From babysitting to becoming bosses in a preschool with 100 children enrolled, there's a lot to review! Get to know the co-hosts of Child Care Sites and Sounds as they re-discover how they went from being employer and employee to the best friends building a child care empire. ChildCareSites.com How I Started My Day Care Business At 20 Years Old
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