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Send us Fan MailWhat should every childcare owner know before signing a lease or starting a build-out? Kate Woodward Young talks with Mary Hornbeck, a Kansas City childcare operator who grew from one classroom to four locations, about childcare facility leases, landlord negotiations, build-outs, expansion, and protecting your budget.Mary shares hard-earned lessons on negotiating long-term leases, rent-free months, build-out costs, and hidden expenses, plus why asking the right questions can save childcare owners thousands of dollars and countless headaches. If you're a childcare owner, director, or operator considering a new facility, expansion, or lease, this episode is packed with practical advice you'll want to hear before signing on the dotted line.To learn more: MSH-Strategies.comTo contact Mary: Mary@msh-strategies.comCheck out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversationsThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailNetworking isn't just about collecting contacts; it's about building real relationships that lead to trust, referrals, and opportunity. Kate Woodward Young and Tiffany Mason share practical strategies for networking, relationship building, local marketing, and business growth, including how to make meaningful connections in person and follow up in a way people remember.Whether you're an early childhood leader, childcare owner, or local business owner, this episode will help you become more confident, memorable, and intentional with your networking. From the “Know, Like, and Trust” factor to the power of a great follow-up, you'll walk away with simple strategies you can put to work immediately.The Link Up Lounge Podcast (about networking): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-link-up-lounge-strategic-networking-for-small-business/id1823904704Tiffany's website: https://www.virtuallyyouva.com/YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Tiffany_R_MasonCheck out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversationsThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailWhat if your staffing problem isn't a hiring problem; it's a leadership and retention problem? Kate Woodward Young and Erica Saccoccio explore how childcare directors and owners can recognize hidden leaders, strengthen staff development, and build a pipeline of future leaders from within their own teams.From onboarding and teacher buddies to meaningful recognition, professional development, and succession planning, this episode offers practical strategies for employee retention, staff engagement, leadership development, and childcare business growth. If you want to build a team that feels valued, supported, and excited to stay, this conversation is a must-listen.Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversationsThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to grow a childcare organization without losing the systems, staff support, and community connection that make it successful? Dr. Jason Lody shares how Aventus grew from zero to 21 schools across six states, and the technology, operations, and strategy required to scale sustainably.Kate Woodward Young and Jason explore childcare expansion, multi-site operations, acquisitions, technology, staff training, and family communication, including why a unified system and hands-on support can make all the difference. If you're a childcare owner, operator, director, or multi-site leader looking to grow without creating operational chaos, this episode is packed with practical insights you can use.Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversationsThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailWhy does Gen Z leave childcare, and what can leaders do differently to make them want to stay? Kate Woodward Young and Marie Young share an honest mother-daughter conversation about Gen Z staff retention, onboarding, leadership, communication, and workplace culture in early childhood education.From handling difficult conversations to matching teachers with their strengths and passions, they explore practical ways childcare directors, owners, and lead teachers can better support younger educators, build trust, and create teams where staff feel valued and want to grow. If you're struggling with teacher turnover or retaining Gen Z employees, this episode offers a fresh perspective and actionable ideas.Contact Marie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-young-59a7161a9/Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversationsThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailWhat if we stopped waiting for a diagnosis before supporting a child who needs help? Stephanie Corley joins Kate Woodward Young to explore early intervention, developmental concerns, exceptionalities, and supporting children in early childhood education. They discuss how tools like ASQs and Teaching Strategies GOLD can help educators recognize concerns early, partner with families, and take action without labeling or making assumptions.From navigating difficult conversations with parents to understanding autism, selective mutism, hearing concerns, and developmental delays, Stephanie shares practical guidance for early childhood educators, directors, and childcare leaders. If you want to become the educator who notices what others miss and knows what to do next, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Support Corley Discovery InstituteYour support helps move Corley Discovery Institute closer to creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment for children and families: https://gofund.me/775538f57Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversationsThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailGreat teachers don't automatically become great directors. But too often, they're promoted into leadership and expected to figure it out on their own. Kate Woodward Young and Carrie Casey explore why early childhood administrator training needs to be built around the real work of leading a childcare center, from budgets and enrollment to hiring, payroll, culture, and business operations.They dive into the National Childcare Administrator credential, practical leadership training, and how shared training can help administrative teams lead with confidence and make smarter decisions. If you're an early childhood director, owner, assistant director, office manager, or aspiring administrator, this episode offers a fresh look at what it takes to move from excellent educator to effective leader.Learn more at: directorsuccess.comCheck out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversationsThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to go from early childhood educator to CEO? Jessica Van Hoose, CEO of The Nest Schools, joins Kate to talk about early childhood leadership, business strategy, personal branding, and executive confidence. They explore why ECE leaders need to understand both quality and the business side of childcare, from operations and financials to revenue and profit.Jessica shares how mentorship, LinkedIn, executive presence, and being willing to raise your hand helped shape her career. If you're an early childhood leader, director, owner, or aspiring executive ready to step into greater authority and lead with confidence, this episode is for you!Learn more about Jessica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-van-hoose-a388029a/Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversationsThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailWhat if the behavior you're trying to manage isn't really a child problem—but an environment problem? Kate Woodward Young sits down with Carla Ward, early childhood educator, director, entrepreneur, and host of The Everything EC Podcast, for a candid conversation about challenging the “way we've always done it” in early childhood. From creating “yes spaces” that give children more autonomy and agency to replacing pre-designed toys with open-ended materials, Carla shares practical ways to rethink classroom environments, reduce power struggles, and understand what children's behavior is really telling us.Carla and Kate also explore why more rules and control can sometimes create more challenging behavior, how to turn a safety-based “no” into a meaningful “yes,” and why Pinterest-perfect classrooms don't always support real learning. Whether you're an educator, director, owner, or administrator, this episode offers a fresh lens on behavior, leadership, and responsive teaching—and plenty of practical ideas you can put into action. If you're ready to create classrooms where children and teachers have more freedom to learn, explore, and thrive, this conversation might change the way you see behavior forever.Learn more about Carla: YES Spaces Masterclass- https://carlatheece.com/yes-spaces-masterclassInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlatheeceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-ward/Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversationsThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when the passion that brought you into early childhood education starts to feel like burnout? Kate Woodward Young sits down with LaTroya B. of The Preschool Posse for an honest, energizing conversation about finding your fire again—and realizing you don't have to do this work alone.They talk burnout, mentorship, leadership, and the kind of practical support educators really need when the pressure of the classroom and life outside of work start piling up. From recognizing the warning signs of burnout to stepping into leadership with skills that go beyond teaching, this episode explores how community and connection can help educators stay in the field with purpose, confidence, and less isolation.If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stepped into a leadership role and wondered, “Now what?”, or simply wished you had a community that truly understood the work—this conversation is for you.Learn more about Preschool Posse: www.thepreschoolposse.comCheck out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversationsThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate and Cindy Morgan tackle something every childcare director needs but few actually have: written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for staff training and compliance. They dig into why keeping training records organized is such a common violation across states, and how easy it is to lose track of CPR renewals, background checks, and training hours. They share some really practical tips, like having staff swap files during meetings for a fresh set of eyes, and how automated reminders in tools like One Place Childcare can seriously save your sanity!Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversationsThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate Woodward Young drops some serious truth bombs about why handing a new hire a handbook and saying "let us know if you have questions" just doesn't cut it. She breaks down the real difference between orientation, training, and onboarding, and why completing a training checklist doesn't automatically mean someone is competent. Kate walks you through a practical 90-day onboarding framework and reminds us that great staff doesn't rise to the role alone: they need modeling, practice, feedback, and genuine support.Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversationsThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate and Erica sit down for a really inspiring chat about what's next when you've spent decades in early childhood education. Erica shares her incredible 27-year journey from furniture sales to childcare director in just four months, to opening her own chain of schools! They dig into recognizing early childhood as a true profession, finding your successor, and exploring new paths like speaking, coaching, or pursuing further education. Whether you're feeling stagnant or just curious about your next chapter, this one's definitely worth a listen! Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversationsThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, you'll meet Danielle, who has spent nearly 35 years in early childhood education, and her story of how she got there is genuinely heartwarming! She sits down to talk about leading multiple childcare centers, the real challenges of managing diverse teams, and why listening to understand beats listening to respond every time. The big conversation? Switching childcare management software after some serious billing nightmares. Spoiler: they landed on Playground Software, and that little blue support bubble? Total game-changer.Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate sits down with Cindy Morgan from One Place Childcare to dig into a topic every early childhood leader needs to hear — "Change is inevitable. Growth is optional." Cindy shares her incredible journey from family childcare to running a massive nonprofit food program, and now helping centers ditch the paper chaos with smart, cloud-based compliance tools. They get real about why we kick the can down the road on tough decisions, how dashboards save your sanity across multiple locations, and why your "bench" — coaches, vendors, mentors — matters more than you think.To learn more: 1PlaceChildcare.com , link to join a webinar, book a 1-1 meeting with me hereThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Child Care Conversations, Kate chats with Amy Cowan, CEO of Ivy Brook Academy, about her incredible journey from public school teacher to leading a franchise with 60+ locations! Amy shares how a strong female mentor helped shape her leadership style, why saying "yes" to uncomfortable opportunities is where real growth happens, and what it means to be bold but not bossy. Whether you're just starting out or ready to level up, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and genuine encouragement for women in leadership. You're going to want to take notes! https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-cowan-8748aa8b/https://www.ivybrookacademy.com/https://www.ivybrookacademy.com/franchising/Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailGet ready for conference season! In this episode, Kate and Alisha break down how to make the most of vendor halls at early childhood education conferences. Think of it less like trick-or-treating for swag and more like a strategic opportunity to find the right partners for your program. They share smart tips like coming prepared with questions, knowing your budget and inventory, supporting local vendors, and always asking for a discount! Whether you run one center or many, this episode will help you shop smarter and build relationships that truly benefit your program.Fill out to set up a demo: https://3cup9.share.hsforms.com/2evTRRs78SLeEOmq71DWGiwHere is the link as well for more info  The Harmony MethodAlisha's link: Schedule a Meeting with meaberg3718@gmail.com alisha.kriege@freenotesharmonypark.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alisha-kriege-51bb9a4b/?skipRedirect=true Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Child Care Conversations, Kate talks to Jennifer Clements, who shares her journey from growing up in her mom's home daycare to running three childcare centers in Kansas. She dives into the unique challenges of serving military families and college students, and how building a true "village" became the heart of her business. Jennifer also gets real about the staffing puzzle of hiring college students and how embracing flexibility is key. Plus, she walks through her tech evolution — from sticky notes to finding the right all-in-one software solution. Such a relatable and resourceful conversation! Learn more about our guest!https://www.crechemanhattan.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-clements-dorothy-68264946/Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate sits down with Coach Rae — an early childhood education specialist and consultant — to bust some myths about quality rating systems. They dig into why these systems aren't about control, but accountability and funding. One of the biggest takeaways? Transparency matters! When directors share the real financial picture with staff, trust grows, and resistance fades. Coach Rae also reminds us that these systems aren't as complicated as they seem — teachers are often already doing the work! It's a great listen for any childcare leader wanting stronger communication and better team collaboration.Learn more about our guest: FB: Raeyna Woodside IG: hey_coach_raeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raeyna-woodside-howard-54568a274?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_androidThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailUnlock the secret to rapid growth in early childhood education—without burning out your team or drowning in disjointed systems. Laura Biederman, from Ebenezer's eight locations, reveals how she transitioned from classroom teacher to business leader, and the surprising lessons she learned along the way. If your expansion feels overwhelming or you're managing chaos with patchwork technology, this episode is your blueprint for smarter decisions and sustainable growth.Laura shares her candid journey. From being thrown into the deep end without formal management training to realizing she was actually running a business all along. She reveals the crucial shift in mindset needed to lead with confidence, make tough decisions sooner, and embrace the leadership role you might not feel fully prepared for. You'll also hear how her team uses personality assessments and streamlined systems to improve collaboration, reduce turnover, and create a healthier, more efficient workplace.Bamboo HR: https://www.bamboohr.com/homepage-customerLaura's email address: lbiederman@ebenezerchildcare.comDare to Lead book: https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Lead-Brave-Conversations-Hearts/dp/0399592520The personality compass:https://www.leadrighttoday.com/uploads/9/4/1/6/9416169/personalitycompassandtests.pdfThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailEver wonder what lifeguarding has to do with running a child care program? Turns out — a lot! In this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate shares how becoming a lifeguard at 15 shaped everything she believes about training, preparation, and staffing in early childhood education. The big takeaway? Training must come before responsibility. She draws eye-opening parallels between lifeguard certification and how we onboard childcare staff, making a compelling case for intentional career pathways in our field.Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, we chat with Robert Rodriguez, co-owner of Texas Christian Preschool in Brownsville, Texas. Robert shares how his mom founded the business back in 1981, and how he brought his corporate retail and finance background to the family biz about ten years ago. The real gold nugget here? His journey from Post-it notes to discovering Playground, a childcare management software that actually listened to his needs and built out a CRM just for centers like his. If enrollment tracking feels like a hot mess, this one's for you! Learn more about Robert: www.tcpreschools.comThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailThis episode of Childcare Conversations is such a good one! Kate sits down with Annette Eberhart, a 19-year family childcare veteran from Florida, to talk about something we all need to hear: self-care and wellness for early childhood educators. We're not just talking bubble baths here! Annette digs deep into boundaries, mindset, discipline, and even shares a bit of her personal journey. If you're feeling burnt out or stuck, this conversation will genuinely make you stop and reflect. Grab your coffee and give it a listen!Learn more about Annette: www.linkedin.com/in/annette-eberhart-25b91181https://www.youtube.com/@annettee05Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate sits down with Tom Melhorn, president of North Star School Supply, for a really refreshing chat about something every childcare owner deals with: supplies and equipment. Tom shares how North Star takes a totally different approach than just handing you a catalog. They actually talk to you, assess your space and budget, and help you invest in quality, U.S.-made products that last. Think personalized service, 3D classroom designs, and someone who'll actually pick up the phone. No project is too small, and the goal is to be your supplier for life!North Star Booking Link: https://calendar.app.google/BMv11DdzZEzMoopq9Nimbl Assessment Link: https://calendar.app.google/6MSNVnLWo8zQGNLT6Classroom audit blog post:https://northstarschoolsupply.com/your-classroom-is-costing-you-enrollments-and-you-dont-even-know-it/Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, you'll meet Vineeta; her story is truly something special! What started as a mom's response to her daughter's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis turned into a preschool empire spanning 59 schools and 100 franchise agreements. Vineeta shares how she built a TV-free, academics-meets-performing-arts program from the ground up. She also gets real about women in leadership, financial barriers, and what it looks like to lift others as you climb. Her story about two Guatemalan twins growing from classroom aides to seven-location franchisees? Absolute chills. Don't miss this one!Learn more about our guest at: https://www.buildingkidzschool.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/vineeta-bhandari-54b285b6/Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailParent Engagement Gets a Tech Upgrade! This episode of Childcare Conversations is one you'll want to share with every director you know. Kate and Carrie sat down with Jamie Selig from Perfect Day Live to talk about live video streaming for childcare centers, and here's the kicker: it's completely free for programs! Parents pay a small weekly subscription to watch their little ones in real time. Carrie, who testifies as an expert witness in childcare lawsuits, makes a compelling case for why cameras protect everyone. Honestly, this one's worth a listen!Schedule a demo with Jamie today! https://calendly.com/jamie-perfectdaylive/perfect-day-live-demoThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailThis episode of Childcare Conversations is such a good one! Kate and Carrie sit down with Crystal Johnston, founder of Hire Up Recruiting, to talk all things staffing in early childhood education. Crystal shares her wild journey from economics grad to middle school teacher to recruiting specialist, and gets real about why hiring quality staff post-COVID is SO much harder now that childcare programs are competing with Target and Chipotle for workers. She also drops a super practical tip: text your candidates! Nobody's answering unknown calls anymore. Listen to hear more!Learn more about our guest below:https://hireuprecruiting.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal--johnston/https://www.linkedin.com/company/hurecruitingThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate and Carrie chat with Beth Heyer, founder of Babysitting Connection — and honestly, it's such a fun conversation! Beth shares how she turned her own struggle to find reliable babysitters in Austin into a thriving membership-based agency that vets and matches sitters with families. For childcare directors, this is worth a listen; it could mean a flexible substitute staffing solution, an enrollment funnel, AND extra revenue. Beth also touches on empowering women to launch their own agencies. Her biggest takeaway? You simply can't please everyone. So stop trying!Learn more about Beth here!www.bethheyer.comwww.babysittingconnection.comwww.petsittingconnection.comThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Kate Woodward Young and Jason Lody have a really eye-opening conversation about leadership stability in early childhood education. Kate shares her impressive journey from family home provider to business coach, then dives into findings from a survey of 620 programs across 30 states. Spoiler alert - the results are concerning! Over half of programs feel they're one crisis away from closing, and accountability gaps are widespread. They also explore a cool new tool called Center IQ that helps directors make smarter financial decisions before problems arise. Really valuable stuff!Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Kate, Carrie, and guest expert Alisha Kriege dig into the world of outdoor play spaces, and it's such a good one! They tackle the big question: do you really need an expensive playscape? Spoiler: probably not! From repurposing tree stumps to creating "tiny towns" with donated playhouses, they share budget-friendly, creative ideas that work for real programs. Alisha brings her outdoor learning expertise, including how musical instruments support brain development. Whether you're starting from scratch or refreshing an existing space, this episode is packed with practical inspiration!Learn more and connect with Alisha here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisha-kriege-51bb9a4b/www.freenotesharmonypark.comwww.northstarschoolsupply.comThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, Carrie and Kate dive into a really fascinating topic: the role of keynote speakers at early childhood education conferences. They chat about how the term "keynote" has gotten a bit watered down lately, with some conferences featuring multiple keynotes that blur into workshops. They also uncover a surprising stat: despite the ECE workforce being 98% female, most keynote speakers have historically been men! Their big takeaway? A great keynote should inspire, connect emotionally, and truly reflect the audience it serves.Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailChild Care Conversations: Music, Joy & Early Childhood MagicGet ready to smile! In this episode, Carrie and Kate sit down with the absolutely delightful Debbie Clement — musicologist, author, illustrator, and self-described "best kept secret" in early childhood education. With nearly 30 years of experience, Debbie shares why music isn't just fun; it's brain science! From behavior support to literacy and math connections, music is a powerful tool every director should know about. Fair warning: this conversation goes wonderfully off-script, and honestly? That's what makes it so good.Learn more about our guest here! Website: RainbowsWithinReach.com Email: debbie@rainbowswithinreach Phone: (614)309-5270Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate gets real about something so many childcare leaders feel but rarely name — decision fatigue. It's not just the busyness, it's the endless stream of high-stakes decisions that wear you down. Kate introduces Center IQ, a decision intelligence tool built specifically for childcare leaders to help connect the dots between staffing, enrollment, and finances. The standout feature? A simulation tool that shows you the ripple effects of decisions before you make them. Less guesswork, more clarity — sounds like exactly what the field needs!Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, the hosts sit down with the wonderful Prerna Richards to talk about something every childcare leader faces: coaching staff through tough mindsets and tricky behaviors. Think victim mentality, resistance to change, and team conflict. Prerna drops some real gems, including her "connection before correction" philosophy and the SBA strategy (Stop, Breathe, Anchor) for managing your own triggers. She also breaks down the difference between staff buy-in versus genuine belief, a game-changer! Plus, she shares details about her Behavior Coaching Academy. This one's worth a listen!Learn more and book her coaching session! https://community.togetherwegrow.online/a/2148260553/qEq9xL3EThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate and Carrie get real about the hidden costs of delayed decision-making in childcare leadership. Using everything from melted Easter ice cream to "emotional support underwear" as metaphors, they break down how holding onto disengaged staff can quietly drain your program — we're talking potentially $62K a year in lost tuition! They also tackle slow enrollment strategies and ineffective job ads. The bottom line? Making tough calls quickly is actually an act of kindness — for your team, your families, and even the person moving on.Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, the hosts chat with Pietro from BRIT AI about smart marketing strategies for childcare centers. Pietro breaks down why Meta ads (Facebook & Instagram) are often a better investment than Google Ads right now, and introduces the Meta Pixel as a game-changer for targeting the right families. He also gets real about budgeting — think 5-8% of gross revenue for meaningful results. The big takeaway? Marketing isn't a cost, it's an investment with seriously impressive returns. Don't sleep on this one!Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate and Carrie get real about something many childcare leaders avoid — the numbers! They walk you through how to track your enrollment funnel, from first inquiry all the way to a signed contract, and why knowing your data is actually empowering, not scary. You'll pick up practical tips on qualifying families, using consistent call scripts, nailing your follow-up game, and automating paperwork. They also touch on managing your online reputation. Bottom line? Your numbers are telling a story — it's time to listen!Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, you'll meet Jonathan Pearce - a Louisiana childcare leader who literally grew up in childcare (his mom built a center next to her dance studio!). Jonathan shares his fascinating journey from engineering student and bartender to running four childcare centers. But here's where it gets really interesting - frustrated by inconsistent licensing regulations, he found his voice in advocacy. He shares how shifting the conversation from "babysitting" to essential education and business services has created real change in Louisiana. Such an inspiring chat!Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this fun bonus episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate and Marie chat about the new Devil Wears Prada 2 movie and what it means for early childhood leaders. They dig into how technology can never replace the human heart in childcare, and why encouraging your staff to share their stories matters so much. Vulnerability, authenticity, and celebrating the people around you are big themes here. With Teacher Appreciation Week as a backdrop, this episode is a warm reminder to lead with heart and keep discovering new perspectives!Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailEver feel like you're constantly putting out fires instead of running your program? Carrie and Kate get real about the hidden costs of reactive decision-making in childcare leadership. From losing staff and families to making impulsive purchases, those snap decisions add up fast! They share some genuinely practical strategies, like taking a simple pause before responding, leaning on your policies as a guide, and knowing when it's time to let someone go. If you're ready to lead with more confidence and less chaos, this one's worth a listen!Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of ChildCare Conversations, the hosts Kate and Carrie sit down with Ronnae Williams, aka the "State Lady," a former licensing consultant for Georgia. Ronnae shares her journey from Pre-K teacher to licensing rep and drops some seriously helpful wisdom about shifting your mindset around licensing visits. Instead of dreading that clipboard, think of it like a restaurant health inspection; it's there to keep kids safe! She also digs into playground safety, knowing your rules fully, and why year-round compliance beats last-minute panic every single time.Learn more about Ronnae or reach out if you want to learn more!email: ronnae@culturally-yours.comwebsite: www.culturally-yours.comCheck out this month's sponsor: CenterIQ.ioThanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, you'll meet Whitney McCrory, a true childcare legacy carrier from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her mom launched the business back in 1982, and Whitney took the reins in 2018, running three nationally accredited five-star centers. She gets real about surviving COVID, navigating brutal state budget cuts, and fighting for quality care in a heavily regulated environment. Plus, she shares some genuinely memorable stories along the way. Her biggest staff retention secret? Simply showing up. Learn more about her journey in this episode Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, you'll meet Barbara Tedrow from New Mexico, a childcare owner turned powerhouse advocate. Barbara shares how New Mexico built a truly universal childcare system, funded by an oil and gas trust fund that has grown to a whopping $11 billion! She also breaks down how the state created its own Early Childhood Department at the cabinet level, giving childcare a real seat at the table. Plus, she shares some genuinely sweet staff appreciation ideas. This one is packed with inspiration, listen now!Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversation, Kate and Carrie sit down with the amazing Dr. Mia Young, a 27-year education veteran who went from public school principal to childcare entrepreneur! Dr. Young breaks down the real financial journey of opening and expanding child care centers, including navigating SBA loans, building banking relationships, and what it actually costs to build a $57 million facility. She also drops gems about assembling an advisory board, using free SCORE and SBDC resources, and showing your staff genuine appreciation year-round. Grab a notebook, this one's packed! Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailEver wonder why staff retention feels so hard in childcare? Kate and Carrie get real about it in this episode! They dig into how childcare evolved without much business training built in, leaving many directors figuring out staff management on the fly. Sound familiar? They share practical wisdom on avoiding favoritism, showing appreciation equitably across your entire team, and why positive reinforcement matters for everyone. They also highlight their book "From Overwhelm to I Got This" and their leadership courses.Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate and Carrie tackle why Staff Appreciation Week alone isn't enough to retain your childcare team. They share practical, budget-friendly ideas for showing appreciation year-round — think personalized gifts, cooking lunch, surprise concert tickets, and even starting a movie club! They also address the post-COVID challenge of scaling back extravagant perks and offer smart advice on keeping staff involved in planning celebrations. The big takeaway? Know your people, appreciate them consistently, and build a culture where everyone feels truly seen. Take a listen to learn more!Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Child Care Conversations, Kate and Carrie dive into making staff appreciation a daily leadership habit. Inspired by the concept of "management by walking around," Carrie shares how doing quick, intentional classroom walk-throughs twice a day helps leaders truly see their staff in action. From jotting notes on paper to sending a quick video message saying "I saw what you did, and it was amazing!", the focus is on timely, specific praise. Even small gestures matter more than you'd think. Consistency is the real secret here!Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Kate and Carrie chat about the real-life ups and downs of showing appreciation to childcare staff, without breaking the bank. They swap clever, heartfelt ideas like handwritten notes, photo keepsakes, and simple thank-yous for everyone from teachers to van drivers. The duo reminds us that genuine recognition, whether it's a high five or remembering a staff member's favorite snack, creates a joyful, supportive workplace. Their resourceful tips prove you don't need a big budget to make staff feel valued, and when you do, everyone (especially the kids!) wins. Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate and Carrie chat about a leadership habit every early childhood director should try: focusing on the positives! They explain why our brains naturally spot problems first, but how shifting to notice and celebrate what's going well can boost morale and quality. Carrie shares her “Caught in the Act” strategy, intentionally catching staff doing great things and giving real-time praise. It's a friendly, practical conversation full of tips you can use right away to create a happier, more supportive program. Give it a listen and try catching someone being awesome today! Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate and Carrie chat about how childcare directors can truly show appreciation for their staff, without falling into the trap of generic gifts or pizza parties. They share practical tips on understanding each team member's unique “language of appreciation,” planning for special occasions, and making even simple gestures feel personal and meaningful. Whether it's a thoughtful note, a favorite snack, or a homemade meal, Kate and Carrie remind us that real appreciation comes from knowing and valuing the wonderful people who make childcare possible.Thanks for Listening

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, you'll join Kate and Carrie as they chat with Jared Hall, CEO and Founder of IntelliKid Systems, a software platform built for childcare centers. Jared shares stories from his family's decades in the industry and dives into how technology can help with enrollment, lead tracking, and communication (yes, answering the phone really matters!). You'll pick up practical tips on sales, marketing, and building trust with families. It's a friendly, resourceful conversation that feels like old friends swapping secrets over coffee, perfect for anyone looking to grow their childcare business. Want to see how IntelliKid Systems' Enrollment Intelligence tools can help your center grow? Check them out at https://www.intellikidsystems.com/Thanks for Listening