Episodios

  • Bonus Episode: Together We Grow with Prerna and Laura
    Mar 18 2025

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    In this bonus episode of "Child Care Conversations," Kate and Carrie chat with Prerna Richards, founder of "Together We Grow," and Laura Nelson, Director of Education for a multi-site program. They dive into the challenges of behavior management in childcare and how Prerna's training has transformed Laura's centers.

    Prerna introduces a new Behavior Specialist Certification program aimed at supporting teachers through effective coaching. Laura shares inspiring stories of improved staff retention and reduced behavior issues. It's a heartfelt discussion about collaboration, community, and the power of professional development in childcare.

    Thanks for Listening 🎧

    • Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖
    • Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!
    • Join our Podcast Newsletter!
    • Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.
    • Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!


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    18 m
  • 241: Read our New Book! "I Got This! Leadership Blueprint"
    Mar 18 2025

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    How many leadership books do you have that are written by women?
    In this episode of "Child Care Conversations," Kate and Carrie discuss the lack of representation of women in leadership literature, especially in childcare. 🎙️ They share their eye-opening experience at a conference where, despite a majority female audience, the recommended leadership books were mostly written by white men.

    This inspired them to write "I Got This! Leadership Blueprint," a resource to empower women in childcare leadership. 📚 They also discuss the challenges of publishing and the biases in categorizing women's leadership books. Overall, it’s a heartfelt chat to inspire and uplift women in the industry. 🌟

    Order our new book now! [Link]

    Thanks for Listening 🎧

    • Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖
    • Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!
    • Join our Podcast Newsletter!
    • Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.
    • Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!


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    13 m
  • 240: Finding Joy as a Childcare Director With Heather White
    Mar 11 2025

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    In this heartwarming episode, co-hosts Kate and Carrie sit down with Heather White, a seasoned director and franchisor in the childcare industry. Heather shares her journey, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and joy in her role. She discusses the innovative practices at her franchise, including advanced security measures and preparing children for larger educational settings.

    Heather also highlights the supportive structure for new directors and the significance of building strong community relationships. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking for joy and balance in childcare.

    Thanks for Listening 🎧

    • Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖
    • Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!
    • Join our Podcast Newsletter!
    • Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.
    • Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!


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    25 m
  • 239: Ready to Open Your Own Childcare Center! With Shannon Black with SCORE
    Mar 4 2025

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    In this episode of "Child Care Conversations," Kate and Carrie chat with Shannon Black, Chair of the Austin SCORE chapter and a former Montessori school owner. Shannon shares her passion for supporting childcare entrepreneurs, especially women, and introduces an 11-part virtual series designed to help navigate the complexities of starting and running a childcare business.

    SCORE offers free mentoring and workshops, making it a fantastic resource for both new and established childcare providers. Shannon's insights and the supportive community vibe make this episode a must-listen for anyone in the childcare field.

    Learn more and sign up for their Starting a Childcare Center Series at SCORE Austin: https://www.score.org/dallas/score-childcare-texas-series-spring-2025

    Thanks for Listening 🎧

    • Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖
    • Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!
    • Join our Podcast Newsletter!
    • Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.
    • Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!


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    21 m
  • 238: Ditch the Dull: Playful Training: Ron Shuali
    Feb 25 2025

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    Kate and Carrie chat with Ron Shuali, an expert in playful and engaging training methods for educators. Ron introduces the concept of "unprofessional development," which focuses on fun and interactive training rather than the usual dull sessions. They discuss the importance of shifting from "should" to "could" to manage expectations and reduce stress.

    Ron shares practical tips like incorporating humor, encouraging creativity, and taking breaks. The episode is packed with insights on creating a joyful and effective learning environment. Don't miss Ron's upcoming workshops for more hands-on strategies!

    Learn more about Ron Shuali!
    www.ronspeaks.com

    https://unprofessionaldevelopment.wtf/

    Thanks for Listening 🎧

    • Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖
    • Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!
    • Join our Podcast Newsletter!
    • Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.
    • Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!


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    21 m
  • 237: Thriving Through Chaos: Gabrielle Wheeler's Journey
    Feb 18 2025

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    In this episode, Kate and Carrie chat with Gabrielle Weller, a dedicated advocate for quality child care from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Gabrielle shares her incredible journey of transforming a struggling child care center into a thriving, culturally inclusive program. She talks about the importance of high-quality early education, the challenges of funding, and the power of a positive mindset.

    Gabrielle's story is a testament to resilience and community support, offering valuable insights for anyone in the child care sector. Tune in for an inspiring conversation!

    Learn more about Gabrielle:
    https://eastgatekids.com/

    www.nmdirector.org

    Thanks for Listening 🎧

    • Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖
    • Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!
    • Join our Podcast Newsletter!
    • Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.
    • Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!


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    25 m
  • 236: Childcare Center Finances: Forecasting for Success
    Feb 11 2025

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    In this episode, Kate and Carrie dive into the nitty-gritty of financial forecasting for childcare centers. They chat about the impact of public pre-k funding, stressing how it leaves a gap for infant and toddler care. Carrie shares her insights on flexible staffing and care options, suggesting part-time care to match family needs. They also explore financial incentives for staff, like bonuses for less desirable shifts and referral bonuses.

    The key takeaway? Financial forecasting should be an ongoing process, not just a year-end task. It's all about adapting, staying proactive, and ensuring sustainability in childcare. Listen to the full episode to learn more!

    Thanks for Listening 🎧

    • Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖
    • Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!
    • Join our Podcast Newsletter!
    • Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.
    • Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!


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    26 m
  • 235: Safety and Licensing best practices with Tracy Nardo
    Feb 4 2025

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    In this episode, Kate and Carrie chat with Tracy Nardo, a seasoned expert with 36 years in early childhood education. Tracy dives into the importance of safety and licensing in childcare programs, sharing her knowledge on risk management and staff training. She emphasizes the need for comprehensive training from day one and explains the serious consequences of neglecting safety protocols, like hefty fines from OSHA. Tracy also offers practical tips for supervision and documentation, making this episode a must-listen for childcare professionals.

    Connect with Tracy!
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-nardo-b9a43a1aa

    https://www.celebree.com/

    Thanks for Listening 🎧

    • Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖
    • Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!
    • Join our Podcast Newsletter!
    • Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.
    • Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!


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    17 m