Send us a text In this episode of "Child Care Conversations," Carrie and Kate share the real-life staffing struggles they’ve heard from directors across the country, think hiring headaches, covering for absent teachers, and the never-ending HR puzzles. They chat about why managing a childcare team is so unique (and why there’s no one-size-fits-all training), plus offer practical tips for onboarding, accommodating staff needs, and keeping your sanity. SIGN UP FOR MASTERCLASS: https...

Send us a text You’re in for a treat with this episode of Child Care Conversations! Kate and Carrie sit down with Judy Prine, President-Elect of SECA, for a warm, insightful chat about the Southern Early Childhood Association. Judy shares SECA’s rich history, the perks of membership (think: newsletters, book reviews, and lively Zoom meetups), and gives the scoop on upcoming conferences—boots and line dancing included! If you’re passionate about early childhood education, you’ll find pl...

Send us a text In this episode of Child Care Conversations, you’ll meet Rachel Supalla, a seasoned early childhood leader who grew from preschool teacher to managing 11 childcare centers! She shares her journey, the ups and downs of scaling a business, and how “playful leadership” keeps her team connected, even across states and during COVID-19. Rachel also dives into choosing the right management software and her collaborative approach to change. Plus, she introduces her book, The Playful ...

Send us a text In this episode, Kate and Carrie cozy up to chat about the real challenges of leading a childcare center, especially when directors have way too many direct reports. They share smart strategies for building a leadership team, like dividing roles by shift or specialty, and stress the magic number of 5–7 direct reports for sanity’s sake. You’ll pick up tips on using part-time or virtual help, rewarding leaders, and making tech your friend. If you’re craving practical advi...

Send us a text In this episode, you’ll join a warm, insightful chat with Marie Young and Joanna Casey from Child Care Mystery Shop. They share how their family-run business helps child care centers boost enrollment and polish their customer experience through mystery shopping. You’ll hear practical tips on improving communication, online presence, and first impressions, plus a few stories from behind the scenes! If you’re curious about what parents really see when they visit your center...

Send us a text In this episode, Kate and Carrie sit down with Dr. Andrea Dickerson to chat about the real-life challenges of running childcare centers. They dive into why clear systems, workflows, and checklists are game-changers for staff retention and smooth operations. Andrea shares practical tips for spotting gaps and testing new processes. You’ll walk away with actionable steps and a sense of encouragement, like chatting with friends who really get it. Check out this episode'...

Send us a text You’re in for a treat with this episode of "Child Care Conversations"! Kate and Carrie sit down with Red Grammer, beloved children’s musician, to chat about how his uplifting songs—like those from his new album "Hooray for the World" help kids learn kindness, express themselves, and even burn off extra energy. The conversation feels like old friends swapping stories, full of practical tips for bringing more music and joy into your classroom. If you’re looking for ways to...

Send us a text In this episode of Child Care Conversations, you’ll join Kate, Carrie, and their guest Julie Martinez, a passionate childcare center owner from Texas. Julie shares her inspiring journey from teen mom to thriving entrepreneur, opening centers in unique spaces like a church. The trio chats about building strong relationships, the ups and downs of shared spaces, and the magic of intentional communication. If you’re curious about leadership, community, and creative solutions...

Send us a text This week on Child Care Conversations, Kate and Carrie get real about the tough shift from classroom teacher to confident director. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or stuck micromanaging, you’re not alone! They share practical tips on letting go, delegating, and focusing on what truly matters—plus a few books and community recommendations to keep you inspired. Think of it as a heart-to-heart with friends who’ve been there, ready to help you move from “I have to do it all...

Send us a text In this episode of Child Care Conversations, you’ll sit in on a warm, insightful chat with Jason Lody, CEO of Adventist Education. Jason shares his journey from police officer to early childhood leader, revealing how he grew his company to 26 preschools in just 11 months! He dishes on scaling up, hiring outside the box, and why incentivizing directors can boost enrollment. You’ll also get practical advice on navigating acquisitions and staffing challenges. If you’re leading or ...

Send us a text In this episode of "Child Care Conversations," you’ll hear Tamar Andrews share how her real-life struggles as a childcare director inspired her sons to create Playground, a user-friendly app that actually solves the headaches directors face every day. Kate, Carrie, and Tamar chat like old friends about the wild multitasking directors do, the lack of training, and why better tools (and maybe even running for office!) can make a huge difference. It’s a warm, insightful list...

Send us a text You’re in for a treat with this episode! Kate and Carrie chat with Chelyn Butts from Texas, who shares her amazing journey from running a tiny child care center to leading a thriving program with 130 kids, all in a brand-new, gifted building! Chelyn opens up about the magic of a family-like culture, the game-changing impact of mentors and coaches, and how smart marketing helped her enroll 56 new children in just four months. If you’re dreaming of growth and need a boost ...

Send us a text In this episode, you’ll sit in on a warm, insightful chat with Jessica and Katy — two resourceful early childhood leaders from Florida and Indiana. They share how partnering with Childcare Business Growth boosted their enrollment and community engagement (hello, TikTok videos! 📱). The conversation dives into real challenges, like sudden subsidy cuts in Indiana, and how they’re supporting families through creative problem-solving. Plus, you’ll hear about their new podcast...

Send us a text You’re in for a treat with this episode of Childcare Conversations! Kate and Carrie sit down with Jeannette Ward from Texas Mutual Insurance and Christy Black from Primrose Central Texas to chat about their creative partnership bringing onsite childcare to Texas Mutual’s Austin HQ. They share the ups and downs of launching the center, from employee retention to navigating regulations and even expanding access for underprivileged families. If you’re curious about how busi...

Send us a text In this episode of Child Care Conversations, Kate and Carrie chat about the real-life ups and downs of managing calendars, appointments, and communication in child care centers. They swap stories (including a scheduling mishap!), share practical tips for staying organized, and highlight how tools like automated reminders and AI assistants can save your sanity. They also discuss meeting families and staff where they are, whether that’s email, text, or social media. If you...

Send us a text In this episode of Childcare Conversations, you’ll join Kate, Carrie and Shelby Adamson from Kitty Crafts Preschool for a warm, insightful chat about outdoor, play-based learning. Shelby shares how her nature-focused program helps kids thrive by spending lots of time outside, rain or shine! They talk about blending phonics into play, supporting parents, and why letting kids be kids leads to happier learners. If you’re curious about nature-based education or want tips for...

Send us a text You’re in for a treat with this episode! The hosts sit down with Lily Lugo, a powerhouse in early childhood education from South Texas. Lily shares her inspiring 30+ year journey, from work-study student to owning multiple centers and passing the torch to her son, Christian. They chat about building a family legacy, letting go of micromanagement, and empowering the next generation. If you’ve ever wondered how to gracefully step back and watch your legacy thrive, Lily’s wi...

Send us a text In this episode of Child Care Conversations, Kate and Carrie chat about what real authority looks like in early childhood leadership. They remind you that being a great leader isn’t about being bossy, it’s about being brave, sharing your expertise, and guiding others with confidence and compassion. They offer practical tips for embracing your unique strengths, advocating for your program, and finding your leadership style, whether you’re front and center or working behi...

Send us a text In this episode of Child Care Conversations, you’ll meet Cindy Lehnhoff, a true gem with 40+ years in childcare! Cindy shares her inspiring journey from part-time preschool teacher to VP of Operations, and dishes out practical tips on flexible staffing, creative scheduling, and why part-time roles can be a game-changer. The chat also covers staff well-being, vacation policies, and the value of professional development (and conferences with duck parades ). If you’re looki...

Send us a text In this episode of Child Care Conversations, guest host Erica of the Directors Chair Podcast turns the tables on regular hosts (and cousins) Kate and Carrie, diving into their journey as early childhood education leaders and publishers. They share heartfelt stories about resilience, building their business, and empowering women in leadership. You’ll hear about their “monkey management” workshops, memorable conference moments, and how they make learning fun. Plus, they rev...