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In this episode, Kate and Carrie get interviewed in an episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair. Erica Saccoccio sits down with them to chat about building real, lasting partnerships between schools and families. They share smart, down-to-earth tips—like swapping rushed updates for meaningful stories and asking parents thoughtful questions at pick-up. 

The trio reminds us that when educators and families become true “co-pilots,” kids thrive and communities grow stronger. Plus, there’s a special invite to the Early Childhood Empowerment Conference! If you’re ready to lead with heart and connect deeper, this episode is a must-listen. 🚀

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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In this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate and Carrie sit down with leadership consultant Jaime Rechkemmer for a warm, insightful chat about women’s leadership in early childhood education. Jamie shares her journey, the power of informal mentoring, and how real growth often comes from everyday connections—not just formal titles. 

They discuss the challenges women face in balancing career and family, and why supporting each other is key. If you’re looking for practical tips and a little inspiration to boost your confidence as a childcare leader, this episode is like a coffee date with friends who truly get it!

Check out this month's sponsor at ECENAC.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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In this episode of "Childcare Conversations," Kate and Carrie sit down with Tyler and Autumn from Wichita Falls’ Southside Youth Center to chat all things school-aged care. You’ll hear how their program blossomed from a small girls’ club into a vibrant STEAM hub, plus get the inside scoop on the joys (and quirks!) of working with older kids. 

They share resourceful tips for nonprofit management, creative curriculum ideas, and the importance of tailored training. If you’re looking to level up your afterschool program, this episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and a few laughs along the way! 

Learn more at: https://southsideyouthsenter.com/

Check out this month's sponsor at ECENAC.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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In this episode of "Childcare Conversations," Kate and Carrie sit down with Kaila Linder, an AI trailblazer and preschool owner, to chat about how artificial intelligence is transforming the childcare industry. ☎️🤖 Kayla shares her journey from teacher to tech innovator, introducing tools like “AI Emily” that help centers answer calls, manage messages, and even monitor online reviews. The trio swap practical tips and real-life stories, making AI feel less intimidating and more like a helpful friend—freeing up time so you can focus on what matters most: the children!

Check out more at Linderconnect.com

Check out this month's sponsor at ECENAC.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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In this episode of Child Care Conversations, Kate and Carrie sit down with tax pro David of DaycareAccounting Pro to chat about smart, proactive tax strategies just for childcare center owners. They break down why traditional accountants might miss big savings and how working with a specialist can free up money for things like teacher bonuses or playground upgrades. 

David shares real-life success stories and tips for talking to your accountant about new strategies. If you’re ready to feel more confident and resourceful with your center’s finances, this episode is a must-listen! 

Learn more here: https://daycareaccountingpro.com/

Check out this month's sponsor at ECENAC.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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You’re in for a treat with this episode of "Childcare Conversations"! Kate and Carrie sit down with insurance specialist Sam Phillips, who shares her hard-earned wisdom on protecting your childcare business. From why bundling insurance isn’t always your friend to decoding tricky policy terms (think: insurance made as easy as a Tinder swipe!), this episode is packed with practical tips. Sam’s real-life stories and her Childcare Insurance Playbook make insurance feel a lot less overwhelming. If you want to feel confident and prepared, this chat is a must-listen! 

Follow Sam to learn more! https://www.facebook.com/samthesparklyone/

Check out this month's sponsor at ECENAC.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!

Send us a text

In this episode of Child Care Conversations, Kate and Carrie chat about kicking off 2026 with a fresh mindset for childcare leaders. They share practical tips on setting micro-goals (no vision board required!), finding the right mentors or coaches, and building a supportive network. Whether you’re facing enrollment challenges or just need a confidence boost, they’ve got you covered. The big takeaway? Focus on what brings you joy and remember—you’re not alone in this journey. Here’s to a confident, joyful year ahead in your center!

Check out this month's sponsor at ECENAC.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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In this episode of ChildCare Conversations, you’ll sit in on a warm chat with Lori Buxton from the Association of Early Learning Leaders and our hosts Kate and Carrie. Lori shares her unexpected journey into early childhood care, the healing power of children’s love, and her passion for supporting leaders. 

Together, they swap stories about leadership, communication, and the joys (and chaos!) of running childcare centers. You’ll pick up practical tips on staff support, parent relations, and the value of community—plus a few laughs along the way.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-buxton-995bba29/

AELL Annual Conference - https://web.cvent.com/event/25f30ec2-d9b6-4485-8579-8779f7d9b318/websitePage:09fc6960-9255-42dd-b154-f54a2bc45685?rt=Cw32CnkCOkuRvS1slJkv_Q

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!

Send us a text

In this episode of "Childcare Conversations," hosts Carrie and Carrie sit down with Jerletha McDonald, CEO of Family Tracker, to chat about the joys and challenges of home-based childcare. Julia shares her inspiring journey from hospital lab tech to passionate childcare advocate, and they all swap stories about why many providers love the flexibility and community of small, family-focused programs. 

You’ll pick up tips on building support networks, collaborating with centers, and advocating for quality care. If you’re curious about the heart behind home-based childcare, this one’s a must-listen!

Learn more about Jerletha here: https://www.adfwchildcare.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerletha-mcdonald-74705812b/

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!

Send us a text

In this episode of Child Care Conversations, Kate and Carrie chat with Denita Dinger, a passionate early childhood educator, about the magic of child-led play. They dive into the challenges of balancing structured themes with letting kids’ interests lead the way—even when programs have strict schedules. 

You’ll pick up practical tips for weaving children’s voices into daily routines, plus hear about resources like Denita’s upcoming course and a free “Top Five Play Opportunities” guide. It’s a warm, insightful conversation perfect for anyone wanting to champion play in early learning! 

Here is the link to her freebie:

https://mailchi.mp/1b5fecf26f42/denitas-top-5-play-opportunities

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!