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Pull up a chair, friend! In this episode, we chat all about what it really means to lead in childcare. 🦆🦢 They swap stories and metaphors (think ducks vs. geese!) to explore the difference between managing and truly leading a team. With warmth and wisdom, they stress the importance of self-awareness, knowing your values, and finding your own leadership style. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to inspire your team (and not just keep the ship afloat), this episode is packed with practical tips and a few laughs along the way.

Check out Summer Sponsor: Childcare Business Growth

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, Kate and Carrie sit down with Kathy Ligon from Hinge Advisors to chat about the tricky balance between purpose and profit in childcare. Kathy shares smart tips on understanding occupancy rates, bridging the communication gap between directors and owners, and why financial health is key to quality care. 

They swap stories, offer practical advice, and remind us that a strong financial foundation helps everyone—kids, teachers, and families—thrive. If you’re in early childhood education, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement just for you! 

Childcare Broker & Daycare Business Consultants | HINGE Advisors

Boost- https://www.boostbyhinge.org/

Five Pillars of Purpose-Driven Profit Book by Kathy Ligon — HINGE Early Education Advisors 

Check out Summer Sponsor: Childcare Business Growth

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, Kate and Carrie sit down with Carson Wagner, the heart behind Lifetime of Love Nannies in Reno. Carson shares her inspiring journey from teen caregiver to agency owner, opening up about the real-life challenges—and joys—of supporting kids with special needs. The trio chats about why hands-on experience often trumps formal education, the power of partnerships in childcare, and creative ways to diversify income. 

If you’re curious about building a more inclusive, resourceful childcare community, this episode is packed with friendly wisdom and practical tips!

Check out Summer Sponsor: Childcare Business Growth

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, Kate and Carrie chat live from the Early Childhood Empowerment Conference with Princess Shenette Zachary, a true powerhouse in the childcare industry. She shares her inspiring journey from the entertainment biz to building a thriving childcare empire, all sparked by motherhood. 

We get a peek into her family’s legacy, her passion for empowering kids, and her knack for helping others start their own businesses. If you’re dreaming big or running a home daycare, Princess Shenette’s story is packed with wisdom and encouragement.

 Grab a cup of coffee and tune in—you’ll leave feeling motivated!

Check out her new book: 100 Yard Childcare Playbook 

Check out her Instagram and LinkedIn

Check out Summer Sponsor: Childcare Business Growth

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, Carrie and Kate delve into the often-overlooked financial and social significance of childcare centers. They encourage providers to recognize their worth, highlighting that many centers can generate around $1 million in revenue. 💰 Carrie and Kate emphasize the importance of rephrasing the language used to describe their roles, shifting away from "just a director" to acknowledging their substantial community impact. 

They also discuss the broader economic contributions of childcare centers and the importance of networking and community engagement. By celebrating their achievements and advocating for their value, providers can elevate their profession and ensure their voices are heard. 

Check out Episodes 41 and 47 to learn more about sharing your story

Want to be a guest on our podcast and tell your story? Apply today!

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, hosts Kate and Carrie chat with compliance expert Lynn Wenger about the importance of compliance in childcare centers. Lynn shares her journey into early education and emphasizes that compliance goes beyond just meeting licensing requirements—it includes safety protocols, brand standards, and operational processes. 

She introduces the "trifecta" of compliance tools: SOPs, checklists, and audits, and highlights the need for thorough staff training. The discussion also touches on creating a culture of compliance and starting with health and safety initiatives.

This episode is packed with practical tips to enhance childcare quality and safety!

The Compliance Alliance - https://ececompliance.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, co-hosts Kate and Carrie sit down with Latrice Galloway, the founder of the "Born to Teach" conference. Latrice shares her journey into childcare, which began when she couldn't find quality care for her son and decided to open her own center. She emphasizes the importance of team learning and hiring the right staff to create a nurturing environment.

The "Born to Teach" conference, described as the "child care event of the year," promises interactive and engaging workshops. Latrice's passion for education and community shines through, making this episode a must-listen for childcare professionals.

Join Kate and Carrie at the conference this July!  https://www.borntoteachcon.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, hosts Kate and Carrie chat with Dr. Jamalynn Lewis, a resilient childcare provider from New Orleans. Jamalynn shares her inspiring journey into early childcare, highlighting the grit needed to navigate the industry, especially post-COVID-19. They all discuss the pandemic's impact on childcare, the struggles parents face, and the critical role of community support. 

Jamalynn emphasizes the importance of reducing screen time for kids and fostering hands-on learning. The episode wraps up with a call to action for better funding, resources, and community involvement in childcare. Learn more by listening today!

Learn more on her Instagram @sheeo_ofchildcare

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, Kate and Carrie chat with Vernon Mason Jr., a childcare veteran with over 32 years of experience. They dive into the staffing challenges that hit childcare programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vernon shares his journey from running a family childcare program to becoming a keynote speaker and author. 

The trio discusses the importance of leadership, professional development, and engaging teachers to improve childcare quality. Vernon offers practical tips on observing classrooms and fostering a positive environment for both teachers and children. It's a must-listen for anyone in the childcare field! 

Find Vernon's book at our Director Bookshelf - https://pin.it/7vefuQw3K

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, Kate and Carrie chat about turning ideas into actionable steps to improve childcare programs. They tackle common challenges like managing enrollment, understanding financial impacts, and creating standard operating procedures (SOPs). 

Key takeaways include:

• Understanding Enrollment Needs: Know why enrollment goals matter, including financial and ratio impacts.
• Creating Actionable Steps: Break down tasks into specific, manageable parts.
• Brain Purge Technique: Clear mental clutter by writing down all ideas and prioritizing them.
• Delegation: Hand off tasks to the right people.
• Taking Action: Start implementing ideas, even imperfectly.
• Celebrating Progress: Recognize and reward small achievements.

Kate and Carrie’s friendly, resourceful chat is like advice from old friends, making complex topics feel manageable and encouraging directors to take practical steps toward improvement. Don't miss their 250th episode and listen now!

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!