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In 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! 

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• 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 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 🎧

• 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, 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 🎧

• 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 dive into the real risks of staff using personal phones in childcare settings. They share eye-opening stats about explicit content on devices and discuss why strict no-phone policies are a must to keep kids safe. They offer practical tips—like using phone organizers and staff training—to help directors protect children and avoid legal trouble. 

Their friendly, knowledgeable chat is a wake-up call for anyone in childcare: it’s time to take action and put safety first! 

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 join Kate, Carrie, and guest Allie Guinn as they chat about all things preschool graduation. They share smart tips for planning meaningful celebrations, from picking the perfect timing (spring or August?) to budgeting for those adorable caps and gowns. Allie dishes out her expertise on safety (watch out for those bargain-bin tassels!) and offers resources to make organizing a breeze. 

You’ll feel like you’re swapping stories with old friends—full of laughs, practical advice, and a little nostalgia. Perfect for anyone gearing up for graduation season! 

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 Carriechat about a clever way to market your childcare center, by creating a neighborhood guidebook from a child’s perspective! They share how partnering with local realtors and businesses (think: restaurants, pediatricians, movie theaters) can help you connect with new families and stand out as a community leader. 

It’s all about building relationships, sharing resources, and making your center the go-to spot for families moving in. If you love creative, practical ideas (and a good story or two), you’ll feel right at home here! 

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 heartwarming episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate and Carrie chat with Meredith Douglas from Boost, a nonprofit helping preschool teachers through tough times, think surprise car repairs or medical bills. Meredith shares how Boost steps in with emergency funds, offers financial education, and makes it easy for directors to nominate teachers in need. 

They also discuss how centers can support Boost through donations, creating a ripple effect that benefits entire classrooms. If you care about teachers and kids, this episode is packed with practical ways to make a real difference! 

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, your favorite duo gets real about leadership books. You know, the ones piling up on your nightstand. They chat about using books as tools, not just decor, and share tips for matching your reading style (audio, visual, or hands-on) to the right format.

Kate and Carrie also recommend practical reads like It’s Lonely at the Top and spill the beans on upcoming conferences. If you want to grow as a leader without feeling overwhelmed, this episode is full of friendly, resourceful advice just for you! 

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 join a warm chat with curriculum expert Sharon Burnett. Sharon shares her journey from kindergarten teacher to founder of Frog Street and creator of the “Foundations” program, which blends music, play, and social-emotional learning for emergent literacy. 

You’ll pick up practical tips on weaving these playful, research-backed strategies into your daily routine; no need to overhaul your schedule! Sharon’s stories and advice will leave you inspired and ready to make learning joyful and meaningful for every child.

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 feel like you’re sitting down with two friends over coffee as they unpack the role of home-based childcare in our communities. They chat about the differences between regulated and unregulated care, the unique strengths of home providers, and how centers and home programs can support each other (not compete!). 

They also tackle tough topics like safety, stereotypes, and the importance of educating families. You’ll walk away with practical tips, fresh insights, and a renewed sense of how we can all work together for kids’ well-being. 

https://www.kxan.com/investigations/risks-to-children-why-texas-is-warning-about-unregulated-home-child-care/

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!