In this episode, Sara Schreiner of Sunshine Academy shares her journey from young entrepreneur to multi-center owner, empowering women to build sustainable, profitable early education businesses.

Our Expert Sara Schreiner

Sara Schreiner is the owner of Sunshine Academy and a passionate advocate for empowering women in early childhood education. Starting her formal childcare journey at age 12 with YWCA babysitting courses, Sara became the neighborhood babysitter before moving into center-based care during high school. At just 20 years old, she purchased her first childcare center in 2004, demonstrating remarkable entrepreneurial spirit. Now operating three centers with expansion into after-school programs, Sara also provides coaching and consulting services to other childcare program owners. Her unique perspective combines deep operational experience with business acumen, helping other women transition from caregiver mindset to successful business owner mentality.

About Sunshine Academy

Sunshine Academy represents Sara Schreiner's vision of profitable, high-quality early education programs that serve families while sustaining business owners. Operating in rural Montana, the organization has grown from a single center purchase in 2004 to three locations with continued expansion. Sara's approach emphasizes that childcare can be both heart-centered and financially successful, challenging the industry narrative that caring for children means sacrificing profitability. Through her coaching and consulting work, she helps other program owners develop systems, policies, and mindsets necessary for sustainable business growth while maintaining quality care standards.

In this episode, we cover:

- Empowering women through leadership and mentorship
- Strategic insights for childcare owners
- Balancing life and business as a childcare leader
- Overcoming industry challenges through networking and growth

A sneak peek inside the episode:

“It doesn't get easier. You get better. So I have to remember that because when I'm in the midst of the hard and I just want this to get easier, really I need to get better. And this hard time will allow that."

In this episode, Mark Sklar of Jowers-Sklar Insurance shares expert insights on insurance needs, risk management, and current industry challenges facing early childhood education programs.

Our Expert Marc Sklar

Mark Sklar is the President/CEO at Jowers-Sklar Insurance. Starting in the insurance business in 1998 and purchasing his agency in 2003, Mark developed specialized expertise in three niches: rental equipment businesses, franchise restaurants, and childcare centers. His relationship-oriented approach has positioned Jowers-Sklar Insurance as a leading specialist in childcare center coverage, with approximately 400-450 centers insured across the country. Mark's philosophy emphasizes that the cheapest insurance quote isn't always the best, focusing instead on comprehensive coverage and proactive risk management.

About Jowers-Sklar Insurance

Jowers-Sklar Insurance specializes in providing insurance solutions for early education programs nationwide. Unlike generalist agencies, they've developed deep expertise in childcare center insurance requirements and challenges. Their relationship-based approach goes beyond simply writing policies – they serve as trusted advisors helping center owners navigate compliance issues, implement preventative measures, and properly document their safety protocols. The company emphasizes educating clients about proper coverage needs and has developed specialized resources such as behavioral questionnaires to identify training opportunities for staff members.

In this episode, we cover:

- Key insurance coverages & market trends
- Liability vs. negligence
- Risk reduction strategies
- Claims, violations, and premiums

A sneak peek inside the episode:

“I tell people the three best words in insurance are document, document, document. The more documentation we have... it shows that accidents happen. What the attorneys are going to argue is that you didn't properly train the employee, which is why this injury happened. We can show: Yes, we did train them."

In this episode, Andrew Massie of Plastridge Insurance shares his journey to supporting early education providers, eventually creating a special insurance program exclusively for childcare centers. Discover how Florida's childcare providers are navigating rising insurance costs, regulatory advantages, and a new Lloyd's-backed solution designed to ease the crisis.

Our Expert Andrew Massie

Andrew Massie is an insurance professional at Plastridge Insurance Company with over 10 years of experience in the industry. A Florida State University graduate with a degree in Risk Management and Insurance, Andrew has dedicated the last seven years exclusively to serving childcare facilities across Florida. His personal connection to early education deepened when he became a father to his daughter Haven, now 2 years old. Andrew's expertise spans general liability, professional liability, and specialized coverage for early education providers. His recent achievement includes developing an exclusive insurance program through Lloyd's of London specifically designed to address the insurance crisis facing childcare facilities.

About Plastridge Insurance Company

Plastridge Insurance Company is a Florida-based insurance agency licensed in 37 states, with primary operations throughout Florida. Under Andrew Massie's leadership in the early education sector, the company has become a specialized provider for childcare facilities, schools, and early learning centers. Plastridge Insurance recently partnered with Lloyd's of London to create an exclusive insurance program specifically designed for childcare facilities, addressing the significant market gap created by carriers leaving the Florida market. The company is committed to providing competitive, comprehensive coverage while understanding the unique regulatory environment and operational challenges facing early education providers.

In this episode, we cover:

- Florida's 4-year childcare insurance crisis
- Traditional carriers backing out
- New insurance solution built with Lloyd's of London
- How regulation and risk management improve insurability for providers

A sneak peek inside the episode:

“There's absolutely a gap because these childcare facilities are seeing unjustified premium increases. So, if we can put a program together that's very specific: it's exclusively for childcare facilities. There's a major need for it in the market. So that's basically what we did."

Contact information: 

Andrew Massie
Plastridge Insurance Company
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (561) 819-1547
Website: plastridge.com/childcare-facility

Coverage Available: Currently serving Florida with plans for multi-state expansion

Specialization: General Liability, Professional Liability, Abuse & Molestation Coverage

Unique Features: Attendance-based (not capacity-based) premium calculations, exclusive program design

In this episode, Valerie Denero of Every Child California shares her inspiring journey and explores the key challenges and opportunities in California’s early education system.

Our Expert Valerie Denero

Valerie DeNero brings decades of experience across every facet of early childhood education to her role at Every Child California. Her journey began unexpectedly when a devastating car accident at age 14 led her to discover her passion for working with young children through an alternative education program's child development center. Starting with her first six units in child development, Valerie worked her way through community college while employed at both center-based and family child care programs. She advanced through leadership roles including program director, area manager, corporate trainer, resource and referral coordinator, and county office of education workforce development specialist. Her extensive background spans direct service delivery, workforce development, policy advocacy, and systems change, making her a powerful voice for elevating the early education profession.

About Every Child California (Formerly CCDAA)

Every Child California is a membership-based organization dedicated to supporting leaders in early care and education across the state. The organization works strategically with key partners including the California Department of Education, Department of Social Services, and Department of Teacher Credentialing to advocate for workforce development, sustainable funding, and systems alignment. Every Child California focuses on transforming early care and education from an undervalued service industry into a recognized and properly funded component of the state's educational continuum, advocating for true cost of care funding and living wages for early educators.

In this episode, we cover:

- Workforce development and recruitment amid regulatory and staffing challenges
- Funding, access, and the case for public investment
- Transitional kindergarten and the mixed delivery system
- Reimagining early education through crisis and reform

A sneak peek inside the episode:

“We are in a crisis. The child care industry has lost their identity, and they've lost their value and their place in society. And we're in crisis. But in that crisis, there's going to be an opportunity to reshape. Yeah, our values and what we believe."

In this episode, Jessica Van Hoose of Child Development Schools shares her journey in early education and insights on building quality programs while supporting educators.

Our Expert Jessica Van Hoose

Jessica Van Hoose is the Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer at Child Development Schools. With extensive experience across multiple roles in early education, she has worked as a teacher, center director, district manager, regional director, and in training and education support. Jessica's passion for elevating early educators and ensuring high-quality experiences for children has driven her career. Her expertise spans operational management, quality improvement, teacher training, and advocacy for early childhood education at local, state, and federal levels.

About Child Development Schools 

Child Development Schools is a large early education provider committed to delivering high-quality early learning experiences while navigating the business aspects of childcare. Under Jessica Van Hoose's leadership, the organization prioritizes government relations and advocacy as part of their mission, working to shape regulations and policies that affect early education. Child Development Schools invests extensively in training their teams on safety and quality practices, believing that high-quality education requires more than just using the word "quality" – it means living it every day through continuous improvement.

In this episode, we cover:

- From educator to executive
- Balancing quality and business
- Empowering early educators
- Advocacy and impact

A sneak peek inside the episode:

“We have to show up and support one another, because the only people that suffer when we don't are the children in our care."

In this episode, Jaime Rechkemmer of Aim4Impact Consulting joins us to discuss the role of technology in innovating early childcare education.

Our Expert Jaime Rechkemmer

Jaime Rechkemmer is a dynamic early education leader with nearly 30 years of experience helping childcare organizations thrive. As the founder of Aim4Impact Consulting, LLC, she specializes in boosting enrollment, improving compliance, and enhancing program quality with a blend of strategy, practicality, and southern savvy. She has worked with national and state organizations like ECEC, GCCA, and NECPA/NCCA, offering big-picture insights that empower leaders to think bigger and lead stronger. Jaime also chairs the AI & Machine Learning Advisory Board at WatchMeGrow, exploring technology’s role in early education, and speaks at industry conferences nationwide. A Carolina girl with a side of Texas heat, she brings passion, humor, and a no-nonsense approach to transforming early education leadership.

About Aim4Impact Consulting

​Aim4Impact Consulting is dedicated to empowering early childhood educators and leaders to effect meaningful change. The organization offers strategic consulting, leadership coaching, and impactful speaking engagements, providing practical solutions that drive quality improvement and professional growth. Whether enhancing curriculum, striving for compliance, or developing leadership skills, Aim4Impact serves as a trusted partner, championing educators, families, and the children they serve.

In this episode, we cover:

- The disconnect in early education
- Role of technology and relationships
- Innovating early education technology
- The future of early education

A sneak peek inside the episode:

“I think that early education is technology. It was the first technology. It was, you know, the most pure of machines: the human brain and human intelligence."

In this episode, Matt Lee of Hudson Bus Sales takes us on an insightful journey into the world of transportation business and its vital role in the early childcare sector.

Our Expert Matt Lee

Matthew Lee is the Director of Marketing at Hudson Bus Sales, bringing over 20 years of experience in the RV industry. Previously, he served as Director of Marketing at FunTown RV, where he played a key role in expanding the dealership from two to 11 locations. With expertise in digital marketing and adapting to evolving technology, Matthew is focused on enhancing Hudson Bus Sales’ marketing and advertising strategies to support the company’s continued growth.

About Hudson Bus Sales

​Hudson Bus Sales, founded by industry veteran Brad Hudson, is a full-service bus dealership with locations in Texas and Florida. The company offers new and pre-owned buses from trusted manufacturers, tailored to meet diverse client needs and budgets. Beyond sales, Hudson Bus Sales provides rental services and comprehensive maintenance, including mechanical repairs, paint and body work, vehicle wraps, and graphic design. Their clientele spans childcare organizations, religious institutions, schools, non-profits, senior care facilities, colleges, universities, limousine services, and tour companies, all relying on Hudson Bus Sales for their integrity, responsiveness, and industry expertise.

In this episode, we cover:

- Introduction to early education transportation
- Understanding MFSAB and safety features
- Navigating state regulations and compliance
- Building relationships in the transportation industry

A sneak peek inside the episode:

“I've been in industries where everyone kept to themselves, but what’s exciting and refreshing about early childcare is that everybody wants to help everybody else. Even if transportation isn’t the main focus of a center, they find ways to incorporate it to better serve their families."

In this episode, Prerna Richards of Together We Grow shares insights on supporting overwhelmed early childcare educators.

Our Expert Prerna Richards

Prerna Richards is the CEO and Founder of Together We Grow, a keynote speaker, and a behavior coach passionate about early childhood education. With expertise in program development, accreditation, and business transformation, she has led initiatives that enhance early learning experiences, impact thousands of educators and children, and drive operational excellence. Her leadership in strategic partnerships, professional development, and team engagement has strengthened early education programs nationwide, making a lasting impact on the field.

About Together We Grow

​Together We Grow LLC, founded by Prerna Richards, is an early childhood education organization dedicated to empowering educators and caregivers. With over 39 years of experience in the field, Prerna offers services such as professional development, behavior coaching, and NAEYC accreditation consulting. Her approach emphasizes play-based learning, social-emotional development, and the latest brain research to create responsive and joyful classrooms. Together We Grow LLC operates on principles of respect, dignity, and inclusivity, striving to meet educators where they are and inspire them to become their best selves.

In this episode, we cover:

- Understanding burnout in educators
- Supporting overwhelmed educators
- Coaching techniques for educators
- Building connections before corrections

A sneak peek inside the episode:

“Joy and stress are two contradicting emotions that our brain is incapable of experiencing at the same time. If you're stressed, you have to choose joy. You have to invite joy. You have to find little moments where joy can enter."