  In this lunch and learn, Kris welcomes Coach Ben Poswalk from Colorado to answer the first listener question from the amazing child care leader listeners. First up is Tomika Roberston of A Giant’s Playschool, who has a question about budgeting. She is wondering how to get started with budgeting as she transitions her home based preschool to her first brick and mortar center. And, how to take in consideration for events like parent’s night out, bonuses, grad events, etc. Ben shares some sage advice on measuring your information, accounting for fluctuations, and having support and a second pair of eyes.     Key Takeaways:   [7:00] Tomika calls in.    [8:19] Tomika is aware she needs to focus on creating a budget from scratch and to implement best money practices.    [10:33] Ben shares the importance of measuring and tracking data. Measure income first, then expenses.    [11:16] Make measuring and collecting data a habit, and have someone to help you on a regular basis.    [13:38] Get creative with ways to build parent relationships without breaking the bank, like potlucks or picnics.    [16:28] You don’t have to get stuck in just giving out bonuses to show appreciation. Think creatively, whether it’s visible notes where people can see the nice things you and others say about them, donuts once a quarter, etc.      [17:11] Getting your staff business cards also is an affordable way to make them feel more professional.    [17:50] How to use bonuses to build relationships with your team.   [18:20] What tools do most people use to create a budget?   [19:55] How to keep your business on track with your budget.   [22:00] Make the habit of actually looking at your numbers to ensure your business is going in the right direction.    Quotes:     “What gets measured improves.” - Ben/Kris 10:49     “People don't remember what you get them, they remember how you make them feel.” - Ben 15:29     “You need to just be able to explain the anomalies in your budget when it's not at 100%, or close to. And that's really how I learned to track my business.” - Ben 21:00     “Get support, get somebody else looking. Get a second set of eyes looking at your numbers.” Ben 21:40        Sponsored By:   ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)   Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!     Mentioned in This Episode:   Kris Murray   The Child Care Success Company   The Child Care Success Academy   The Child Care Success Summit   Grow Your Center   Childcare Education Institute: use code  CDARenewal22  to get $100 off your renewal   Coach Ben Poswlak

Lunch and Learn: Budgeting with Coach Ben Poswalk

Early learning leaders around the globe are breaking through challenges, leading the way in innovation, testing new best practices, and impacting children and families in a much more powerful and positive way than ever before.  Each week, tune in to top child care business guru Kris Murray on the Child Care Rockstar Radio podcast for interviews with early childhood leaders and experts that will leave you inspired to get to the next level of success, whatever that means for you.  

Kris Murray is President of Child Care Marketing Solutions, and the Founder of the Child Care Success Academy, the world’s largest and most comprehensive business coaching program for early childhood entrepreneurs and leaders.  She is the author of two top-rated books on early learning business, and the mom of two great kids.  She and her team are based in the mountains of Colorado.

Listeners are encouraged to visit https://www.childcaresuccess.com/podcast/ and leave a message for a chance to have your questions/thoughts featured on a future podcast episode!

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Kris welcomes Raj Jana, co-founder and CEO of the mental health app Liber8. Raj shares his entrepreneurial journey and how he created Liber8 to help people manage stress and mental health. He and Kris discuss their passion for entrepreneurship and using their gifts to help others. They talk about the importance of improving our world and mindfully creating a world worth living in through compassion and small acts of kindness. Raj highlights Liber8 programs, including emotional lab reports and group coaching cohorts, which help users better understand their triggers and find tailored tools for personal growth.   Use Code CHILDCARE10 to get 10% off Liber8   Key Takeaways: [6:18] Raj talks about Liber8 and his journey in entrepreneurship. [8:30] How Raj finally got off the hamster wheel of healing to shift into real and inspired action. [9:33] The start of Liber8. [15:08] What Raj loves most about entrepreneurship. [18:47] The impact that  The 4-Hour Work Week had on Raj and Kris. [21:16] Breakups can be emotional, but can also be a great time to rediscover yourself and peel back new, exciting layers. [22:36] How Liber8 can help with burnout. [28:05] What can someone expect when doing a session with Liber8? [28:56] How we can “be the ripple.” [36:05] The people who had an impact on Raj along his entrepreneurial journey.   Quotes:   “What I love most about being an entrepreneur today is that I get to use my gifts, talents, and my brilliance to help people.” [15:57]   “I don’t know of a more growth-fueled journey than the journey of entrepreneurship.” [16:40]   “I do feel like entrepreneurship is my art.” [17:07]   “If we can help the little humans be better learners and more emotionally resilient, then we can help the world because as the little humans get big, it’s just going to ripple out.” — Kris [29:30]   “I think just about the most impactful thing we can do is to wake up to the fullness of ourselves, learn to love ourselves, and be that light from the inside out. And then just be that ripple in the world.” [31:10]     Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. podcast@childcaresuccess.com Raj Jana Liber8 Maverick Next  

Creating a World Worth Being In with Raj Jana

  It’s all about the best and brightest in software automation for schools this week, as Kris welcomes Daniel Andrews and Sasha Reiss, co-founders of Playground, an innovative childcare management software company. They first share Playground’s unique story of being friends since high school and creating a solution for their own families’ childcare centers. Daniel and Sasha highlight Playground’s differentiating features, such as drop-in care management and integrated payroll modules, and they share insights into hiring practices and their vision for AI in childcare. At the end of the episode, Daniel and Sasha share lessons they’ve learned on scaling their own company and fun yet powerful ways to maintain a happy company culture.    Register for our ECE tech webinar with Playground here:  https://www.childcaresuccess.com/how-to-navigate-the-evolving-tech-landscape-for-enhanced-operational-efficiency-in-your-ece-business-may-2-2024-webinar/     Key Takeaways:   [3:15] Kris announces the two-day virtual challenge, The Road to Freedom.   [6:31] Playground’s founding story.   [8:38] How does Playground’s mission and technology stand out in a crowded space?   [11:37] Perspective on ECE’s past of being a slower adopter of technology, and how that’s changing.   [12:53] The “grandma test.”   [15:38] The lessons Sasha and Daniel have learned about scaling and growing a business.   [17:09] Some of the tools and technology Playground uses.   [20:09] The grounding and stabilizing force of working with family.   [22:44] Personal and professional inspiration.   [25:29] What they look for in new hires.   [26:36] Playground’s short but effective interview process.   [31:29] What’s next for the Playground team?   [33:13] Using AI to improve family interactions, especially with communication, engagement, and lesson plans.     Quotes:    “I think our differentiated approach is the new technology that we’re bringing. A lot of that comes down to really solving the problems that we are building software for.” — Daniel [8:39]    “If we want to be able to compete and if we want to be able to operate at the same level, we need to adopt the same tools that they’re using.” — Sasha [14:10]    “A lot of the big problems that we faced have become significantly smaller by putting phenomenal people in front of those problems. If you find someone great, you can just trust that they’ll get the job done and that you don’t need to be managing the day-to-day.” — Daniel [16:54]    “Working with family and then also building for family really grounds you on what the work you’re doing, who’s impacting, and why it’s actually getting done.” — Daniel [20:09]    “It’s ultimately the three of us against the problem. It’s not us against each other. So realizing and recognizing what it is that we’re working for, and why we’re doing it ultimately helps us get into the right direction.” — Sasha [21:25]       Sponsored By:   ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)   Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!     Mentioned in This Episode:   Kris Murray   The Child Care Success Company   The Child Care Success Academy   The Child Care Success Summit   Grow Your Center   Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal.   podcast@childcaresuccess.com   Playground   Linear   Webinar: Emerging Technologies Revolutionizing the Childcare Industry    

An “Easy Button” For Child Care Management with Daniel Andrews and Sasha Reiss

  Kris welcomes the very inspirational Kishani Woldberhan of Kids Early Learning Centers, now operating four locations in Texas with plans for expansion into Ethiopia. Kishani talks about bringing Montessori-inspired education to underserved communities, and her vision for building two new schools in Ethiopia with a combined capacity of over 3,000 students. She offers valuable advice on setting clear goals, implementing strong systems and accountability, and using technology like Slack and QR codes to effectively lead a growing business. She and Kris also talk about embracing the difficult things and realizing the sky's the limit when it comes to realizing your vision.     Key Takeaways:    [7:12] Kishani joins the show from Arlington, Texas, and talks more about  Kids Early Learning Centers.   [7:39] Kishani talks about the four locations currently running and the plan to expand to Ethiopia.   [10:11] Fun Facts: Kishani came to the United States on a VISA as a Montessori teacher from Sri Lanka. She is now a mother of five and a grandma!   [13:30] Buying a center during the pandemic but opening it in 2021.   [14:50] What sets KIDS Early Learning Centers apart in the market.   [17:54] Working with Grow Your Center.   [20:16] How they made their vision become a reality and why they are bringing the brand to Ethiopia.   [22:35] The school will be from toddlers to high school.   [26:33] Advice for others wanting to open up a school internationally.   [29:02] The sky's the limit when you put in the hard work and act with purpose and strategy.   [31:07] Keep the end in mind and work backward when working towards your goals.   [32:03] Giving your staff the tools they need to succeed.   [35:14] How Kishani communicates with her leadership team.   [41:50] How being a member of the Academy has helped Kishani and the importance of finding mentors.   [43:06] Keep your eyes peeled for Kishani’s program for a childcare management system, which will come out in June.   [43:25] Fun Fact: Kishani is a party planner and decorator at heart.     Quotes:    “We have dedicated teachers who love children and love to teach them.” — Kishani [14:50]    “This is a partnership. It’s not just you dropping off your child, we babysit with your child.” — Kishani [15:30]    “The sky's the limit as long as you know what you want and you go for it.” — Kishani [22:18]    “Keep the end in mind and work backward.” — Kishani [31:07]    “Nothing is going to come easy. It’s going to be difficult. If it was easy, everyone would do it.” — Kishani [31:44]    “I worked so hard on getting systems and processes in place.” — Kishani [32:59]       Sponsored By:   ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)   Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!     Mentioned in This Episode:   Kris Murray   The Child Care Success Company   The Child Care Success Academy   The Child Care Success Summit   Grow Your Center   Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal.   podcast@childcaresuccess.com   Kids Early Learning Centers

Unstoppable: A Global Vision of Massive Impact with Kishani Woldberhan

  Aloha! In this solo episode, Kris shares more about her month in Hawaii — why she decided to head to island life, the logistics behind her adventures, and how you can use her story as inspiration to make space in your life. She goes deeper into detail about the important strategic implementation steps that allowed her to live her best life and take time to relax, breathe in the salty ocean air, and be led by intuition. Kris talks about the importance of joining a Mastermind group that fits your personal and professional goals, more about ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), and how to travel solo like a pro.     Key Takeaways:   [4:12] Kris walks us through a grounding exercise to bring presence and mindfulness into the conversation.   [6:52] Kris shares her experience of the major change from moving to Crested Butte, Colorado after living in Chicago.   [8:55] Why Hawaii is so special to Kris and how visiting the islands has changed her life.   [10:31] Intentionally creating space in her life.   [11:18] Embracing the flow state and being led by intuition.   [20:07] Some of the adventures Kris has enjoyed in Hawaii, including whale watching, snorkeling, and meeting new people.   [22:17] Being confident while solo traveling.   [25:37] Kris walks us through the intentions behind crafting her exit from the business.   [28:10] The importance of finding a Mastermind group.   [29:00] The pros and upsides of an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan).   [35:34] Kris talks about finding the new CEO and sharing the ESOP plan with the leadership team, along with why ESOP’s can be positive for employee retention.   [45:31] Kris’s upcoming trips, including Ecuador and Burning Man!     Quotes:    “I am becoming every day, a better, higher, and deeper version of myself.” — Kris [6:25]    “I've created this new life for myself and I have intentionally created more space in my life. — Kris [10:31]    “You need to find a group of peers and people that are walking your walk, who are successful, and who you can be coached up with and model their success for whatever that looks like for you.” — Kris [26:35]       Sponsored By:   ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)   Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!     Mentioned in This Episode:   Kris Murray   The Child Care Success Company   The Child Care Success Academy   The Child Care Success Summit   Grow Your Center   Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal.   podcast@childcaresuccess.com   Maverick1000 Mastermind Group

My Solo Adventure in Hawaii

  Kris welcomes the awesome Kim Harris, affectionately known as "Big Ups," from The Harris & Tucker School in Connecticut. Kim talks about getting her structures “right and tight” and how she stays on the pulse of good leadership. She talks more about the rich legacy of The Harris & Tucker School, and their mission to create superhero influencers and a culture that connects the whole community. She expounds more on Harris & Tucker’s values of respect, integrity, and faith-based education and how she has accomplished so many goals over the years, one of which was getting accredited.     Key Takeaways:   [10:55] Kim joins the show and talks about   Harris & Tucker schools, along with how it is a product of the civil unrest in the 60s.   [12:00] Harris & Tucker becoming an urban epicenter and growth community.   [15:23] Harris & Tucker is the only Black-woman, family-owned-and-operated, nationally accredited faith-based urban center in the area.   [16:56] Kim speaks more about Harris & Tucker’s leadership structure.   [20:56] The two big things that really set Harris & Tucker apart.   [22:03] Creating superhero influencers.   [24:28] Where did the phrase “big ups” come from?   [25:04] Kim discusses taking on her new role after her mother’s passing and her vision for growth, including national accreditation.   [27:03] The beauty of longevity in the community, along with values such as community connection and ongoing education.   [28:02] Why the pandemic was the best thing that happened to the school.   [33:26] The benefits they have seen since joining the Childcare Success Academy.   [36:11] Automating operations and systems.   [38:24] Plans for the cultural activities center.   [41:27] The famous soap story!   [44:13] Kim defines a childcare rockstar as someone who has helped to create a movement through transforming their community.     Quotes:    “This is because of the mindset of two black women who came to Connecticut, and said that they were going to make a difference and do the things that they were going to do.” — Kim [12:22]    “We walk our core values. We talk about it all the time.” — Kim [20:33]    “We can talk about all the dreams and everything that we want to have in life, but if we don’t do the action part, it doesn't happen.” — Kim [22:30]    “That's what we teach our kids here with the school — you have a chance to create your hustle, create your legacy, and to keep it going.” — Kim [44:14]    “To be a childcare rockstar is a movement that just moves us all forward. I think when you arrive at the status of childcare Rockstar, you've helped to create a movement. ” — Kim [45:38]       Sponsored By:   ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)   Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!     Mentioned in This Episode:   Kris Murray   The Child Care Success Company   The Child Care Success Academy   The Child Care Success Summit   Grow Your Center   Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal.   podcast@childcaresuccess.com    Go Fund Me     Harris & Tucker

Lunch and Learn: Budgeting with Coach Ben Poswalk

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