Schools of Excellence: The No. 1 ECE & Private School Leadership Podcast

In the midst of the pandemic, there were days when I wondered whether we'd ever return to attending in-person events. 

As helpful as Zoom was during that time, there was a silent collective agreement that virtual events could never compare to the energy and connection we experience when interacting with others face-to-face.

Fortunately, we've since gone back to in-person events, and it's been a welcome respite from the years of isolation.

But I've also noticed that the return to these events has impacted the way we see them. Post-pandemic, we view our time as more valuable, so we're more intentional about how and where we spend it.

And that means being particular about the events we choose to take part in.

The thing is, not all events are created equal. They all have different purposes and qualities that can impact your decision to attend, like cost, location, and networking opportunities.

So, how do you tease apart these differences to ensure you're spending your precious time wisely?

In this week's podcast episode, I dig into the different types of events and how to discern which ones to invest in based on your personal needs and goals.

Join me for a conversation about:

• The four most common types of events 
• What sets these events apart from one another
• Which factors to consider when deciding which events to attend
• Why our Summit of Excellence should be at the top of your list (HINT: It's one-of-a-kind!)

The most important takeaway from this episode is that while there are many valuable events out there, only YOU can determine which ones are best for you, your team, and the goals you have for your center. 

Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  

You can start practicing your discernment skills by choosing whether to attend our 2023 Summit of Excellence, which focuses on how to build legacy through values-based leadership. Learn more here: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summit

To make this year's event a truly special experience, we've limited attendance to members of our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle programs. However, it's not too late for non-members to get tickets! All you have to do is fill out a membership application. 

By becoming a member, you'll not only get the chance to attend the event, but also take advantage of the tools, resources, community, and coaching that our programs have to offer. I hope to see you there!

More about the show:

If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life. 

Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.

It's the beginning of 2023, which means the promise of a whole new year of possibilities!

As a visionary, you're likely especially anxious about getting started on tackling your new goals for your center.

But as a visionary, you also need to ensure you stay grounded in reality—and that means recognizing that not every new opportunity is of real value to your center.

Because you want the very best for your school, you can be particularly susceptible to what's called "shiny object syndrome."

Shiny object syndrome is the continual state of distraction brought on by the ongoing belief that there’s always something new worth pursuing. In early childhood education, this can look like a new software, curriculum, or even the latest teaching technique.

With so many potential opportunities, it's easy to let your imagination run wild. But if you're always focused on the possibilities, you become distracted from the present and the goals you're working on right now.

So, how do you know what's truly an opportunity worth pursuing and what's simply a distraction from the big picture?

In this week's podcast episode, I'm digging into shiny object syndrome and how you can tease apart opportunities from distractions.

Join me for a conversation about:

• The sneaky "shiny object syndrome" trap 
• The different types of shiny objects
• How to avoid falling into the trap
• How to undo any damage that's already been done
• Ways to better prepare ourselves and our teams for shiny object syndrome

Your excitement about new opportunities may sometimes be a weakness, but it can also be your greatest strength. As long as you keep your sights focused on what matters, you can use your visionary power to steer your ship toward the legacy you want to build for your center.

Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  

Speaking of building a legacy, we'll be diving into how to build legacy through values-based leadership at our 2023 Summit of Excellence. While this year’s summit is limited to members only, it’s not too late for non-members to participate. Just fill out an application for our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs today. learn more here: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summit

As a member, you’ll not only have the chance to attend the Summit of Excellence, but you’ll also benefit from tools, resources, community, and coaching that will produce real results and help you build a school of excellence. 

More about the show:

If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life. 

Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.

One struggle that seems to come up again and again for school leaders is onboarding. 

Year after year, I see owners and directors stressing over this consistent and necessary aspect of running a school—almost as if they didn't see it coming.

If you fall into the same boat, I want you to pause and consider why that might be.

If onboarding is such a repetitive process, why does it continue to be so difficult for you and your team?

Chances are it's because you're stuck in the automatic mode of reacting to what's happening each time you onboard a new staff member. 

This causes you to repeat things you don't need to, miss things that are absolutely essential, and make the same mistakes over and over.

So, how can you shift out of reaction mode?

In this week's podcast episode, I sit down with my friend Beth Cannon from the early childcare space to answer this question plus others about setting up functional systems in your center.

Join Beth and I for a conversation about:

• How to shift from reacting to planning 
• Ways to make time to create essential systems for your school
• Why modules are better than manuals for training staff
• The benefits of establishing a teacher–mentor program

If you like what you heard from Beth in today's episode, you can find links to further connect with her on our show notes page.

Like onboarding, so many problems can be solved by taking the time to establish strategies and systems for your school.  In doing so, you not only reduce your stress levels, but also make space to focus on the projects that are going to drive your school toward excellence.

I've never heard of a better win–win.

Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  

 If you're looking for more strategies to apply at your center, I encourage you to attend a free virtual event hosted by The Leader's Lounge from January 13–16, 2023. There, you'll hear from me and other leaders in the early childhood education space as we discuss topics like how to create an accountable team (led by me), how to hire and retain A-players, and how to create a culture of community.

Learn more about The Leader's Lounge event here: https://leaderslounge.solutions/speakers/

Connect further with Beth Cannon here: https://bethcannonspeaks.com/

More about the show:

If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life. 

Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.

When you're caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of running your school, planning for the future can become the last thing on your mind.

But thinking about what comes next for your center is essential to setting goals that will help you build a school of excellence and a legacy you can be proud of.

And oftentimes, those goals involve raising funds to make those big-picture projects a reality.

If the mere mention of building an investment portfolio raises your heart rate, you're not alone. After all, most of us don't get into the early childhood education business because we have a love for finance.

Fortunately, there are things you can start doing today to begin familiarizing yourself with investing and open your mind to the possibility of raising capital for your center.

As part of a special bonus podcast series, I invited Scott Wayman from Kangarootime to chat with me about how to strategically plan for the future of your school.

Join Scott and I for a conversation about:

• Why raising funds is an important and timely topic for owners
• How we can initiate the conversation around funding in early childhood education
• How to plan for the future when you're trying to cover regular expenses
• What to consider when looking to raise funds for your school

While the thought of raising funds can be daunting, you are more than capable of taking on the challenge. What's more,  by investing in your center, you'll be working to ensure that the impact on your community extends years into the future.

Connect further with Kangarootime here: https://kangarootime.com/

Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  

More about the show:

If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life. 

Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.

One time, I had an owner ask me whether there's a universal set of values that all centers should have.

My answer was no, actually, there's not.

Confused? Let me explain.

The truth is that while there are many common values we think we should prioritize, at the end of the day, the values we actually prioritize are the ones that drive our decision making.

Here's an example: Oftentimes, I hear owners say that they value intention in their center. But when I ask whether they would be willing to forego growth for the sake of acting with more intention, the answer is no.

What that tells me is that intention isn't truly a value for them.

And that's okay! Every center has a set of unique values that authentically serves as the foundation for everything they do. 

What's important is learning to stand by your values—whatever they may be—and create policies within your center that align with them.

That's the mark of a strong leader.

As part of a special bonus podcast series, I invited my friend Summer Picha, creator of the  Conscious Classroom Model, to talk about the insights she's developed throughout her career in early childhood education.

Join Summer and I for a conversation about:

• Her early experience running her Montessori school
• The ways her leadership changed over time
• How she decided which values to put in place in her center
• The importance of learning to enjoy the leadership journey

We can learn a lot from people who have gone through similar journeys. I hope you find some useful nuggets of wisdom in my conversation with Summer and spend some time reflecting on how you can apply them to your own experience as a leader.

Connect further with Conscious Classroom here: https://www.consciousclassroommodel.com/

Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  

More about the show:

If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life. 

Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.

Whether we like it or not, the unexpected is bound to happen.

Injuries on the playground, accidents in the classroom, and even instances of verbal or physical abuse by your own staff members can and will disrupt your school.

As much as we wish we could avoid these types of incidents, there's only so much that's within our control. 

All you can do is take the proper steps to plan for them.

One of the most important actions you can take is ensuring that your center is properly insured by an agency that specializes in childcare.

As part of a special bonus podcast series, I sat down with Samantha Phillips and Chris Myers of Comploy—a Human Capital Management company—to talk about insurance and other aspects of running an early childcare business.

Join Samantha, Chris, and I for a conversation about:

• Why insurance for your early childcare business is important
• Which milestones should trigger a re-evaluation of your insurance policy
• The difference between simplifying and streamlining your business
• How to cope when you're in a state of overwhelm

Taking steps to streamline your processes and insure your business will help you prepare for the inevitable obstacles that arise in your center. That way, you'll have space to focus on your role as a visionary leader.

Connect with Comploy further here: https://www.comployhr.com/

Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  

More about the show:

If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life. 

Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.

We need to address the elephant in the room. 

After coming out of a multi-year pandemic, we’re possibly headed into a global recession.

With what seems like global threat after global threat, it can be hard not to feel like everything is all doom and gloom.

Will there be a recession? 

How severe will it be? 

How long will it last? 

How will it affect the ECE industry? 

How will it affect my center? 

How will it affect my family?

Let’s all pause and take a deep breath.

As much as the current state of the world can make us want to return to how things were before, the truth is that the future is coming whether we like it or not.

Before you get into a panic, I encourage you to turn to the data. Knowledge is power, and it’s the best tool we have to prepare for what’s coming—good or bad.

So, what do the ECE experts say?

A lot of good things!

Despite the threat of a recession, industry experts are optimistic about the future and how ECE centers can turn a difficult situation into incredible opportunities.

It all comes down to being prepared and using your discernment to make smart decisions. By taking the right steps and maintaining a growth mindset, you can still work toward the goals you have for your center—recession or not.

In this week’s podcast episode, we’re finishing up our deep dive on the 2023 ECE forecast. This time, I’m chatting with seven more industry experts:

1. Rachel Supalla
2. Vernon Mason
3. Lori Buxton
4. Beth Cannon
5. Thad Joiner
6. Brandy Woods
7. Brian & Carol Duprey

We talk about their predictions surrounding leadership, culture, and branding in 2023.

Join us for a conversation about:

• The trends they’ve been seeing within ECE centers (like the rise of “quiet quitting”)
• Their predictions for 2023, including the potential impact of the recession
• Their recommendations for how you can pursue your center’s goals no matter what 2023 holds 

If there’s anything I want you to take away from this episode, it’s that you always have power over your choices. While you can’t control what’s happening in the world, you can control the decisions you make for your center. And with the right preparation, those decisions can lead to excellent outcomes.

Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  

There’s a lot to think about for 2023, but there’s one decision I hope will be straightforward for you: attending the 2023 Summit of Excellence! This year, the event centers on building legacy through values-based leadership, which is a great continuation of our conversation about preparing for the future. Learn more here: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summit

This year’s Summit is limited to members only, but that doesn’t mean you can’t join us! All you have to do is apply for our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you’ll not only benefit from the chance to attend the event, but also the support of like-minded leaders and invaluable resources you can use as you work toward building a school of excellence.

More about the show:

If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life. 

Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.

As a leader, it’s your job to see the forest through the trees. While your staff are involved in the details of the day-to-day, you’re the one that keeps an eye on how everything fits into the bigger picture.

And that means you’ve likely noticed some things:

• You’ve had to raise your tuition rates.
• Your occupancy has fallen due to staff shortages.
• You’ve felt pressured to increase your pay rate to try to attract quality staff.
• Supply costs are higher than ever.

If any of this hits home for you, it’s because these trends are widespread across the ECE industry. They’re not in your head, and they’re happening everywhere.

How do I know? 

Because industry experts have confirmed that these things are really happening based on data they’ve been collecting through years of research.

Taken at face value, these trends can generate anxiety about what’s to come and what that will mean for you and your center.

But I’ve got some good news. While experts have confirmed these worrying trends, they’re also pretty optimistic about 2023 and the level of opportunities that could be available to centers who are ready to take advantage of them.

And I’m going to give you the inside scoop on everything you need to know.

This week’s podcast episode is the first in a two-part deep dive on the 2023 ECE forecast. I talk seven industry experts about their predictions surrounding operations, financials, and marketing in 2023 and what leaders like you can do to maximize your center’s opportunities.

Join us for a conversation about:

• The trends that experts have been seeing in ECE data
• Their predictions for 2023 (Don’t worry—it’s not all doom and gloom!)
• What actions you should take to prepare for and capitalize on what’s to come

I’ve always said that seeking wise counsel is the trait of a good leader, and this is a perfect example of that in action. By listening to what the experts have to say, you can get prepared and start making strategic decisions for 2023 that will benefit your center.

Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  

Speaking of looking ahead to 2023, we still have space for you to join us at the 2023 Summit of Excellence, which centers on building legacy through values-based leadership. While the event is limited to members only, non-members can still secure their spot by applying to join our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs. Visit: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summit

By becoming a member, you’ll not only gain access to the event, but also invaluable tools, blueprints, strategies, and support you can leverage to continue building a culture of excellence in your school.

To connect further with the guests on this episode visit: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/ep109/

More about the show:

If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life. 

Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.

As a leader, it’s your job to see the forest through the trees. While your staff are involved in the details of the day-to-day, you’re the one that keeps an eye on how everything fits into the bigger picture.

And that means you’ve likely noticed some things:

• You’ve had to raise your tuition rates.
• Your occupancy has fallen due to staff shortages.
• You’ve felt pressured to increase your pay rate to try to attract quality staff.
• Supply costs are higher than ever.

If any of this hits home for you, it’s because these trends are widespread across the ECE industry. They’re not in your head, and they’re happening everywhere.

How do I know? 

Because industry experts have confirmed that these things are really happening based on data they’ve been collecting through years of research.

Taken at face value, these trends can generate anxiety about what’s to come and what that will mean for you and your center.

But I’ve got some good news. While experts have confirmed these worrying trends, they’re also pretty optimistic about 2023 and the level of opportunities that could be available to centers who are ready to take advantage of them.

And I’m going to give you the inside scoop on everything you need to know.

This week’s podcast episode is the first in a two-part deep dive on the 2023 ECE forecast. I talk seven industry experts about their predictions surrounding operations, financials, and marketing in 2023 and what leaders like you can do to maximize your center’s opportunities.

Join us for a conversation about:

• The trends that experts have been seeing in ECE data
• Their predictions for 2023 (Don’t worry—it’s not all doom and gloom!)
• What actions you should take to prepare for and capitalize on what’s to come

I’ve always said that seeking wise counsel is the trait of a good leader, and this is a perfect example of that in action. By listening to what the experts have to say, you can get prepared and start making strategic decisions for 2023 that will benefit your center.

Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  

Speaking of looking ahead to 2023, we still have space for you to join us at the 2023 Summit of Excellence, which centers on building legacy through values-based leadership. While the event is limited to members only, non-members can still secure their spot by applying to join our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs. Visit: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summit

By becoming a member, you’ll not only gain access to the event, but also invaluable tools, blueprints, strategies, and support you can leverage to continue building a culture of excellence in your school.

More about the show:

If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life. 

Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.

Throughout my career coaching leaders in early childhood education, I’ve worked with owners and directors at various points in their journey. So, I have firsthand knowledge of what that journey can look like and how challenging it can be.

I know that right now, you may be feeling stressed, overworked, and exhausted. Maybe you’re sick of putting out fires and dealing with staff turnover. Maybe—just maybe—you’re even thinking about throwing in the towel.

If that’s you, I hear you. Leadership is not for the faint of heart, and you’re not alone in your struggles.

Erin Owens used to be right where you are. After almost a decade as the director of Little Lambs Daycare Ministry, Erin had reached her breaking point. She was so distraught that, on most nights, she would cry herself to sleep. What’s more, she was even starting to consider a different career entirely.

But everything changed when Erin joined our Director’s Inner Circle program. The community she found through Schools of Excellence helped her better utilize the skills and tools she already had and changed the way she showed up as a leader.

As a result, Erin has built a stronger community that makes her staff want to stick around, prioritized self-care and quality time with her family, and set ambitious goals for the future of her center.

She now feels happy and fulfilled in her role—something that once seemed unattainable.

In this week’s episode of the Schools of Excellence podcast, we’re spotlighting Erin Owens and her journey from a director at her breaking point to a calm and confident leader.

Listen to my VP of Operations Michelena and Erin as they talk about:

• Erin’s challenges before joining Director’s Inner Circle
• Why the resources she tried before weren’t working
• How her mindset has impacted the culture of her center
• The joy she’s felt building a community with like-minded leaders
• Her biggest win since joining the program
• Her “earth-shaking” experience at the Summit of Excellence
• Her goals for the next five years (and how SOE can help her get there)

Despite how you may feel at times, fulfillment and legacy are within reach. All it takes is learning to leverage the skills you already have with the support of a community that’s eager to see you succeed. 

Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  

Erin’s experience at the Summit of Excellence was nothing short of life-changing, and it could be for you too! Our next event in 2023 will center on building legacy through values-based leadership, covering topics like storytelling, role modeling, experiences,  and the importance of routines and rituals. 

Although the 2023 Summit of Excellence is limited to members only, you can participate by applying for our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you’ll not only have the chance to attend the Summit of Excellence, but you’ll also benefit from the community, high-level coaching, and mentorship that our programs offer. Learn more about the Summit of Excellence here: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summit

More about the show:

If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life. 

Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.