Kate and Carrie have over 62 years in the childcare business industry and bring that background to their conversations. Having worked with over 5000 childcare programs across the country in the last 30 years together they are a fun and powerful team - ready to help you tackle your problems with practical solutions.
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Episode 223: How Can Childcare Centers Keep Their Staff Happy and Engaged? With Super Friend Jessica Wright
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Send us a text In this episode of "Child Care Conversations," Kate and Carrie chat with Jessica Wright from Inspire Care 360 about the all-important topic of staff retention in childcare. Jessica shares her wealth of knowledge on creating effective onboarding processes, fostering a strong culture, and offering professional development opportunities…
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Send us a text In this episode of "Child Care Conversations with Kate and Carrie," Kate dives into strategic planning for 2025 as 2024 winds down. She discusses the importance of reflecting on the year's successes and challenges and the value of documenting these experiences. Kate also highlights the significance of celebrating staff contributions …
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Episode 221: The Best Way to Tame Your Monkeys: The History of Monkeys and Childcare Conversations
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Send us a text In this episode of "Child Care Conversations," Kate and Carrie dive into the fascinating idea of "monkey management", inspired by a classic 1974 Harvard Business Review article. They share how this concept has shaped their work with childcare directors and parenting styles. The key takeaway? Don’t take on others' burdens—delegate! Th…
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Send us a text In this episode of "Child Care Conversations," Kate and Carrie discuss why becoming a director in early childhood education is a fantastic career move. Carrie shares her journey, aiming to own a center and stressing the importance of being director-qualified. They discuss the perks like increased earnings, making a broader impact, an…
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Episode 219: How Can We Advocate for Early Childhood Education in Our Communities? With Super Friend Kimberly Holiday
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Send us a text In this episode of "Child Care Conversations," hosts Kate and Carrie sit down with their amazing super friend Kimberly Holiday, a councilwoman from Pflugerville, Texas. Kimberly shares her inspiring journey from early childhood education to local government, emphasizing the power of advocacy for children and families. She talks about…
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Send us a text In this week's episode of "Child Care Conversations," Kate and Carrie chat about the ins and outs of expanding a childcare business to multiple locations. They highlight the perks like economies of scale, cross-promotion, and increased revenue potential. Carrie shares her journey, detailing the challenges and triumphs of growing her …
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Episode 217: How Can Strategic Partnerships Transform Your Childcare Center? with Erica Saccoccio of The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast
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Send us a text In this episode of "Child Care Conversations," co-hosts Kate and Carrie sit down with Erica Saccoccia, a childcare director with 25 years of experience and owner of three centers in Rhode Island. They dive into the importance of building strategic partnerships to boost enrollment and retain quality staff. Erica shares her wisdom on f…
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Episode 216: From Oh Shit to I Got This: A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment with Kate Woodward Young!
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Send us a text In this episode of "Child Care Conversations," Carrie sits down with Kate to chat about their new book, "From Oh Sh*t to I Got This." Kate opens up about her journey as a female entrepreneur and the ups and downs of her personal life, including her two marriages. She shares valuable insights on the importance of financial independenc…
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Episode 215: From "Oh Sh*t" to "I Got This": Navigating the Wild World of Entrepreneurship With Carrie Casey!
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Send us a text In this episode of "Child Care Conversations," Kate chats with her cousin and co-author, Carrie Casey, about their upcoming book, "From Oh Sh*t to I Got This." 🎉 Carrie shares her entrepreneurial journey, from her childhood in her mom's printing business to navigating the 2008 real estate crisis. She emphasizes the importance of ment…
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Send us a text In this episode of "Child Care Conversations with Kate and Carrie," our dynamic duo dives into boosting staff engagement in early childhood education. They chat about motivating competent but less enthusiastic staff through positive reinforcement, mentoring, and goal-setting. Kate and Carrie emphasize the importance of recognizing go…
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Send us a text Hey there! 🌟 In this episode of Child Care Conversations, Kate and Carrie chat about the exciting yet challenging journey from being a childcare director to becoming a center owner. They dive into a recent client story where Carrie helped someone explore buying a franchise childcare center. They discuss the importance of due diligenc…
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Send us a text In this episode of Child Care Conversations, Kate and Carrie chat with Sarah Schreiner, the CEO of Childminder, about the big challenges in staffing childcare programs. They dive into why attracting and keeping quality staff is crucial and how onboarding can make or break this process. Sarah shares her wisdom on hiring for values ove…
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Episode 211: 5 Tips for Creating a Supportive and Productive Work Environment for Childcare Staff
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Carrie and Kate discuss directors' challenges in managing childcare staff. They emphasize the importance of setting clear expectations and boundaries, providing necessary resources, and actively listening to staff concerns. Carrie highlights the need for directors to support and defend their staff, even when …
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Carrie and Kate discuss the importance of planning staff events and reviewing calendars to avoid missing key dates. They highlight Amazon Prime Day as an opportunity to purchase their book and workbook at a discount. They share the fun tradition of "Polka Dot Thursday" in Carrie's family and invite listeners …
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Episode 209: Navigating the Balance: Ensuring Quality Care with Sustainable Tuition Increases
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Carrie, Kate, and guest Jenna Warriner discuss the necessity of raising tuition rates in childcare centers. They provide strategies for determining appropriate increases, such as benchmarking against local centers, considering inflation, and evaluating the cost of quality care. The speakers emphasize aligning…
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Carrie and Kate delve into the complexities of administering medication in childcare settings. They discuss legal, safety, and practical aspects, including medication policies, state regulations, and the importance of proper documentation. The conversation covers the challenges of distinguishing symptoms from…
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Carrie and Kate discuss the importance of hiring new staff from outside the childcare industry and the necessity of pre-service training. They advocate for recruiting individuals from fields like hospitality and retail to bring fresh perspectives. The hosts emphasize the need for thorough training, including …
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Episode 206: Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Success: A Conversation with Christian Muraira
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Kate and Carrie are joined by Christian Muraira, the director of an early childcare center. They delve into Christian's journey in the early childcare industry, highlighting his unique experiences and challenges as a male teacher. Christian shares his transition from a volunteer to a director, the dynamics of…
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Carrie and Kate discuss the importance of directors taking vacations and their impact on their centers. They explore the challenges and benefits of stepping away and share strategies for preparing staff and parents for the director's absence. The episode also offers practical tips for directors on effectively…
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Episode 204: The Most Comprehensive Leadership Training for Early Childhood Educators With Super Friend Summer Picha
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Kate and Carrie host Summer Picha, an expert in early childhood education with 23 years of experience. Summer discusses her journey from working in a program kitchen to owning schools and her shift to consulting and training during the pandemic. She introduces her Conscious Classroom Certification Model, whic…
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Kate and Carrie explore the delicate issue of handling health problems within a childcare center's leadership team. They emphasize empathy and practicality in managing the increased workload, suggesting strategies like private meetings, task delegation, and creating temporary positions to support the affected…
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Carrie and Kate explore solutions to the persistent staffing shortages in childcare facilities. They discuss the potential of hiring young adults, particularly those aged 18 to 25, for temporary summer positions, which could lead to long-term employment. They also consider the benefits of employing teachers a…
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Send us a text In this episode of ChildCare Conversations, Kate and Carrie discuss the complexities of insurance for childcare programs with Blake, an insurance professional. They delve into the necessity of accurate insurance coverage, considering the increased construction and materials costs over time. Blake advises on the importance of general …
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Episode 200: Understanding Child Care Insurance: Navigating Liability, Abuse Claims, and More
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Blake, an expert in childcare insurance joins Kate and Carrie to discuss the challenges childcare directors and owners face in obtaining suitable insurance coverage. He shares his journey from being a childcare director to an owner and the difficulties he encountered in finding the right insurance guidance. B…
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Episode 199: How Can Certification Programs Support Early Childhood Educators in Coaching and Mentoring?
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Carrie, Kate, and guest Prerna Richards discuss a new certification program aimed at coaching and mentoring early childhood education teachers. Prerna introduces the program, which is designed to help individuals such as education managers and directors support classroom teachers. The conversation covers the …
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Carrie and Kate explore various business models for starting a childcare business, including nature-based preschools, partnerships with faith-based entities, and collaborations with dance or martial arts studios. They also consider the potential for working with schools or businesses to provide childcare serv…
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Carrie and Kate discuss the complexities of expanding a childcare center. They cover the benefits of scaling up, the timing of enrollment spikes, and the importance of market demand, zoning, and financial considerations. The speakers highlight the need for thorough due diligence, such as understanding local m…
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Carrie and Kate explore the significance of advocacy in the early childcare sector. They highlight the benefits of joining professional organizations and networking to amplify voices in the industry. The duo offers actionable advice on how to effectively engage with legislators and participate in advocacy ini…
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Send us a text In this episode, Carrie and Kate outline a strategy for advocating childcare tax reduction in Pflugerville, Texas. They discuss identifying city council members, researching legislation, and contacting officials with a clear proposal. Emphasizing community involvement, they suggest attending local events, like Farm Day, to promote ch…
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Send us a text In part two of the Childcare Conversations advocacy series, Kate and Carrie focus on the vital role of advocacy in the early childhood profession, particularly in Texas. They stress that professionals are more than caretakers; they have a powerful voice to influence the childcare industry and policy. The duo provides practical advice…
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Send us a text In part one of the Childcare Conversations advocacy series, Carrie and Kate emphasize the critical role of advocacy in the childcare industry, focusing on legislative actions in Texas. They discuss the importance of education and speaking up for the sector and children, highlighting a legislative directive on tax credits for childcar…
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Send us a text In this week's episode, Carrie and Kate discuss Poison Prevention Week and how important this topic is for childcare centers. They identify common hazards such as cleaning supplies, medications, hand sanitizer, plants, and electronic toys. The duo emphasizes the necessity of proper labeling and secure storage of toxic substances to p…
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Send us a text In this episode, hosts Kate and Carrie focus on the crucial task of planning and marketing summer programs for childcare centers. They emphasize the need for early preparation and the use of a well-maintained prospect list to reach potential clients. The hosts suggest innovative marketing tactics, like themed attire and props, to mak…
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, early childhood education professionals Kate and Carrie discuss their packed schedule of upcoming conferences and presentations. They highlight the importance of attending these events for professional development and networking. They also touch on their director credentialing program and its positive impact …
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Episode 189: How Can Childcare Directors Build Positive Relationships with Licensing Representatives?
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Send us a text In this week's episode, Kate and Carrie discuss strategies for childcare directors to build positive relationships with licensing representatives. They advise on proactive communication, seeking input on program developments, and overcoming apprehension towards reps. Kate and Carrie suggest gestures of hospitality during visits and s…
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Send us a text In this episode, hosts Kate and Carrie delve into the intricacies of licensing inspections for childcare centers. They discuss the importance of a proactive approach, positive relationships with inspectors, and immediate issue resolution. They also cover the appeals process for citations and underscore the value of thorough documenta…
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Kate and Carrie explore the nuances of setting up an infant classroom within a childcare center. Carrie shares her expertise in optimizing budget and space, advising against overcrowding with excessive equipment and suggesting the use of smaller cribs for both financial and developmental benefits. The convers…
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Kate and Carrie explore the multifaceted process of opening a childcare center in Texas. They cover the importance of aligning educational philosophy with the center's physical environment, financial planning, and understanding credit requirements. The discussion includes the need for proper qualifications, m…
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Episode 185: The Most Effective Strategies for Navigating Insurance Hurdles in Child Care Programs
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Kate and Carrie explore the difficulties childcare programs in Texas face in securing insurance. They discuss how weather-related damages, lawsuits, and increased scrutiny from insurers contribute to these challenges. The speakers emphasize the importance of childcare directors taking proactive steps to mitig…
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Kate and Carrie explore strategies to entertain children at your childcare center during the challenging winter months. They discuss the benefits of inviting external partners to conduct fun activities, such as tumbling, dance parties, music programs, and even visits from community helpers like firefighters a…
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Send us a text In this week's episode, co-hosts Kate and Carrie delve into the intricacies of after-school programs, particularly focusing on the licensing requirements and the shift in terminology to "out of school time." Drawing from Kate's expertise as the executive director of the Texas Afterschool Association, they explore the impact of licens…
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Send us a text In this episode, Kate, Carrie, and Vicki delve into the significance of retreats for childcare directors and leaders. They explore the advantages of taking time for self-care and professional rejuvenation. Vicki Maertz shares insights into the distinctive features of her retreats, emphasizing their tailored approach to the needs of c…
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Episode 181: The most effective strategies for addressing developmental concerns in children.
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Send us a text In this episode of Child Care Conversations, hosts Kate and Kerry discuss a challenging situation in a school with guest Vicki Morris, an occupational therapist. Vicki provides insights on addressing developmental concerns in children, emphasizing the importance of understanding a child's developmental milestones, observing their beh…
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Kate and Carrie discuss the challenges faced by childcare centers during December. They offer tips on managing staff leave requests, handling parents' payment concerns during closures, and planning holiday activities. Learn how to proactively plan, prioritize tasks, and move end-of-year reports to January to …
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, hosts Carrie and Kate discuss the importance of retreats for personal and professional growth. They share their experiences from various retreats, highlighting the benefits such as learning new skills, networking, and self-care. Emphasizing the need for individuals, particularly business leaders, to disconnec…
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Kate and Carrie explain their coaching services for directors, emphasizing its importance for skill application and long-term program improvement. They distinguish coaching from consulting and therapy, aiming to empower directors rather than create dependency. They discuss their affordable rates and non-press…
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Kate and Carrie discuss the introduction of Spanish courses by Texas Director, a long-awaited initiative since 2001. The decision was driven by feedback from non-English speaking students and the demand for director courses in Spanish. Despite the challenges in finding a Spanish-speaking trainer, they partner…
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, social media expert Jenna Warriner (Marketing Coach) shares her insights on how childcare providers can enhance their social media presence. She discusses her transition from acting to social media management, the importance of entertaining and engaging content, and the challenges of posting images of childre…
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Kate and Carrie discuss the importance of delegation and planning during the holiday season. They share their experiences and strategies in managing large family gatherings, meal preparations, and festive activities. They also touch on the need for clear communication, considering school schedules, and managi…
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Send us a text In this podcast episode, Kate and Carrie discuss the challenges of multitasking and the importance of focusing on one task at a time. They share their personal experiences in the childcare industry, emphasizing the need for clear service offerings and the right qualifications. They also discuss different management styles, the import…
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