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In this episode, Jennifer sits down with leadership coach and longtime child care rockstar Jen Slavin for a conversation about what great leadership actually looks like when you strip away the title, the checklist, and the fancy job description. After decades in early childhood education, helping grow a child care organization from one school to nine and coaching more than 1,000 owners and leaders, Jen has learned that leadership usually shows up in the smallest moments: how you say hello, how you respond when someone makes a mistake, whether your team knows which version of you is walking through the door, and whether you do what you said you were going to do.   Jen and Jennifer dig into the tiny pause between reacting and responding, why your team will copy what you model far faster than they will memorize a policy, and what happens when compassion quietly turns into avoiding accountability. They also talk about hitting the leadership reset button when you have let things slide, having those conversations nobody particularly wants to have, and choosing one small leadership habit to work on instead of trying to reinvent yourself by Monday morning. And because this is Jen Slavin, there is also plenty of sparkle, a little glitter, and even a reminder that sometimes leadership practice starts with not losing it when somebody cuts you off on the highway!   Key Takeaways: [4:48] Jen says great leadership is usually found in ordinary moments, consistency, presence, and whether people know they can rely on you. [8:08] Leadership does not require a title because people naturally recognize and follow the people who consistently show up for others. [10:26] Your team will learn far more from watching how you handle mistakes, stress, parents, and problems than they will from reading a written policy. [10:26] Big reactions do not stop mistakes from happening, but they can make your team stop telling you when something goes wrong. [14:05] Strong leadership starts with self-awareness and recognizing the small gap between what happens and how you choose to respond. [15:30] Sometimes one of the strongest things a leader can do is pause, admit they need a moment, and come back with a thoughtful response instead of an emotional one. [20:05] Jen shares how Dare to Lead helped her recognize the stories we create in our own heads and how quickly those stories can shape the way we treat someone. [23:19] The behaviors you repeatedly overlook eventually become part of the standard your team believes is acceptable. [24:30] Addressing a small issue early can prevent it from growing into a much harder conversation, performance plan, or serious liability later. [30:57] If you have allowed certain behaviors for months or years, you can still reset expectations without pretending yesterday never happened. [31:48] Jen recommends bringing the team into your leadership reset and being transparent that your expectations, and your own leadership habits, are changing. [35:02] A reset can also include asking your team where they see gaps in your leadership and giving them a voice in how everyone moves forward together. [37:17] Reading one great book or hearing one great podcast is not enough because becoming a stronger leader requires repeated practice. [39:59] Leadership may come more naturally to some people than others, but everyone still has moments where patience, body language, and emotional regulation require intentional work. [43:45] If you want to lead differently, start with one small behavior instead of attempting a complete personality overhaul overnight. [44:18] Jen recommends choosing one leadership habit, asking someone to hold you accountable, and practicing it long enough for it to truly become part of how you show up. [47:42] The more consistently you practice patience, compassion, and regulation in every part of your life, the more naturally those qualities show up in your leadership too. [50:05] Jen leaves leaders with a perfect reminder: keep spreading your sparkle!   Quotes:   "I think it's never about the big moments. It's never about the title. I think it's just in the ordinary." — Jen Slavin [4:48]   "If we react big, people aren't going to stop making mistakes. They're just going to stop telling us." — Jen Slavin [10:26]   "There's that little gap in between this just happened. I need to get here. It's sort of like the little pause in the middle of where you get to decide which road you're taking." — Jen Slavin [14:05]   "It's not just about hearing it once; it's about that constant practice." — Jen Slavin [37:17]   "Just keep spreading your sparkle." — Jen Slavin [50:05]   Sponsored By: Procare Solutions — Visit Procare Solutions and find out what running your center feels like when you finally have the right tools.   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner 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 Jen Slavin

In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Matthew Booher, Co-Founder and Partnerships lead at Clad, to talk about something every childcare owner cares about, whether they enjoy talking about it or not: getting paid! You can have strong enrollment, healthy tuition numbers, and even profit on paper, but if parent payments or subsidy dollars are arriving late, it can still feel like you are constantly wondering where the cash went.   With nearly 30 years in the PreK-12 world, Matthew brings a big-picture view of the financial challenges child care businesses are facing right now and some surprisingly creative ways to solve them. Jennifer and Matthew talk about creating more consistent cash flow, taking the uncomfortable job of chasing payments off an owner's plate, finding capital for things like payroll or a new playground, and even using financial tools to support enrollment growth. Most importantly, this conversation is about giving owners more stability and more time to get back to the reason they opened their doors in the first place: serving children and families.   Key Takeaways: [5:18] Matthew shares how nearly 30 years in the PreK-12 industry eventually led him to join Clad and its mission of helping schools and child care centers. [7:02] Consistent cash flow can take a major financial and mental burden off owners so they can spend more time focused on children and families. [8:10] Late parent payments and inconsistent subsidy dollars are challenges showing up across the industry, so owners struggling with them are definitely not alone. [9:30] Matthew says one of the most consistent financial trends right now is actually inconsistency, which makes predictability even more valuable. [11:14] Matthew shares how access to short-term capital helped one center cover payroll during a difficult summer and another invest in a new playground. [11:45] Clad's model includes three main areas: consistent weekly cash flow, tools to support enrollment growth, and access to capital for investing back into the business. [12:57] Rather than treating every center the same, Matthew starts by understanding the owner's story, community, and specific financial needs. [14:40] Clad began with a former school owner who was tired of spending his time chasing tuition payments instead of doing the work he loved. [18:17] Centers can use Clad without replacing all of their existing software, making it more of an activation than a full technology overhaul. [19:21] Parent payments and subsidy funds can both be included so owners have a more predictable picture of what is actually reaching their bank account. [20:41] Consistent cash flow can give owners the working capital they need to make improvements that help their center stand out and grow. [24:18] Matthew encourages owners to take an honest look at whether money is really arriving on time, because a few late payments here and there add up. [25:00] Owners should also watch subsidy payments closely and connect with other providers when payment problems may be affecting an entire community. [26:16] Jennifer points out that big-hearted child care owners can easily become lenient about tuition without realizing how much those delays impact the business. [28:35] The goal of better financial systems is not to give owners one more thing to manage, but to get business tasks out of the way so they can return to their why. [30:18] Matthew understands why the model can sound too good to be true and encourages owners to do their homework and talk directly with centers already using it. [31:42] Even an owner who thinks cash flow is perfectly fine may discover another opportunity, from funding growth to opening an additional location.   Quotes:  "The one consistency we're seeing in the trends is that things are inconsistent." — Matthew [9:30]   "We'll cover your payroll for a few months. And it saved her business, and it literally saved her." — Matthew [11:14]   "He spent most of his time as a school owner chasing payments and getting parents to pay on time, and so he was not able to do what his passion was, which is to teach." — Matthew [14:40]   "Clad is not an implementation; it's an activation." — Matthew [18:17]   Sponsored By: Procare Solutions — Visit Procare Solutions and find out what running your center feels like when you finally have the right tools.   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner 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 Clad: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

In this solo episode, Jennifer gets personal about the invisible rules so many child care owners carry without ever realizing it. Rules telling you that you have to be everything to everyone, that you can't let people see you struggle, and that things should always be perfect and look a certain way. Nobody actually handed her those rules, but for years, she lived like they were written in stone.   Jennifer shares what it took to slowly unlearn them, from letting go of control and trusting a leadership team, to realizing she did not have to become a polished version of herself to be respected as a leader, to finally believing that profit and purpose can live in the same business. She also talks about the trip to Mexico that showed her the center could survive without her for a week, and why sometimes the permission you need in one season is completely different from the permission you need in the next.   Key Takeaways: [2:35] Jennifer shares why permission is not something we learn once, because every new season of life seems to require a new kind of it. [4:07] Many owners are living by rules nobody ever actually gave them, from doing everything themselves to putting the business ahead of their own needs. [6:59] Jennifer looks back on the season when necessity turned into control, and she convinced herself she had to personally protect every part of the business. [9:00] Being needed by everyone may feel important at first, but eventually it can start to feel like being trapped by everyone. [9:32] Learning to delegate meant accepting that someone else did not have to do everything exactly the way Jennifer would do it. [10:40] Sometimes 80% done by someone else is far better than 100% done by an exhausted and resentful owner. [13:20] None of Jennifer's later opportunities would have opened if she had stayed in the belief that she was the only person who could do things right. [16:07] Jennifer shares how living under other people's expectations slowly turned her into a more acceptable version of herself that did not actually feel like her. [17:50] Moving to Mexico helped Jennifer realize the freedom was not about becoming somebody new, but finally being able to be herself. [24:03] Jennifer shares how putting herself last became such a habit that she sometimes wore exhaustion and self-sacrifice like a badge of honor. [25:16] A week away in Mexico showed Jennifer that her leadership team could handle the business without needing her to control every detail. [26:57] A difficult season may require sacrifice, but it cannot become the permanent price of being a business owner. [27:27] The permission you need changes as your life changes, from permission to delegate to permission to lead, simplify, grow, or pivot. [32:52] Changing your mind does not always mean the old decision was wrong; sometimes it means you have more information, and you are in a different season now.   Quotes:  "Eventually being needed by everyone starts to feel a whole lot like being trapped by everyone." — Jennifer [9:00]   "80% done by someone else was sometimes better than 100% done by an exhausted, sometimes resentful, very tired owner who could not keep carrying everything and doing everything herself." — Jennifer [10:40]   "The freedom was, I can finally just be me." — Jennifer [17:50]   "Profit and purpose are 100 percent not enemies. They actually go hand in hand." — Jennifer [22:53]   "I had built a business because I wanted it to help me build a life, not the opposite." — Jennifer [26:30]   "A hard season cannot become the permanent price of ownership." — Jennifer [26:57]   Sponsored By: Procare Solutions — Visit Procare Solutions and find out what running your center feels like when you finally have the right tools.   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner 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

This episode could save you money, hours, and maybe a few future Saturdays pushing an overflowing cart through a warehouse store! Jennifer sits down with Kris Davis, Senior Director at Food & Supply Source, who brings more than 30 years of experience in food distribution and procurement. After decades of helping restaurant owners find hidden money, make smarter purchasing decisions, and operate more efficiently, Kris is now bringing that same expertise to child care centers and other organizations serving children.   Kris and Jennifer dig into a part of the business that many owners rarely stop to analyze: what are you really spending to feed each child? They talk about the true cost of grocery runs, when using a distributor makes sense, the products that deserve the closest look, CACFP compliance, portion sizes, food waste, and how seemingly tiny changes can add up to thousands of dollars a year.    Key Takeaways: [2:45] Jennifer looks back on years of "shopping Saturdays" and realizes that saving a few pennies at the store may have been costing her hours of valuable time. [9:16] Kris shares how more than 30 years in food service and distribution taught her to find hidden money inside businesses that looked successful on the surface. [13:10] One of the first numbers every owner should know is their true food cost per child per day. [14:55] Kris says a center feeding 50 to 60 children could have around $10,000 a year hiding inside its food costs. [17:12] Buying from a distributor can mean bulk savings, consistent products, fewer scavenger hunts around town, and a whole lot of time back. [18:19] Owners should consider the value of their own time instead of treating hours spent grocery shopping as if they are free. [22:40] Before switching to a distributor, look at practical things like storage space, case sizes, delivery minimums, and whether you can use the food before it expires. [30:56] Kris starts a food cost review with the invoices and focuses first on the high-volume products that have the biggest impact on the bottom line. [35:52] The right product choice can improve CACFP compliance and lower costs, including one sausage swap Kris says saved more than $6,000 a year. [39:45] Kris recommends occasionally looking at what is being thrown away because food waste is one of the clearest places to spot money leaving the building. [42:00] Registered dietitians and nutrition specialists can take the complicated CACFP calculations and documentation off an owner's plate. [45:30] Food & Supply Source can start with a cost-benefit analysis to show owners what they are currently paying and where savings may be available.                                                                              [48:09] Kris shares real examples ranging from $18,000 a year in savings to one organization saving $400 every week simply by changing brands.                                                                                               [50:48] Kris leaves listeners with an immediate money-saving tip: check the price of the applesauce brand you are buying! Quotes: "Sometimes improving your bottom line doesn't require a brand new revenue stream or a massive change to your business. Sometimes the money is already there; you just have to know where to look." [8:08] - Jennifer    "The first thing I'm going to want to do is I want to look at number one, your invoices. So you're going to show me your invoices, and then this is where we really start to take a deep dive into your food costs." [31:16] - Kris    "With our program, it's completely free. There's no cost. There's no contract. If you hate us, you can leave. But we're going to help you save money. We're going to do all the work for you. We're not for everyone, but I really think that we should be. I like to think that we are." [43:50] - Kris  Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner 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 Kris Davis LinkedIn Food and Supply Source

Jennifer sits down with a true magic maker, Tammy England! Tammy is part of the team at The Child Care Success Company and often one of the first friendly faces members many of you have already met, but long before joining the team, she spent 29 years teaching, training teachers, mentoring educators, and finding creative ways to help children fall in love with learning. She also happens to be Jennifer's cousin who feels much more like a sister, which makes this conversation especially sweet.   Tammy shares how their grandmother Mimi taught them that magic can be created with imagination, patience, cookie dough, pretend hotels, and an RV that suddenly becomes an apartment. She brings that same spirit into the classroom through dramatic play, sensory experiences, nature, animals, imagination, and plenty of opportunities to get messy. Jennifer and Tammy also talk about understanding behavior as communication, partnering with parents, and creating classrooms where children feel safe, excited, and free to explore.   Key Takeaways: [8:05] Tammy shares how 29 years of teaching, along with the influence of Mimi and Mary Poppins, shaped her love of making learning magical. [11:54] Children are experiencing so many things for the first time, which gives teachers the incredible opportunity to become magic makers. [14:00] Tammy shares how finding something positive in a struggling child changed the experience for both the child and her worried mother. [18:52] When a child is struggling, start by looking at the environment, finding something positive to praise, and giving the child ownership in the classroom. [20:56] Observing exactly what happened without assigning emotions can help teachers understand what a child's behavior is communicating. [23:24] Parents do not need a list of everything their child did wrong, but they do need to understand where their child needs support and how they can help. [25:13] Small personal connections with families help build the trust that every strong child care relationship depends on. [26:38] Tammy's dream classroom brings nature inside and includes animals, hands-on learning, movement, books, art, and a calming space. [28:02] Preschool classrooms should be built around how young children actually learn instead of looking like miniature kindergarten classrooms. [31:53] When behavior problems keep showing up, look at the classroom setup and whether the environment meets the needs of the children currently in it. [33:46] Meaningful learning experiences do not have to come from an expensive catalog, as Tammy proves with everything from loose parts to a real octopus sensory experience. [35:27] Items that look like junk to adults can become pure magic when children are given the freedom to explore and create with them. [38:08] Letting children help with everyday activities like baking can build confidence, pride, and a genuine excitement for learning. [38:56] Candy corn math, sensory tubs, and rainbow writing are a few of Tammy's favorite ways to make early learning irresistible. [45:03] Tammy closes with a hilarious reminder that preschoolers can create unexpected mischief anywhere, including a dramatic play at a flower shop.   Quotes: "Some of the most magical classrooms are built with cardboard boxes, sensory bins, imagination, patience, and a teacher who genuinely loves being there." — Jennifer [5:34]   "Before we were business owners, before we were leaders, most of us simply just wanted to make a difference in a child's life, and that's still the greatest work we get to do." — Jennifer [6:02]   "These kids, for the most part, are experiencing these things for the very first time, and so getting to plan these things out, you become a magic maker, and it's one of the best jobs in the world." — Tammy [11:54]   "Most of the time, every reaction, every behavior is a communication, and so if you look at it that way, what are they communicating?" — Tammy [21:08]   "Every classroom should have a cozy corner for children to regulate." — Tammy [44:44]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner 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 Tammy Lee England

In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Zach Merritt, Senior Manager of Product Marketing at Procare Solutions, who spends his days talking with child care programs across the country and spotting the patterns that show up across hundreds and thousands of centers. Together, they dig into what separates the programs that continue to struggle from the ones that are truly thriving, and why sounding exactly like every other child care center in your area is one of the fastest ways to disappear into the background.   Zach and Jennifer talk about what today's parents actually expect, why "safe, nurturing, and quality education" is no longer enough to set you apart, and how speed, transparency, and real-life content can completely change the enrollment experience. They also get into technology, automation, and how the right systems can give owners back hours each month without losing the human connection that makes child care so special.   Key Takeaways: [3:02] Zach shares how his work with nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and education led him into the child care industry. [5:19] Staff retention, enrollment, and the overwhelm of competing responsibilities continue to be the biggest pressure points for owners. [7:43] The industry is still feeling the effects of COVID, staffing changes, and the end of many pandemic-era funding programs. [10:51] Owners have an important role as advocates who can bring real data and real business needs into policy conversations. [13:27] Thriving centers often find a meaningful way to specialize and carve out their own place in the community. [14:25] Zach shares how one North Carolina center built belonging and strong word-of-mouth by intentionally serving Indian immigrant families. [17:00] When every center uses the same words, parents are left comparing only price and convenience. [19:02] Your website, reviews, and social media are often the first places today's parents decide whether you are worth exploring. [21:03] Fast now means automated, with an immediate response, helpful information, and a clear next step. [22:22] Families may stop searching as soon as one center responds quickly and makes them feel like they have found the right place. [24:23] Real photos, videos, and everyday classroom moments help families see what life inside your center actually feels like. [27:08] Owners have to look at their marketing through the eyes of the younger families walking through their doors. [28:47] Technology can turn hours of administrative work into minutes while creating a smoother experience for families. [30:15] Procare supports the full family journey, from the first inquiry and tour through enrollment, communication, and daily care updates. [33:22] The right software can save a center an average of 60 to 80 hours each month. [34:20] Zach's first lightning-round answer is simple: stop sounding like everybody else and start responding faster. [34:32] Owners should review what is taking too much time and decide what software can take off their shoulders. [35:22] New owners should expect mistakes and focus on building a strong culture from the beginning. [35:44] Child care is becoming more widely understood as a vital part of the infrastructure that keeps society moving. [37:22] AI is opening new possibilities for automation, planning, and handling more complex tasks with less owner oversight. [40:15] AI can support the work, but it cannot replace an owner's expertise, relationships, or responsibility for quality.   Quotes: "I think sometimes people forget that they're an advocate for childcare in general, but also as a business owner." — Jennifer [10:51]   "If you are expedient in getting back to people and giving them the opportunity to see and experience what they can expect from your center and what their child's outlook would be and all of those things, then you're just going to win them over before and their research is going to stop there." — Zach [22:22]   "It's okay to make mistakes. You're going to learn. I would say focus on your culture as a building block." — Zach [35:22]   "I think the way that our society is looking at childcare now is that it is no longer just daycare or a place to drop your kids off, as it was in the past. But deeper than that, I think that it's becoming more and more clear where childcare plays a pivotal role in the infrastructure of our society and the needs for it for all other aspects in terms of work and education and those key functions that our future coming generation needs, and the parents and families now are also in dire need of. So, childcare is not going anywhere." — Zach [36:09]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner 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 Procare Solutions

Jennifer welcomes Rachel Chaisson, owner and CEO of A Joyful Noise Preschool and Child Care in Maine. Rachel's journey is incredible: after earning her GED and raising three children as a single mother, she began working in child care as a teacher and eventually grew into the owner of three successful early learning centers serving more than 200 children and families each year.   Rachel talks about the season she is in now and learning to pause, reflect, and ask whether the things that once drove her are still the things she wants to carry forward. Jennifer and Rachel talk about personal core values, leadership, trust, building a business that supports the life you love, and the surprising realization that sometimes the very things you have been fighting for are already yours. And yes, there is even a little homework in this one, but we promise, it's the good kind!   Key Takeaways: [5:30] Rachel shares how she went from never planning to have children to building a life and career around caring for them. [10:23] Jennifer and Rachel reflect on becoming "unintentional" child care owners and finding purpose in a path they never expected. [12:15] Rachel shares how she first focused on becoming the best business owner she could be before realizing she also wanted a business that supported her life. [13:45] How to build a business that can sustain a life you love that gives you freedom, stability, and space to evolve. [16:04] Rachel shares the family crisis that forced her to step away and showed her how capable her leadership team really was. [18:00] Jennifer points out that Rachel's team could step up because Rachel had already spent time modeling, training, and building trust with them. [19:30] Rachel talks about her current passion for developing leaders and giving her team room to grow. [21:19] Jennifer gives listeners a little homework: pause and write down your personal core values. [22:30] Rachel shares the realization that independence had once served her deeply, but may not be the value she needs to keep fighting for now. [24:27] Rachel names stability, peace, and growth as values she is still reflecting on in this new season. [27:30] Rachel explains how the CEO Lab helped her think not only about being a better leader, but also about being a better wife, mom, friend, and person. [28:47] The shift from fighting for independence to learning how to trust. [31:48] Great advice from Rachel: be open to what life sends your way and surround yourself with people who are where you want to be.   Quotes: "Sometimes the things you're fighting for are already yours." — Jennifer [4:35]   "Once I got into the business, I became very much about how to make it the best business, the strongest business. You know, how to have profit, how to have systems." — Rachel [12:15]   "How do I build my business to sustain the life that I love so much right now?" — Rachel [13:45]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner 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 A Joyful Noise Preschool and Childcare

In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Ben Poswalk, Director of Business Development at The Child Care Success Company, for a chat about what really separates owners who keep growing from the ones who stay stuck in the same overwhelm, year after year. Because after years of working with child care owners in every stage of the journey, Ben has seen the patterns clearly: where owners break through, where they get in their own way, and what actually helps them move forward.   Together, they talk about the habits that show up inside successful businesses, the blind spots that keep owners spinning, and why the biggest problem is not always the one sitting on the surface. They also get into trust, relationships, vulnerability, and what it looks like to stop carrying everything alone.    Key Takeaways: [3:57] Ben shares how his path into child care started unexpectedly and became a calling he never planned for. [6:47] The owners who grow are usually the ones who take action on what they learn instead of just gathering more information. [8:09] Many owners stay stuck because they are buried in the day-to-day and are trying to control too much at once. [9:25] Letting go of tasks your team can handle often creates more freedom and better results than holding on too tightly. [10:42] A lot of staffing struggles point back to leadership, culture, and clarity, not just hiring. [11:53] Better hiring starts with helping people see the purpose of the work and how they fit into the bigger vision. [14:03] One major blind spot is chasing outside solutions for problems that are really happening inside the business. [15:07] Strong enrollment systems are built on trust and relationship-building, not pressure or rushing families. [18:25] The owners who keep growing are usually the ones willing to do the hard things and have the hard conversations. [19:40] Vulnerability is often the thing that helps owners get support, build confidence, and move forward. [26:58] In 2026, one of the biggest opportunities is getting back to real human connection with staff, families, and children. [31:48] Owners do not have to carry everything alone, but they do have to be honest about what is not working. [33:33] Often, the biggest breakthrough starts by identifying the one issue that will create the most momentum first.   Quotes: "I feel like it's a calling more than anything else, and we end up serving the children and families that are in our care, because it was just meant to be." — Ben [4:09]   "It's the owners that implement and actually take action on the information that they receive." — Ben [7:06]   "Relationships are everything, because it's not about what we can do or the shiny objects that we can build; it's about who we are on the inside, showing up and being authentic, building trust, and building relationships with them." — Jennifer [17:14]   "We are in the trust business. Always." — Jennifer [17:50]   "Vulnerability is such a key component to success." — Ben [20:32]   "My passion is getting fulfilled, and that's making this world a better place, one child at a time, and that's only possible through those conversations I have on a regular basis with owners." — Ben [35:02]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner 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 Ben Poswalk Facebook Ben Poswalk Instagram Ben Poswalk LinkedIn Brené Brown

For years, child care marketing followed a pretty familiar formula: build a beautiful website, drive traffic, collect reviews, book tours, and convert families once they walk through the door. But in 2026, that path just is not as neat or predictable as it used to be. Families are researching differently, AI is changing how information gets found, and many parents are making decisions long before they ever visit a school in person.   In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Parissa Snider, Chief Marketing Officer at WatchMeGrow, for a conversation that goes far beyond ads and websites. Together, they talk about trust, transparency, parent psychology, and what the full family experience now says about your brand, from the first search to the tour to the follow-up after. This episode is a fresh look at what enrollment and marketing really mean now, and why the schools that build trust most clearly are the ones families are more likely to choose.   Key Takeaways: [5:45] Marketing now lives inside the full family experience, not just in ads or website clicks. [6:10] Parents are increasingly getting answers from AI before they ever visit a school's website. [8:10] The old marketing funnel is no longer linear and has become a messy back-and-forth decision process. [8:33] Lower website traffic does not always mean lower interest if families are still converting further down the path. [10:08] Schools need website content that helps AI understand and surface real information about who they are. [12:10] FAQs matter more than ever when they answer the actual questions families are really asking. [13:01] Transparency around difficult topics is becoming a stronger trust-builder, not a liability. [15:05] In many cases, pricing transparency creates more confidence than withholding information. [19:02] The strongest websites speak to parents' fears and needs, not just the school's features. [21:11] Families want the curtain pulled back and are more likely to trust schools that show the real experience. [22:55] Trust and reassurance are deeply human needs, which is why communication matters so much in child care. [27:11] Follow-up should uncover hesitation and uncertainty, not just push for the enrollment decision. [31:24] The schools that win will be the ones that reduce uncertainty and build trust at every step. [34:41] Families stay more connected and loyal when they feel like participants instead of observers.   Quotes: "Lower traffic does not always mean lower interest." — Parissa Snider [8:33]   "Transparency equals customers." — Parissa Snider [13:24]   "I think that starting now, consumers are not going to reward only the businesses with the biggest ad budgets. They're going to reward the businesses that reduce uncertainty and make a huge and visible effort to build trust, the ones that have trust in mind in every step of the experience" — Parissa Snider [31:24]   "Participation equals ownership." — Parissa Snider [34:38]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner 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 WatchMeGrow's Free Guide to Marketing 2026 Parissa Snider

Most child care owners do not think about crisis management until they are already in the middle of one, and by then emotions are high, information is moving fast, and every response matters. In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Marsha Archer, president of M-Squared PR and Crisis Management, for a practical conversation about what it really means to protect your brand before something goes wrong.   Together, they talk about how social media is changing the pace and pressure of crisis response in 2026, what belongs in a real crisis plan, and why your brand is about so much more than a logo or website. Marsha also shares how trust is built long before a crisis ever happens, what owners need to document and monitor now, and when it is time to bring in an expert. This is one of those conversations that feels preventative, practical, and incredibly important, because, as Marsha says, it is not a matter of if. It is a matter of when.   Key Takeaways: [4:11] Crisis planning matters long before a crisis ever happens. [4:39] A crisis usually starts when something pulls you completely out of your normal day. [5:35] Social media is one of the biggest drivers of crisis in 2026. [7:37] Every school should have a real crisis manual in place. [9:51] A strong plan includes a crisis team, templates, and clear next steps. [13:45] Facts need to be documented right away while everything is still fresh. [15:39] Google Alerts and Talkwalker help you monitor your name, brand, and industry. [17:38] Your brand includes every interaction tied to your name, not just your logo. [21:13] Negative reviews should be acknowledged calmly and moved offline when needed. [25:17] Great reputation building often starts with everyday moments inside your school. [29:16] Child care is not just the child care business. It is the trust business. [30:58] Building trust in small moments helps you lead better in bigger ones. [33:42] Your crisis plan should include contacts, templates, tools, and after-hours access. [36:45] The first few hours of a crisis can shape the entire outcome. [41:45] How do you know when it's time to bring in an expert? [46:14] Have the plan before you need it, and keep it updated!   Quotes: "It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. Because it's bound to happen, and you just want to make sure you're prepared." — Marsha [4:30]   "The number one driver of what's really interrupting the day-to-day and creating a crisis is social media, and not just social media as we see it, but how social media has grown." — Marsha [5:50]   "Parents want clarity, licensing wants accuracy, and attorneys want facts." — Marsha [13:45]   "Everything that is attached to your name completes your entire brand reputation." — Marsha [18:55]   "We're in the childcare business, but what you're really in is the trust business." — Jennifer [29:44]   "Building trust when it's small equals even more trust when it's bigger." — Marsha [30:58]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner 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 Marsha Archer — LinkedIn | @Msquaredpr | @Britishprgirl

Kris Murray returns! In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Kris for a timely conversation about what is really changing in child care in 2026 and what owners cannot afford to ignore. Together, they look at the current market from a bigger-picture view, from AI and parent decision-making to enrollment shifts, differentiation, and the growing pressure to clearly communicate the value of what you offer.   They also get into branding, in-person connection, what today's parents are actually looking for, and why being the face of your business matters more than ever. At the heart of this conversation is a reminder that while the tools and trends may change, strong businesses are still built by owners who know their market, know their value, and are willing to keep evolving.   Key Takeaways: [2:00] Kris shares what is happening in her own world right now, including wedding planning, her new community, the audiobook release of Antidote to Fear, and the delayed release of her TED Talk. [6:30] AI is one of the clearest shifts in 2026, and Kris explains why owners need to get comfortable using it to save time, improve systems, and stay current. [8:00] Even with all the new tools and noise, the real work still comes back to the basics: understand your market, match your market, and get clear on the value you bring. [9:30] The child care market is shifting, and Kris explains why every enrollment matters more now, especially as family needs, birth rates, and state involvement continue to change. [10:40] Jennifer and Kris talk about why the old model is not enough on its own anymore, and why owners have to be willing to evolve if they want to stay competitive in the years ahead. [12:10] The conversation comes back to a core question every owner needs to answer: what makes your program different, and why should a family choose you? [14:00] Kris talks about the growing desire for real connection and why community, events, and in-person experiences still matter so much in a world that feels increasingly digital. [16:10] Running a business takes energy, intention, and a willingness to keep showing up, especially when the market feels harder or more crowded than it used to. [17:50] One of the biggest mindset shifts for owners is being willing to step forward and be the face of the business instead of staying hidden behind the scenes. [21:00] Jennifer and Kris talk about storytelling, visibility, and why it is not enough to offer something valuable if no one really sees it or understands it. [24:50] Branding is not extra. It shapes how families see you, what they expect from you, and whether they see your school as just another option or the clear choice. [27:10] Small, personal touches still go a long way, and Kris shares why personalization creates stronger connection, trust, and loyalty with families. [33:18] Using the "where am I now, and where do I want to be?" framework, and knowing how to surround yourself with people to help you move to the next level. [35:15] The importance of getting into a tribe, no matter where you are in your numbers and revenue. [40:01] If there are things that are draining you, free yourself up by delegating so that you can do what you love.   Quotes: "What we've always taught, what we've owned in the childcare business, is to understand your market and match your market." — Kris [9:35]   "Parents are having fewer babies, so every child is even more important. Every enrollment is even more important." — Kris [10:05]   "In an AI-driven world, people are looking for connection, more than ever." — Kris [14:25]   "That's a mindset that needs to shift is that people want to connect and to be that person that's going to attract and connect people; you have to get out of your comfort zone and be willing to show up on social media and be to show up on video with your story, with some fun, charming elements of what you have to offer and be the face of your business." — Kris [17:50]   "You've got to get out there and be that leader and that CEO or that face of the business from time to time throughout your week. And then putting that stuff on social media is because that's where the eyeballs are." — Kris [21:12]   "Get into a tribe." — Kris [35:05]   "There's no way I would have built an 8-figure business without being in mentorship and coaching all along the way." — Kris [37:16]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner 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 Kris Murray — The Antidote to Fear

In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Thomas Brawner, owner and CFO of Alta Schoolhouse in Lakeland, Florida, to talk about what it really looks like to grow with intention. Thomas shares how he made the decision to overstaff his first location so he could create the space to focus on expansion, prepare for a second school, and keep the first one strong at the same time.   Their conversation gets into the real pieces behind that kind of growth: knowing your numbers, making smart tuition decisions, building a team that stays, and learning how to let go of the things that do not all have to stay on your plate. Thomas also talks about something a lot of owners overlook: how much first impressions matter, from your online presence to what families see before they ever walk through the door. He gives great and practical tips for anyone thinking about their next location and wanting to do it in a way that feels thoughtful, steady, and sustainable.   Key Takeaways: [5:10] A major season of change is underway for Thomas, including a move from Florida to California, the recent acquisition of a second location, and leadership changes inside the business. [7:03] One of the first strategic moves toward growth was intentionally overstaffing the first school so there was space to focus on expansion. [7:50] Brand identity played a major role in the search for the next location, from the kind of building Thomas wanted to the way Alta Schoolhouse is meant to feel inside its community. [9:21] Overstaffing only works when the numbers support it, which is why profitability, payroll, and long-term opportunity all had to be weighed together. [11:42] Tuition increases were part of the plan, and those pricing decisions were made with staffing, future growth, and culture-building in mind. [14:17] Lower turnover comes from building a better employee experience, including top-of-market pay, paid time off, and extra classroom staffing to prevent burnout. [18:15] Parents are making short lists online before they ever book a tour, which means curb appeal, reviews, photos, and a strong visual first impression matter more than many owners realize. [24:49] Thomas and Jennifer discuss how zoning and land-use research can save owners from expensive mistakes, especially when expanding into a new building or new area. [30:59] Replacing yourself inside the business takes emotional trust, not just systems, especially when handing off responsibilities that carry real financial or relational weight. [35:09] Some of the hardest responsibilities to delegate were parent meetings and enrollment, which required a gradual handoff process built on training, shadowing, and follow-up. [37:00] The bigger lesson underneath all of it is that there is no shortcut to time, and intentional growth depends on letting people learn by doing.   Quotes: "Sometimes in the next level of growth, you're asked to let go of the very things that helped you get there, and it asks you to trust your people more, to trust your systems more, to trust what you built can keep working even when you're not holding every single piece together." — Jennifer [1:30]   "I could have been at the front desk myself, doing marketing and enrollment and tours, but if I were to do that, I wouldn't be able to have looked for second locations, grown our school, and implemented software and new processes and procedures that have enabled us to grow." — Thomas [10:08]   "If you don't know your numbers, then your school is running without you, and it's not running intentionally." — Jennifer [17:30]   "You can love kids as much as you can to the best of your abilities, but it doesn't matter if parents don't walk through the door to see it." — Thomas [18:39]   "The biggest thing that I can tell people who are either looking to open their first location or just an additional location is to hire the right people." — Thomas [25:17]   "I had to get comfortable with the uncomfortability that things might not be done 100% correctly, but I can also make mistakes as well. So human error is always a factor." — Thomas [34:17]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner 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 Alta Schoolhouse @thomas.k.brawner

In this episode, Jennifer opens with an honest reflection on control and the emotional weight so many child care owners carry without even realizing it. That sets the stage for a real conversation with Barbara Tedrow, owner of A Gold Star Academy and a multi-site child care leader in New Mexico, about what it looks like to build a strong team on paper and yet still feel like too much of the business is resting on your shoulders.   Barbara shares what came up during a recent VIP Day at the Child Care Success Company's corporate office in New Orleans, where a deeper truth started to surface: the issue was not just delegation or SOPs, but fear, control, and the pressure of carrying a reputation she has spent 25 years building. Together, she and Jennifer unpack what shifted when Barbara began trusting her team more fully, stepping back from the meetings and tasks she no longer needed to own, and making space for the bigger work she is called to do. This is an honest, powerful conversation for any owner who knows what it feels like to still be carrying the business, even when it looks like you already stepped out.   Key Takeaways: [5:12] Barbara shares her background as the owner of multi-site locations in Farmington, New Mexico. [6:56] Barbara mentions her involvement with the New Mexico Childcare Association and her current role as its president. [9:17] The emotional and mental toll of trying to control everything. [13:57] The deeper truth comes out: what was underneath all of it was fear, especially around protecting the reputation she had worked decades to build. [19:15] Once Barbara stepped back and really looked, she began to see the passion, pride, and ownership already present in her leadership team. [22:37] Letting go came with an unexpected emotion: sadness, and the realization that not being needed in the same way was actually a sign of growth. [26:21] A closer look at the difference between correcting, training, and continuing to hold on, and why leadership still requires mentoring and clear expectations. [33:57] Six weeks later, the shift felt real: more space, less pressure to prove constant involvement, and more trust in the team. [39:28] Barbara shares what this next season opens up for her, including advocacy work, expansion, leadership development, and more time for family. [43:59] Barbara closes with a reminder that no matter how long you have been doing this work, there is always more to learn if you are willing to hear the hard truth.   Quotes: "If you've built the right team, a team that cares as much as you do, then your job isn't to control everything. Your job is to build something bigger than you. That's the real responsibility, not doing everything, but creating something that can actually grow beyond you." — Jennifer [3:53]   "I had to realize I hired people to do those jobs, and that's why I'm not needed. I'm not needed because I'm not needed in the company. I'm not needed because of the way that I have structure, and that was on purpose  because I needed to assess what role I want within this company." — Barbara [23:08]   "I'm not needed because I'm not wanted. I'm not needed because I did my job and I have built it the correct way." — Barbara [23:54]   "It's working. That little org chart with all its arrows and everything, it's working." —  Barbara [35:28]   "You can always learn something new if you're open to it and you're willing to listen to the hard truth." — Barbara [35:28]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner 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 A Gold Star Academy

Real leadership takes time, clarity, and the willingness to slow down and lead with intention. In this episode, Jennifer reflects on a recent VIP Day at the Child Care Success Company's new corporate office in New Orleans, and the perspective owners can gain when they step out of the daily rush long enough to think differently about how they lead. That sets up her conversation with Toni Bedford, owner of Bedford Learning Programs, a network of six family child care homes, about what it takes to stop being the person everything keeps coming back to.   Toni shares how a strong team and multiple locations still left her carrying too much, especially during a major family season when she and her husband became foster parents to their three young grandchildren. Together, she and Jennifer unpack the difference between delegating tasks and truly developing leaders, and what it looks like to create more clarity, intention, and ownership across the organization.   Key Takeaways: [1:20] Jennifer opens by sharing how a recent VIP Day reminded her why she loves helping child care owners slow down, think differently, and step into stronger leadership. [2:35] Jennifer introduces Toni Bedford and explains the core challenge behind their VIP Day work: building a stronger leadership structure so the business can grow without everything flowing back through the owner. [5:53] Toni shares the story behind Bedford Learning Programs, her six in-home child care locations, and the struggle of still being pulled into daily decisions even with a solid admin team in place. [9:39] Toni opens up about a major family transition, becoming a foster parent to her three young grandchildren, and how that season forced her to face what had to change inside the business. [12:44] Jennifer asks where Toni was feeling the most pressure, and Toni names the tension many owners know well: trying to support the team while quietly carrying parts of everyone's job. [15:29] Toni explains why she said yes to the VIP Day and how she came in determined not to let the insights become just another set of notes that never got implemented. [18:37] Toni describes her biggest realization from the day: no one could simply tell her what to do. She had to think clearly about what her business actually needed and build from there. [21:40] Back at home, Toni uses her already scheduled admin retreat as a reset meeting, rolling out a new org chart, updated roles, and a more intentional leadership structure. [22:50] Toni shares one of the most important shifts: weekly one-on-one training with each admin team member, focused not just on tasks, but on confidence, expectations, and leadership development. [26:21] Toni and Jennifer talk about the truth many owners miss: there is no shortcut to building leaders. Real delegation takes time, mentoring, modeling, and consistency. [30:25] Toni reflects on her team's response to the reset and how trust, support, and a phased rollout helped the changes feel energizing instead of overwhelming. [32:12] Five weeks in, Toni shares what she is most proud of: the team has not slipped backward, the momentum is still there, and she is learning how to respond as a stronger leader, too. [34:37] Toni talks about what has changed for her personally: she feels more confident, more energized, and more connected to the coaching and mentoring side of leadership that she genuinely loves. [37:20] Asked what she would tell the version of herself before the VIP Day, Toni offered a powerful takeaway for other owners: it is okay to let things go and trust your team. [40:08] Toni closes by reminding listeners that this work is hard, and that the best place to start is by getting honest about what you love and where you want your leadership to go next.   Quotes: "It is seldom about working harder. It's all about thinking differently." — Jennifer [2:50]    "If you want to have this great team, you actually have to train them. You can't actually be like, 'Hey, here's your position. Now think of some things.'" — Toni [23:55]   "When you look at redesigning organizational structures or reworking job descriptions, you don't take away something that is great with one of your team members when they love doing something, and they're bringing results, and they're fantastic at it… you don't take that away." — Jennifer [29:12]   "It's okay to let things go and trust your team." — Toni [37:20]   "This job is hard. It could be hard, and really kind of just figuring out what you love, I think, and what you want to do in the future is just where you should really start, rather than always worrying about the day-to-day stuff." — Toni [40:08]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner 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 Bedford Learning Programs

In this episode, Jennifer shares a personal moment that slowed her down and clarified what matters most: impact, leadership, and protecting what's been entrusted to you. That framing sets the tone for a grounded conversation with Sharita "Rita" Brown, a long-time early childhood leader and Child Care Success Company coach, about one of the fears many owners carry quietly — the allegation that can shake everything.   Rita walks Jennifer through a season where her centers faced a false report, and they couldn't immediately produce the proof they needed. Instead of spiraling, they tightened their standards: documentation, overstaffing to protect ratios, and leadership that showed up in the building, not just on paper. This conversation is a real look at how "inspect what you expect" plays out when it's no longer a slogan, and why the simplest protection is often the most overlooked: documenting, consistently, as a team.   Key Takeaways: [:08] Jennifer reflects on a recent car wreck and how being "shaken" clarifies what matters, and why "protect what you've built" is more than a mindset. [6:07] Rita recounts the moment a false report landed, and they couldn't quickly find documentation to prove ratio coverage. [8:45] The emotion behind it: feeling helpless — and realizing systems exist to protect children, staff, and families. [10:24] What changed immediately: pushing systems, tightening documentation, and temporarily overstaffing to protect against ratio risk. [14:28] "Inspect what you expect" as the non-negotiable leadership shift, especially across multiple sites. [16:45] The practical reset: going into each center, one-on-ones, rebuilding buy-in, and modeling standards in real time. [19:26] A more recent allegation (2025) and what it looked like to be ready this time: systems, documentation, leadership alignment, and no case. [21:36] Rita's "one thing" every owner can do today: document, and make sure your team is documenting. [28:41] Stepping into the CEO seat means boundaries: staying reachable without being on the floor every day and building leaders who can carry the work.   Quotes: "What matters to me is not about playing a game. It's not about chasing something, wanting bigger and better. It's more about living a life that matters to me. It's about making an impact. It's about leading well and protecting what's been entrusted to me." — Jennifer [2:43]   "So we really pushed our systems and made sure that our documentation was in place from that moment, because we didn't have any proof to show them otherwise." — Rita [11:43]   "Inspect what you expect." — Jennifer / Rita [14:04]   "I think sometimes, as owners, we don't realize that there's no shortcut to time, there's no shortcut to personal interaction, there's no shortcut to modeling the behaviors you want to see." — Jennifer [18:03]   "Make sure your team is documenting." — Rita [21:08]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner 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 Sharita Brown