Advertise on podcast: ChildCare Conversations with Kate and Carrie

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you find a preschool franchise that actually fits your educational philosophy and business goals? Amber Stravlo shares how choosing Ivybrook Academy helped her grow enrollment from 40 to 162 children in one year while building a school centered on individualized learning, strong relationships, and family trust. Kate Woodward Young talks with Amber about preschool franchising, childcare business growth, enrollment strategies, curriculum, community building, and franchise support. From evaluating franchise models to using local Facebook groups, Google visibility, events, and relationship-based tours, Amber shares practical lessons for childcare owners, directors, and aspiring franchisees who want a proven business model without losing their mission. Listen to learn more about making the right decisions for your center! www.ivybrookacademy.com/lubbock LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amber-stravlo-b658691b4 Email: [email protected] Check out this episode's sponsor: https://northstarschoolsupply.com/ Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

Send us Fan Mail What if the stress and overwhelm you’re carrying isn’t just stress but unresolved grief? Grief recovery specialist Vickie Hagedorn joins Kate for a powerful conversation about how grief can show up far beyond death or divorce, especially during major life transitions like retirement, menopause, moving, job loss, empty nesting, and children starting school. Vickie shares practical tools for grief recovery, emotional healing, leadership, parenting, and relationships, and explains why simply “pushing through” or compartmentalizing doesn’t always work. For early childhood educators, childcare leaders, parents, caregivers, and anyone navigating change, this episode offers a fresh perspective on grief and why becoming emotionally complete may be the key to moving forward. Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

Send us Fan Mail What does co-regulation really look like when a classroom is chaotic, and everyone is overwhelmed? Kate Woodward Young talks with Camille from Strengthen Hands about self-regulation, emotional development, behavior support, and social-emotional learning in early childhood. They explore how educators can respond in those critical moments with connection and intention instead of simply telling children to “calm down.” Camille shares practical strategies for supporting overwhelmed educators, creating brave spaces, and using children’s books to open meaningful conversations about identity, emotions, and social-emotional development. If you’re an early childhood educator, director, or teacher leader looking for better ways to support children—and yourself—through big emotions, this conversation is worth a listen. Connect with our guest: Website: StrengthenHands.com Instagram: @StrengthenHands YouTube: @StrengthenHandsEDU Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

Send us Fan Mail What if your next growth move isn’t another childcare location—but a whole new business model? Krisana Puccio shares how Pineapple School grew from one bilingual, family-centered child care program into a three-campus operation with a franchise strategy designed for sustainable growth. Kate Woodward Young and Krisana explore childcare expansion, franchising, business systems, EOS, leadership, and scalable operations, including what it takes to build the legal, financial, marketing, and operational foundation for growth. If you’re a childcare owner or director wondering whether your successful program could become something bigger, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to scale without losing what makes your school special. Learn more about our guest: www.pineappleschool.com www.ownapineappleschool.com www.linkedin.com/in/krisana-puccio  Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

Send us Fan Mail What should every childcare owner know before signing a lease or starting a build-out? Kate Woodward Young talks with Mary Hornbeck, a Kansas City childcare operator who grew from one classroom to four locations, about childcare facility leases, landlord negotiations, build-outs, expansion, and protecting your budget. Mary shares hard-earned lessons on negotiating long-term leases, rent-free months, build-out costs, and hidden expenses, plus why asking the right questions can save childcare owners thousands of dollars and countless headaches. If you’re a childcare owner, director, or operator considering a new facility, expansion, or lease, this episode is packed with practical advice you’ll want to hear before signing on the dotted line. To learn more: MSH-Strategies.com To contact Mary: [email protected] Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

Send us Fan Mail Networking isn’t just about collecting contacts; it’s about building real relationships that lead to trust, referrals, and opportunity. Kate Woodward Young and Tiffany Mason share practical strategies for networking, relationship building, local marketing, and business growth, including how to make meaningful connections in person and follow up in a way people remember. Whether you’re an early childhood leader, childcare owner, or local business owner, this episode will help you become more confident, memorable, and intentional with your networking. From the “Know, Like, and Trust” factor to the power of a great follow-up, you’ll walk away with simple strategies you can put to work immediately. The Link Up Lounge Podcast (about networking): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-link-up-lounge-strategic-networking-for-small-business/id1823904704 Tiffany's website: https://tiffanymason.me/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Tiffany_R_Mason Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

Send us Fan Mail What if your staffing problem isn’t a hiring problem; it’s a leadership and retention problem? Kate Woodward Young and Erica Saccoccio explore how childcare directors and owners can recognize hidden leaders, strengthen staff development, and build a pipeline of future leaders from within their own teams. From onboarding and teacher buddies to meaningful recognition, professional development, and succession planning, this episode offers practical strategies for employee retention, staff engagement, leadership development, and childcare business growth. If you want to build a team that feels valued, supported, and excited to stay, this conversation is a must-listen. Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to grow a childcare organization without losing the systems, staff support, and community connection that make it successful? Dr. Jason Lody shares how Aventus grew from zero to 21 schools across six states, and the technology, operations, and strategy required to scale sustainably. Kate Woodward Young and Jason explore childcare expansion, multi-site operations, acquisitions, technology, staff training, and family communication, including why a unified system and hands-on support can make all the difference. If you’re a childcare owner, operator, director, or multi-site leader looking to grow without creating operational chaos, this episode is packed with practical insights you can use. Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

Send us Fan Mail Why does Gen Z leave childcare, and what can leaders do differently to make them want to stay? Kate Woodward Young and Marie Young share an honest mother-daughter conversation about Gen Z staff retention, onboarding, leadership, communication, and workplace culture in early childhood education. From handling difficult conversations to matching teachers with their strengths and passions, they explore practical ways childcare directors, owners, and lead teachers can better support younger educators, build trust, and create teams where staff feel valued and want to grow. If you’re struggling with teacher turnover or retaining Gen Z employees, this episode offers a fresh perspective and actionable ideas. Contact Marie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-young-59a7161a9/ Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

Send us Fan Mail What if we stopped waiting for a diagnosis before supporting a child who needs help? Stephanie Corley joins Kate Woodward Young to explore early intervention, developmental concerns, exceptionalities, and supporting children in early childhood education. They discuss how tools like ASQs and Teaching Strategies GOLD can help educators recognize concerns early, partner with families, and take action without labeling or making assumptions. From navigating difficult conversations with parents to understanding autism, selective mutism, hearing concerns, and developmental delays, Stephanie shares practical guidance for early childhood educators, directors, and childcare leaders. If you want to become the educator who notices what others miss and knows what to do next, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Support Corley Discovery Institute Your support helps move Corley Discovery Institute closer to creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment for children and families: https://gofund.me/775538f57 Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

Send us Fan Mail Great teachers don’t automatically become great directors. But too often, they’re promoted into leadership and expected to figure it out on their own. Kate Woodward Young and Carrie Casey explore why early childhood administrator training needs to be built around the real work of leading a childcare center, from budgets and enrollment to hiring, payroll, culture, and business operations. They dive into the National Childcare Administrator credential, practical leadership training, and how shared training can help administrative teams lead with confidence and make smarter decisions. If you’re an early childhood director, owner, assistant director, office manager, or aspiring administrator, this episode offers a fresh look at what it takes to move from excellent educator to effective leader. Learn more at: directorsuccess.com Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to go from early childhood educator to CEO? Jessica Van Hoose, CEO of The Nest Schools, joins Kate to talk about early childhood leadership, business strategy, personal branding, and executive confidence. They explore why ECE leaders need to understand both quality and the business side of childcare, from operations and financials to revenue and profit. Jessica shares how mentorship, LinkedIn, executive presence, and being willing to raise your hand helped shape her career. If you’re an early childhood leader, director, owner, or aspiring executive ready to step into greater authority and lead with confidence, this episode is for you! Learn more about Jessica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-van-hoose-a388029a/ Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

Send us Fan Mail What if the behavior you’re trying to manage isn’t really a child problem—but an environment problem? Kate Woodward Young sits down with Carla Ward, early childhood educator, director, entrepreneur, and host of The Everything EC Podcast, for a candid conversation about challenging the “way we’ve always done it” in early childhood. From creating “yes spaces” that give children more autonomy and agency to replacing pre-designed toys with open-ended materials, Carla shares practical ways to rethink classroom environments, reduce power struggles, and understand what children’s behavior is really telling us. Carla and Kate also explore why more rules and control can sometimes create more challenging behavior, how to turn a safety-based “no” into a meaningful “yes,” and why Pinterest-perfect classrooms don’t always support real learning. Whether you’re an educator, director, owner, or administrator, this episode offers a fresh lens on behavior, leadership, and responsive teaching—and plenty of practical ideas you can put into action. If you’re ready to create classrooms where children and teachers have more freedom to learn, explore, and thrive, this conversation might change the way you see behavior forever. Learn more about Carla: YES Spaces Masterclass- https://carlatheece.com/yes-spaces-masterclass Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlatheece LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-ward/ Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the passion that brought you into early childhood education starts to feel like burnout? Kate Woodward Young sits down with LaTroya B. of The Preschool Posse for an honest, energizing conversation about finding your fire again—and realizing you don't have to do this work alone. They talk burnout, mentorship, leadership, and the kind of practical support educators really need when the pressure of the classroom and life outside of work start piling up. From recognizing the warning signs of burnout to stepping into leadership with skills that go beyond teaching, this episode explores how community and connection can help educators stay in the field with purpose, confidence, and less isolation. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stepped into a leadership role and wondered, “Now what?”, or simply wished you had a community that truly understood the work—this conversation is for you. Learn more about Preschool Posse: www.thepreschoolposse.com Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate and Cindy Morgan tackle something every childcare director needs but few actually have: written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for staff training and compliance. They dig into why keeping training records organized is such a common violation across states, and how easy it is to lose track of CPR renewals, background checks, and training hours.  They share some really practical tips, like having staff swap files during meetings for a fresh set of eyes, and how automated reminders in tools like One Place Childcare can seriously save your sanity! Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!