Excellence in Childcare: Recent Episodes
1Place Childcare
The 1Place Excellence in Childcare Podcast aims to share the knowledge from experts in the industry with owners and leadership teams in childcare businesses. We'll address the top issues and share the learnings with you.
In this episode, Sara Schreiner of Sunshine Academy shares her journey from young entrepreneur to multi-center owner, empowering women to build sustainable, profitable early education businesses.
Our Expert Sara Schreiner
Sara Schreiner is the owner of Sunshine Academy and a passionate advocate for empowering women in early childhood education. Starting her formal childcare journey at age 12 with YWCA babysitting courses, Sara became the neighborhood babysitter before moving into center-based care during high school. At just 20 years old, she purchased her first childcare center in 2004, demonstrating remarkable entrepreneurial spirit. Now operating three centers with expansion into after-school programs, Sara also provides coaching and consulting services to other childcare program owners. Her unique perspective combines deep operational experience with business acumen, helping other women transition from caregiver mindset to successful business owner mentality.
About Sunshine Academy
Sunshine Academy represents Sara Schreiner's vision of profitable, high-quality early education programs that serve families while sustaining business owners. Operating in rural Montana, the organization has grown from a single center purchase in 2004 to three locations with continued expansion. Sara's approach emphasizes that childcare can be both heart-centered and financially successful, challenging the industry narrative that caring for children means sacrificing profitability. Through her coaching and consulting work, she helps other program owners develop systems, policies, and mindsets necessary for sustainable business growth while maintaining quality care standards.
In this episode, we cover:
- Empowering women through leadership and mentorship
- Strategic insights for childcare owners
- Balancing life and business as a childcare leader
- Overcoming industry challenges through networking and growth
A sneak peek inside the episode:
“It doesn't get easier. You get better. So I have to remember that because when I'm in the midst of the hard and I just want this to get easier, really I need to get better. And this hard time will allow that."
In this episode, Mark Sklar of Jowers-Sklar Insurance shares expert insights on insurance needs, risk management, and current industry challenges facing early childhood education programs.
Our Expert Marc Sklar
Mark Sklar is the President/CEO at Jowers-Sklar Insurance. Starting in the insurance business in 1998 and purchasing his agency in 2003, Mark developed specialized expertise in three niches: rental equipment businesses, franchise restaurants, and childcare centers. His relationship-oriented approach has positioned Jowers-Sklar Insurance as a leading specialist in childcare center coverage, with approximately 400-450 centers insured across the country. Mark's philosophy emphasizes that the cheapest insurance quote isn't always the best, focusing instead on comprehensive coverage and proactive risk management.
About Jowers-Sklar Insurance
Jowers-Sklar Insurance specializes in providing insurance solutions for early education programs nationwide. Unlike generalist agencies, they've developed deep expertise in childcare center insurance requirements and challenges. Their relationship-based approach goes beyond simply writing policies – they serve as trusted advisors helping center owners navigate compliance issues, implement preventative measures, and properly document their safety protocols. The company emphasizes educating clients about proper coverage needs and has developed specialized resources such as behavioral questionnaires to identify training opportunities for staff members.
In this episode, we cover:
- Key insurance coverages & market trends
- Liability vs. negligence
- Risk reduction strategies
- Claims, violations, and premiums
A sneak peek inside the episode:
“I tell people the three best words in insurance are document, document, document. The more documentation we have... it shows that accidents happen. What the attorneys are going to argue is that you didn't properly train the employee, which is why this injury happened. We can show: Yes, we did train them."
In this episode, Andrew Massie of Plastridge Insurance shares his journey to supporting early education providers, eventually creating a special insurance program exclusively for childcare centers. Discover how Florida's childcare providers are navigating rising insurance costs, regulatory advantages, and a new Lloyd's-backed solution designed to ease the crisis.
Our Expert Andrew Massie
Andrew Massie is an insurance professional at Plastridge Insurance Company with over 10 years of experience in the industry. A Florida State University graduate with a degree in Risk Management and Insurance, Andrew has dedicated the last seven years exclusively to serving childcare facilities across Florida. His personal connection to early education deepened when he became a father to his daughter Haven, now 2 years old. Andrew's expertise spans general liability, professional liability, and specialized coverage for early education providers. His recent achievement includes developing an exclusive insurance program through Lloyd's of London specifically designed to address the insurance crisis facing childcare facilities.
About Plastridge Insurance Company
Plastridge Insurance Company is a Florida-based insurance agency licensed in 37 states, with primary operations throughout Florida. Under Andrew Massie's leadership in the early education sector, the company has become a specialized provider for childcare facilities, schools, and early learning centers. Plastridge Insurance recently partnered with Lloyd's of London to create an exclusive insurance program specifically designed for childcare facilities, addressing the significant market gap created by carriers leaving the Florida market. The company is committed to providing competitive, comprehensive coverage while understanding the unique regulatory environment and operational challenges facing early education providers.
In this episode, we cover:
- Florida's 4-year childcare insurance crisis
- Traditional carriers backing out
- New insurance solution built with Lloyd's of London
- How regulation and risk management improve insurability for providers
A sneak peek inside the episode:
“There's absolutely a gap because these childcare facilities are seeing unjustified premium increases. So, if we can put a program together that's very specific: it's exclusively for childcare facilities. There's a major need for it in the market. So that's basically what we did."
Contact information:
Andrew Massie
Plastridge Insurance Company
Email: amassie@plastridge.com
Phone: (561) 819-1547
Website: plastridge.com/childcare-facility
Coverage Available: Currently serving Florida with plans for multi-state expansion
Specialization: General Liability, Professional Liability, Abuse & Molestation Coverage
Unique Features: Attendance-based (not capacity-based) premium calculations, exclusive program design
In this episode, Valerie Denero of Every Child California shares her inspiring journey and explores the key challenges and opportunities in California’s early education system.
Our Expert Valerie Denero
Valerie DeNero brings decades of experience across every facet of early childhood education to her role at Every Child California. Her journey began unexpectedly when a devastating car accident at age 14 led her to discover her passion for working with young children through an alternative education program's child development center. Starting with her first six units in child development, Valerie worked her way through community college while employed at both center-based and family child care programs. She advanced through leadership roles including program director, area manager, corporate trainer, resource and referral coordinator, and county office of education workforce development specialist. Her extensive background spans direct service delivery, workforce development, policy advocacy, and systems change, making her a powerful voice for elevating the early education profession.
About Every Child California (Formerly CCDAA)
Every Child California is a membership-based organization dedicated to supporting leaders in early care and education across the state. The organization works strategically with key partners including the California Department of Education, Department of Social Services, and Department of Teacher Credentialing to advocate for workforce development, sustainable funding, and systems alignment. Every Child California focuses on transforming early care and education from an undervalued service industry into a recognized and properly funded component of the state's educational continuum, advocating for true cost of care funding and living wages for early educators.
In this episode, we cover:
- Workforce development and recruitment amid regulatory and staffing challenges
- Funding, access, and the case for public investment
- Transitional kindergarten and the mixed delivery system
- Reimagining early education through crisis and reform
A sneak peek inside the episode:
“We are in a crisis. The child care industry has lost their identity, and they've lost their value and their place in society. And we're in crisis. But in that crisis, there's going to be an opportunity to reshape. Yeah, our values and what we believe."
In this episode, Jessica Van Hoose of Child Development Schools shares her journey in early education and insights on building quality programs while supporting educators.
Our Expert Jessica Van Hoose
Jessica Van Hoose is the Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer at Child Development Schools. With extensive experience across multiple roles in early education, she has worked as a teacher, center director, district manager, regional director, and in training and education support. Jessica's passion for elevating early educators and ensuring high-quality experiences for children has driven her career. Her expertise spans operational management, quality improvement, teacher training, and advocacy for early childhood education at local, state, and federal levels.
About Child Development Schools
Child Development Schools is a large early education provider committed to delivering high-quality early learning experiences while navigating the business aspects of childcare. Under Jessica Van Hoose's leadership, the organization prioritizes government relations and advocacy as part of their mission, working to shape regulations and policies that affect early education. Child Development Schools invests extensively in training their teams on safety and quality practices, believing that high-quality education requires more than just using the word "quality" – it means living it every day through continuous improvement.
In this episode, we cover:
- From educator to executive
- Balancing quality and business
- Empowering early educators
- Advocacy and impact
A sneak peek inside the episode:
“We have to show up and support one another, because the only people that suffer when we don't are the children in our care."
In this episode, Jaime Rechkemmer of Aim4Impact Consulting joins us to discuss the role of technology in innovating early childcare education.
Our Expert Jaime Rechkemmer
Jaime Rechkemmer is a dynamic early education leader with nearly 30 years of experience helping childcare organizations thrive. As the founder of Aim4Impact Consulting, LLC, she specializes in boosting enrollment, improving compliance, and enhancing program quality with a blend of strategy, practicality, and southern savvy. She has worked with national and state organizations like ECEC, GCCA, and NECPA/NCCA, offering big-picture insights that empower leaders to think bigger and lead stronger. Jaime also chairs the AI & Machine Learning Advisory Board at WatchMeGrow, exploring technology’s role in early education, and speaks at industry conferences nationwide. A Carolina girl with a side of Texas heat, she brings passion, humor, and a no-nonsense approach to transforming early education leadership.
About Aim4Impact Consulting
Aim4Impact Consulting is dedicated to empowering early childhood educators and leaders to effect meaningful change. The organization offers strategic consulting, leadership coaching, and impactful speaking engagements, providing practical solutions that drive quality improvement and professional growth. Whether enhancing curriculum, striving for compliance, or developing leadership skills, Aim4Impact serves as a trusted partner, championing educators, families, and the children they serve.
In this episode, we cover:
- The disconnect in early education
- Role of technology and relationships
- Innovating early education technology
- The future of early education
A sneak peek inside the episode:
“I think that early education is technology. It was the first technology. It was, you know, the most pure of machines: the human brain and human intelligence."
In this episode, Matt Lee of Hudson Bus Sales takes us on an insightful journey into the world of transportation business and its vital role in the early childcare sector.
Our Expert Matt Lee
Matthew Lee is the Director of Marketing at Hudson Bus Sales, bringing over 20 years of experience in the RV industry. Previously, he served as Director of Marketing at FunTown RV, where he played a key role in expanding the dealership from two to 11 locations. With expertise in digital marketing and adapting to evolving technology, Matthew is focused on enhancing Hudson Bus Sales’ marketing and advertising strategies to support the company’s continued growth.
About Hudson Bus Sales
Hudson Bus Sales, founded by industry veteran Brad Hudson, is a full-service bus dealership with locations in Texas and Florida. The company offers new and pre-owned buses from trusted manufacturers, tailored to meet diverse client needs and budgets. Beyond sales, Hudson Bus Sales provides rental services and comprehensive maintenance, including mechanical repairs, paint and body work, vehicle wraps, and graphic design. Their clientele spans childcare organizations, religious institutions, schools, non-profits, senior care facilities, colleges, universities, limousine services, and tour companies, all relying on Hudson Bus Sales for their integrity, responsiveness, and industry expertise.
In this episode, we cover:
- Introduction to early education transportation
- Understanding MFSAB and safety features
- Navigating state regulations and compliance
- Building relationships in the transportation industry
A sneak peek inside the episode:
“I've been in industries where everyone kept to themselves, but what’s exciting and refreshing about early childcare is that everybody wants to help everybody else. Even if transportation isn’t the main focus of a center, they find ways to incorporate it to better serve their families."
In this episode, Prerna Richards of Together We Grow shares insights on supporting overwhelmed early childcare educators.
Our Expert Prerna Richards
Prerna Richards is the CEO and Founder of Together We Grow, a keynote speaker, and a behavior coach passionate about early childhood education. With expertise in program development, accreditation, and business transformation, she has led initiatives that enhance early learning experiences, impact thousands of educators and children, and drive operational excellence. Her leadership in strategic partnerships, professional development, and team engagement has strengthened early education programs nationwide, making a lasting impact on the field.
About Together We Grow
Together We Grow LLC, founded by Prerna Richards, is an early childhood education organization dedicated to empowering educators and caregivers. With over 39 years of experience in the field, Prerna offers services such as professional development, behavior coaching, and NAEYC accreditation consulting. Her approach emphasizes play-based learning, social-emotional development, and the latest brain research to create responsive and joyful classrooms. Together We Grow LLC operates on principles of respect, dignity, and inclusivity, striving to meet educators where they are and inspire them to become their best selves.
In this episode, we cover:
- Understanding burnout in educators
- Supporting overwhelmed educators
- Coaching techniques for educators
- Building connections before corrections
A sneak peek inside the episode:
“Joy and stress are two contradicting emotions that our brain is incapable of experiencing at the same time. If you're stressed, you have to choose joy. You have to invite joy. You have to find little moments where joy can enter."
In this episode, Sarah Clabby of Atlantic Growth Brands discusses blending marketing strategies and prioritizing staff inclusivity in the early learning and childcare industry.
Our Expert Sarah Clabby
Originally from Boston and now based in Winchester, Massachusetts, Sarah is a versatile and accomplished executive known for her strategic foresight and innovative solutions that drive financial growth. As CEO of Atlantic Growth Brands, she excels in unlocking the potential of people to ensure cross-organizational success. With a talent for engaging and motivating teams, Sarah consistently exceeds performance expectations, generating organic and new business growth through customized strategies that optimize sales, marketing practices, and foster collaborative cultures.
In this episode, we cover:
- Balancing consumer marketing and staff support
- Creating a "trusted tether" and taking care of your team
- Staff waitlist vision
A sneak peek inside the episode:
“I actually think that consumer marketing is directly tied to having happy schools and a happy workforce. I would argue that a good culture, a positive culture, and a high-performing team are the foundation of any function, marketing or otherwise. But with marketing and early education, it's really clear."
In this episode, Lynn Wenger of The Compliance Alliance joins us to discuss the current state and the changing landscape of compliance for childcare and early learning.
Our Expert Lynn Wenger
The founder and president of The Compliance Alliance, Lynn has dedicated over 30 years of her career to helping leaders build processes and automated systems aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness. She believes in the transformative potential of automation and technology to bolster compliance, safety, and quality in Early Childhood Education. Lynn is committed to prioritizing compliance as a means to ensuring a higher standard of care and quality for families and staff alike.
In this episode, we cover:
- Current state of compliance in childcare & early learning
- Risk & compliance handling in other industries
- Leadership priorities for effective compliance
A sneak peek inside the episode:
“When we talk about compliance, it's sometimes perceived, not always, but a lot of times it's perceived as we're going to get dinged if we're not compliant. It's kind of like the stick versus the carrot, where a carrot is leading us to want to be compliant - to be able to brag on those standards that we're meeting, to be able to give that sense to the staff and the families, that safety and quality are top of mind. That's why we put that spotlight on it."
In this special episode of the Excellence in Childcare podcast, we welcome top experts from the Early Childhood Education (ECE) community across North America. Our esteemed guests, Vernon H. Mason Jr., Rachel Supalla, Julie Roy, and Lynn Wenger, will join us to discuss compliance and risk management in the industry. We’ll also delve into key findings from the 2024 Compliance & Risk Survey report by 1Place.
The episode is hosted by Cindy Vian, 1Place’s VP of Operations in North America.
In this episode, we cover:
– Overview and importance of the 2024 Compliance & Risk Survey
– Compliance as a positive and market differentiator
– Frequency of compliance training
– Systems and tools for compliance and risk management
– Building a culture of accountability
A sneak peek inside the episode:
“In today’s workforce, there needs to be some incentive for completion and for the continuation to maintain sustainability level. No longer do people do things because it’s in their job description, or because someone told them to do it. They need to understand the big picture.” – Vernon H. Mason Jr.
“It’s important that the compliance also builds. So every expectation that you have within your company and within each location, a lot of people are working to make sure that all of those expectations and that compliance is met.” – Rachel Supalla
“It’s worth mentioning the training and sustainability of those compliance procedures. It’s important along the way to ensure that you’re not dragging people with you. You’re actually having them be part of the process and help you coin those guidelines.” – Julie Roy
“When we start talking about compliance, we need to talk about it the way lots of other industries do. It’s a badge of honor. When you have a compliance school, it’s something that gives a sense of safety to the staff, to the families.” – Lynn Wenger
In this episode, Krystle Steinhoff from Thrive Early Learning provides a comprehensive guide on trademarking your early childcare business.
Our Expert Krystle Steinhoff
Krystle, CEO and Executive Director of Thrive Early Learning, is dedicated to crafting an ideal environment where children, parents, the team, and the community can flourish together. Raised in Statesboro, she crossed paths with her husband, Rob, in Richmond Hill over two decades ago. Krystle's drive to establish Thrive stems from her journey as a working mother of two boys, now aged three and almost two, navigating the challenge of finding reliable care when she needed it. Before embarking on her journey with Thrive, Krystle honed her skills as an attorney specializing in corporate and trademark law for several years.
In this episode, we cover:
- Identifying what to trademark
- Considerations for childcare businesses with multiple locations
- Filing for a trademark
- Post-trademarking considerations
A sneak peek inside the episode:
“As entrepreneurs, we put a lot of time and money into coming up with a name, and then you've got to do the branding and the marketing, and there's nothing worse than spending all of that time and money on those things only to get a cease and desist letter from somebody who has a name that's similar.”
In this episode, we chat with Bobby Franzo and Sam Slater from PB&J TV, a camera system and streaming app service for childcare and daycare. We explore how they contribute to safer schools and smarter operations.
Our Experts Bobby Franzo & Sam Slater
Bobby Franzo, Co-Founder and Principal at PB&J TV is a driving force in the childcare industry with over a decade of experience. He leads PB&J's efforts to redefine safety and operations in education using cutting-edge technology. Bobby shares insights from PB&J's inception, lessons learned, and the importance of advanced camera solutions in schools. With a focus on empowering educators and providing peace of mind to parents, Bobby's expertise guides best practices for implementing camera systems.
Sam Slater, PB&J TV's Customer Experience Director, is the epitome of a family man, having married his high school sweetheart and delighting in fatherhood with his two daughters. A devoted Saints fan, he navigates life's highs and lows with resilience. In his pivotal role at PB&J TV, Sam channels his passion into ensuring every customer interaction reflects the "we are family" ethos. From calls and emails to social media, he strives to create a warm and caring experience for customers, extending the PB&J TV family spirit. His dedication goes beyond, as he actively contributes to creating diverse programs, making a lasting impact on the customer journey.
In this episode, we cover:
- Background and PB&J TV's origin
- Safer schools and smarter operations
- Transition from fear of cameras to embracing transparency
A sneak peek inside the episode:
“I want to flip the switch on the idea of a teacher being fearful of a camera being in the classroom. Because as long as you're doing what you're supposed to be doing and operating the way you're supposed to be operating, that camera's there to protect you."
In this episode, Melissa Lush of Force of Nature Clean offers her expertise on mitigating health risks in childcare settings.
Our Expert Melissa Lush
Melissa Lush, Co-Founder and CMO of Force of Nature, combines her background in product development at Procter & Gamble with her mission to clean up the cleaning industry for people and our planet. By creating certified carbon neutral, toxin-free alternatives to traditional cleaning products, and educating families and businesses about simple changes they can make to be more sustainable, Force of Nature is driving meaningful change in the industry.
In this episode, we cover:
- Research on health risks of cleaning products
- Understanding cleaning chemicals
- Positive actions for healthier choices
A sneak peek inside the episode:
“You know, we've all used these products for years and we just have ingrained in our minds how they should be. So the whole education piece is just- it's so important."
In this episode, business and leadership coach Aleta Mechtel joins us to discuss what it means to be a leader with better business practices in the childcare industry.
Our Expert Aleta Mechtel
Aleta Mechtel, a seasoned professional with 22+ years in early childhood education, has transitioned into a Business & Childcare Leadership Coach. Starting as a teacher and progressing through various roles, she honed expertise in business systems, marketing, leadership, and strategic planning. Successfully growing her business to four locations and launching complementary ventures, Aleta now leverages her experience to assist business leaders, especially in childcare. She offers services such as Business Coaching, Strategic Planning Masterclasses, Accountability Coaching Masterminds, and Substitute Teacher Placement to help others navigate and succeed in their respective industries.
In this episode, we cover:
- Leadership priority
- Broader priorities in the business journey
- Employee retention strategy
- Customer service and relationship building
A sneak peek inside the episode:
“You want the leadership at the top to want to or should be building a meaningful work environment: somewhere where you’re constantly giving recognition and building relationships.”
In this episode, Kelly Pritchard from Children’s Lighthouse Early Learning School shares how she supports teachers and parents as a community.
Our Expert Kelly Pritchard
Kelly wanted to address the challenges of finding quality childcare. After an exhausting search into educational based childcare, Kelly and husband John found Childrens Lighthouse and were immediately drawn to their unparalleled curriculum, extraordinary safety standards, and community focused mission. Beyond her professional background, Kelly emphasizes the importance of genuine passion and kindness. Committed to providing a nurturing and educational environment, she is excited about creating a special space for learning, love, empowerment and positively impacting lives in the community.
In this episode, we cover:
- Equal focus on parents and teachers
- Recognition and acts of kindness
- Customer service as a cultural element
- Philosophy of transparency and continuous improvement
A sneak peek inside the episode:
"I think sometimes childcare owners aren't in their business enough, in my opinion. Because I feel as though if owners are more present, it's one thing to be physically there, but being present and getting to know your families and your teachers goes a long way and they appreciate that. It shows the love."
In this episode, we are joined by Jennifer Vazquez from EOS Worldwide to explore strategies for efficiently nurturing and leading your team as a childcare centre manager.
Our Expert Jennifer Vazquez
Jennifer Vazquez, a seasoned entrepreneur, founded a highly successful company in 2009, expanding it to over 30 staff and 1000 clients. Acquiring three preschool centers later on, she navigated the challenges of managing 50 staff and over 300 children. Jennifer's solution came through the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS), resulting in a remarkable 700% increase in net profit and a regained sense of control over her life. In a successful 2021 exit, she sold her centers to a firm retaining both staff and business model. Now dedicated to EOS coaching, Jennifer simplifies tools and principles, guiding entrepreneurs to achieve business goals and align teams effectively.
In this episode, we cover:
- Balancing skills and culture in recruitment
- Time management in employee growth
- Monitoring staff progress
- Navigating individual vs. centre needs
A sneak peek inside the episode:
"I wasn't the best at hiring management staff for many years. That's when I was wearing multiple hats, and, you know, there was a lot of turnover—unfortunately, very stressful. But then I learned that if it's not my expertise, I need to hire someone for whom this is their specialty, and they excel at it. It's not an expense; it's a true investment, and the return on investment that I received was amazing."
In this episode, we discuss structured physical education, active play, and enriching programs for children with Megan Bowling of Stretch-N-Grow.
Our Expert Megan Bowling
Driven by a deep commitment to children's well-being and a sharp understanding of franchise development, Megan is Director of Franchise Development at Stretch-n-Grow, the leading children's fitness franchise. Her primary objective is to inspire dedicated entrepreneurs to partner with the company in their commitment to nurturing joyful, healthy, and successful futures for children globally.
In this episode, we cover:
- Defining "Getting children moving"
- Options for encouraging movement
- Success with enrichment programs
A sneak peek inside the episode:
"While free play is so important, so is structured physical education. And so when I'm talking about that and getting children moving, I am talking about that structured portion. The National Association of Sports and Physical Education, recommends that preschoolers have at least 30 minutes of structured physical education daily. So that's different than just running on the playground or kicking balls around with their friends."
In this episode, we speak with Tara Franklin of Child Development Schools about data-driven decisions within change management.
Our Expert Tara Franklin
Tara Franklin, a 20-year education industry veteran, serves as the manager of school operations at Child Development Schools, a leading early childhood education provider. She oversees business operations, customer relations, and talent development across multiple centers, ensuring quality and compliance. Tara's expertise in data-driven strategies and collaborative leadership enhances learning experiences and outcomes, driven by her deep belief in the power of education for transformation.
In this episode, we cover:
- Definition of change management in early education
- Real-world scenario of data-driven decisions in change management
- Empowering beneficiaries and constituents through data
- Data ownership and responsibility
A sneak peek inside the episode:
" I think change management empowers me with the ability to put myself in other's shoes: I care about people, their thoughts, their values, their experiences - because the early childhood industry is truly about relationships. And what stuck with me about change management is the "Yes, and..." approach. You don't have to be a profitable business, or choose quality and experience. Change management really enables organizations to marry the data and the goals with the people component of the industry."
In this episode, Beth Cannon offers insights into how leaders can effectively steer their teams using powerful tools for leadership and growth.
Our Expert Beth Cannon
Beth Cannon is a renowned early education leadership figure known for her compelling and unique approach to empowering teams. A sought-after speaker, coach, and consultant, She has created impactful training programs, delivered transformational keynotes, and is the force behind 12 Stretch-n-Grow franchises. With a background in communication and education, her expertise spans business, fitness, and education domains.
In this episode, we cover:
- Embracing change and adaptability
- Self-awareness and team dynamics
- Overcoming bias with the Enneagram
- Rethinking organization structure
- Team growth strategies
A sneak peek inside the episode:
"Antifragility is not a lack of empathy. It's accepting the brutal facts of the current reality and realizing we're still here. I think that the leaders who were fragile aren't still here anymore. The ones who have remained standing are here - and they are ready to dig in, level up, and learn more about how to be the best leader they can be. So that when things do get hard again, they won't be bogged down in being the bottleneck in their business."
In this episode, we discuss ways how to add value to help childcare businesses prosper with Kathe Petchel from Hinge Early Education Advisors.
Our Expert Kathe Petchel
Kathe Petchel has been involved in early childhood education since 1980, starting as a public school teacher before opening her own preschool center in Virginia. She now owns three sites in Charlottesville, serving over 300 families. In 2017, Kathe joined HINGE Advisors, initially as a staffing and operations consultant, and now focuses on client relations, helping sellers determine the value of their early childhood education businesses. She is known for her expertise and presentations on childcare topics, and has spoken at various conferences and is actively involved in multiple associations within the field.
In this episode, we cover:
- Prioritizing and organizing value-adding options
- Value-adding actions in childcare businesses
- Anticipated challenges for childcare business owners
A sneak peek inside the episode:
"Make sure that whatever your core values are, you're really living them and everyone in your school can talk about them, especially the tour giver, the director, and that you know you try your best. And we have a tough job. Honestly, it's getting harder all the time. try your best to solve a problem within your core values if at all possible."
In this episode, we dive into early childhood education leadership with TEDx Speaker and childcare business coach Evelyn Knight from Childcare Business Professionals.
Our Expert Evelyn Knight
Evelyn Knight is an experienced Early Childhood Education (ECE) professional, owner, and director of Zoo'n Around, a reputable preschool and childcare center in Nevada. With over 15 years of expertise in ECE, Evelyn is committed to prioritizing child development and parental education. As an Early Child Education trainer with the Nevada Registry, she contributes to the regulation and training of preschool teachers and childcare providers. Evelyn's passion for creating developmentally appropriate environments led her to establish her first preschool, Little Knights & Maidens, in 2008. In 2010, she merged with Zoo'n Around, expanding her impact. With love for Nevada and its history, Evelyn continues to make a positive difference in children's lives through her dedication and expertise. Currently, she works at Childcare Business Professionals as a childcare business coach supporting, educating, and motivating ECE business owners.
In this episode, we cover:
- Understanding the distinction: leader vs. manager
- Overcoming challenges and reigniting passion
- Innovating staffing solutions and compliance
A sneak peek inside the episode:
"You get to choose if the day-to-day problems have power or not. And honestly, you have to ask yourself is it worth it? Is it really worth losing sleep over or stressing yourself out? One of the biggest life lessons I've had is when I'm focused on the problems, I block the solutions from my mind. But when you reframe it and look at every problem as an opportunity, suddenly solutions are endless."
In this episode, we talk with Samantha Jockel, founder and CEO of ParentTV - a go-to platform for on-demand video resources that support parents, schools, childcare center professionals, and organisations contributing to education, care, and wellbeing of children.
Our Expert Samantha Jockel
Sam has been running her own online businesses for the past seven years, following her social work and studies in community development at university. During this time, Sam built large communities using social media and her natural ability in community development. As a parent of three children herself, Sam was able to connect with other parents genuinely and provide valuable insights. However, a tragic year made Sam realize that despite all the available resources, things were not improving for kids, and mental health issues among young people were at an all-time high. This inspired Sam to create ParentTV, a company that aims to educate and support parents in navigating new parenting challenges and enabling a positive future for their families. Sam's mission is to build a trusted company that connects parents to a local and global community and helps them navigate their parenting journey.
In this episode we cover:
- ParentTV and its service in childcare
- How engaging content helps guides parents and childcare staff efficiently
- Staff training and retention
- Describing excellence in an early education program
We talk about operational excellence with our guest Jaime Rechkemmer.
Our Expert Jaime Rechkemmer
Jaime Rechkemmer has 20+ years of leadership, operations optimization, and program management experience in education. She excels in strategic planning, process improvement, research, analysis, curriculum development, and policy management, exceeding performance goals on minimal resources. As VP of Education, Jaime provides high-quality curriculum, classroom environments, and technology enhancements for active learning experiences. She has 24+ years of Early Childhood Education experience and has written curriculum, trained educators, and designed thriving classroom environments. Jaime earned an MS in Leadership from Pfeiffer University and a BS in Family and Consumer Science from Winthrop University.
In this episode we cover:
- The scope for operations
- What excellence looks like
- Operational challenges and tips for overcoming
- Setting up for success with a plan
We talk about Schools of Excellence with our guest Chanie Wilschanski
Our Expert Chanie Wilschanski
Chanie Wilschanski is an Early Childhood Leadership Coach and Culture Specialist who began her journey over a decade ago, teaching toddlers at the acclaimed Preschool of the Arts in NYC. After receiving her Masters in EC and Special Education, Chanie started training teachers and school leaders on the HOW part of creating excellence in their schools.
In this episode we cover:
– Avoiding the pitfalls of perfection
- Training new team members
- Finding balance when there are competing priorities
A sneak peak inside the episode:
"So my definition of excellence is choosing to show up better than you did 5 minutes ago. I think that we get very stuck on perfectionism. We get very stuck on I have to do it this way. I have to do it that way. And if I look at parenting, if I look at leadership, if I look at any position of leadership, I think the most powerful strategy is repair. It's coming to say I'm sorry, it's coming to apologize. It's coming to repair what happened 5 minutes ago, right, because this notion that there's going to be one day that you're going to get."
Our topic today is Supporting Directors for Success
Our Expert Noelle D’Intino
We are delighted to have Noelle join us for this episode. With 18 years of experience as the owner of Scribble Time, a licensed child care center for 114 children, she also founded The Director’s Club in 2008, a consultancy firm aimed at equipping child care center owners with the necessary business skills to succeed. In addition, in 2020, Noelle added another feather to her cap with the creation of Breakbox, a thematic sensory playdough kit designed to keep little hands busy, inspired by her experience of quarantining with her six-year-old twin daughters.
In this episode we cover:
– The challenges of leading a childcare team
– Effective methods for training team members
– Consistency and delegation as a Director’s key tools
Lori Buxton has been involved in early care and education since 1995. She has served children and their families on many levels, including classroom teacher, program director, executive administrator, and training specialist. Lori is the Managing Director of the Association for Early Learning Leaders and speaks/trains regionally and nationally. She has served on many early education advisory committees including the Sesame Street Communities PD Virtual Advisory and has been a featured guest on many podcasts and webinars.
Vernon has been called the trifecta of childcare. He grew up in an "in-home" program. As his company grew, he has been the owner-director of small, medium, and large programs. After 28.5 years, including a decade of multi-site ownership, he sold his schools to a large regional provider. Along the way, Vernon completed a Master's in Early Childhood, wrote a couple of books, and became a popular speaker. Today Vernon is Senior Vice President of Growth and Development for The Nest Schools.
Author of:
Don't Go! A practical guide for tackling employee turnover.
Get Out! But before you go…..Practical steps to turn your Zero into a Hero or set them free!
Both available on Amazon
Our topic today is growing your childcare business and our guest expert is Kris Murray.
Our Expert Kris Murray
Kris Murray is the President and Founder of The Child Care Success Company and is America’s leading child care business expert. Her mission is to help child care owners and directors become more successful and profitable through proven cutting-edge marketing techniques and a unique approach to running a child care business.
In this episode we cover:
- Where to start with your childcare business
- The benefits of systems and processes
- Sales and marketing while still managing the business
Our topic today is the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and our guest expert is Cindy Vian.
Our Expert Cindy Vian
Cindy Vian is a sales and marketing executive currently serving as the Vice President of Acquisition for KidKare (Alpine Software Group), the #1 software solution for daycare management and the child and adult care food program (CACFP).
Our Expert Heather Torres
Heather took over an established learning center in San Antonio, Texas and made the center a fun and family first environment that is just as nurturing for her staff as it is for her students. She considers all the relationships she has gained as a director and influencer as her greatest accomplishment.
Heather has spoken on many stages across the country including NAEYC, AELL, TLCCA and KCCC presenting her unique point of view on the early childhood education industry.
In this episode we cover
– Generational groupings and learnings for you and your team
– Birth order and learnings for you and your team
– Actionable advice for childcare leaders
Our topic of staff motivation and workplace culture is presented by our guest, expert, author and consultant, Julie Bartkus.
Our Expert Julie Bartkus
Julie is an internationally-known Speaker, Consultant and Coach specializing in helping child care leaders attract, hire, manage, motivate and retain the team of their dreams. She is the author of the best-selling Child Care Business Success Book.
She offers keynote presentations, workshops, team retreats, group coaching programs (Child Care Program of Excellence), private coaching and VIP days.
The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) under the CARES Act encourages businesses to keep employees on their payroll.
To explore this topic and the importance to your business, we talk to Chris Myers, President of Comploy HR.
About our guest:
Chris and the team at Comploy HR help simplify administration. With expertise in payroll, benefits administration & human resource processes they have a lot of experience helping childcare businesses with ERTC.
In this episode:
-Background on the ERTC
-Deadlines
-Requirements for taking action now