ChildCare Conversations with Kate and Carrie
Kate and Carrie have over 62 years in the childcare business industry and bring that background to their conversations. Having worked with over 5000 childcare programs across the country in the last 30 years together they are a fun and powerful team - ready to help you tackle your problems with practical solutions.
Episodes
In this episode of "Childcare Conversations," Kate and Carriechat about a clever way to market your childcare center, by creating a neighborhood guidebook from a child’s perspective! They share how partnering with local realtors and businesses (think: restaurants, pediatricians, movie theaters) can help you connect with new families and stand out as a community leader.
It’s all about building rel...
In this heartwarming episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate and Carrie chat with Meredith Douglas from Boost, a nonprofit helping preschool teachers through tough times, think surprise car repairs or medical bills. Meredith shares how Boost steps in with emergency funds, offers financial education, and makes it easy for directors to nominate teachers in need.
They also discuss how centers can support Boost th...
In this episode of Childcare Conversations, your favorite duo gets real about leadership books. You know, the ones piling up on your nightstand. They chat about using books as tools, not just decor, and share tips for matching your reading style (audio, visual, or hands-on) to the right format.
Kate and Carrie also recommend practical reads like It’s Lonely at the Top and spill the beans on upcoming conferences...
In this episode of Childcare Conversations, you’ll join a warm chat with curriculum expert Sharon Burnett. Sharon shares her journey from kindergarten teacher to founder of Frog Street and creator of the “Foundations” program, which blends music, play, and social-emotional learning for emergent literacy.
You’ll pick up practical tips on weaving these playful, research-backed strategies into your daily routine; ...
In this episode of Childcare Conversations, you’ll feel like you’re sitting down with two friends over coffee as they unpack the role of home-based childcare in our communities. They chat about the differences between regulated and unregulated care, the unique strengths of home providers, and how centers and home programs can support each other (not compete!).
They also tackle tough topics like safety, ste...
In this episode of Childcare Conversations, you’ll meet Meghan Cornwell, whose journey from theatre and entertainment marketing to early childhood education is anything but typical! Meghan opens up about the ups and downs of finding mentorship—like being “ghosted” and feeling unsure how to ask for help.
Together, the trio shares wisdom on making mentorship meaningful (and less intimidating), the hidden ski...
In this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate and Carrie dive into the everyday communication hurdles between child care center owners and directors. Through relatable role-plays and real talk, they unpack why owners and directors sometimes feel like they're speaking different languages, especially around emails, staff appreciation, and budgets.
They share practical tips for setting boundaries, cla...
In this episode, Carrie and Kate sit down with Fiona Webb, a UK childcare owner, for a warm, globe-trotting chat. They swap stories about Fiona’s journey from the army to early years education, compare UK and US childcare quirks, and dream up a world tour to explore international programs.
The conversation is full of laughs, practical wisdom, and reminders that finding the right fit. Between families and p...
In this episode of Childcare Conversations, you’ll feel like you’re sitting down with two wise friends over coffee. Kate and Carrie get real about the financial ups and downs of running a childcare center, think about unexpected repairs, snow days, and the tricky balance between personal and business finances. They share smart strategies for building resilience, keeping staff in the loop, and planning for the unexpe...
In this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate and Carrie chat with Chris Mabasa, an experienced area director in childcare. Chris shares how his team keeps communication strong and leadership unified across four rapidly growing sites. Think daily check-ins, shared training, and creative staff events like the Dream Summit.
You’ll pick up practical tips on building a supportive culture, empowering staff, ...
In this episode of Childcare Conversations with Kate and Carrie, the hosts chat about making professional development in childcare truly meaningful. They share tips on moving beyond “check-the-box” trainings, like using book clubs, setting personal goals, and encouraging real engagement; yes, even turning cameras on during virtual sessions!
Carrie offers resourceful strategies for reflective learning and o...
In this episode of Childcare Conversations with Kate and Carrie, you’ll hear a down-to-earth chat with a professor from Texas Woman’s University about how classroom environments shape little ones’ learning and behavior. They swap stories and practical tips—think calming colors, less clutter, and spaces that match your program’s philosophy (Montessori, Reggio, etc.).
You’ll pick up resourceful ideas for making ...
In this episode, Kate and Carrie chat about the wild ride that is January and February for childcare directors. They share real talk about feeling overwhelmed, juggling too many hats, and how simple systems (like “tiger time” and body doubling) can save your sanity.
You’ll pick up clever delegation tips, think about handing off party planning or SOP creation, and hear how automation and leadership developm...
You’re going to love this episode! Kate and Carrie sit down with marketing pro Ruth Ann Rose to chat about how childcare centers can boost enrollment with smart, consistent branding. They swap stories about marketing mishaps (including a cringe-worthy website link fail!), explain why your digital footprint matters, and share easy tips for keeping your online presence polished.
Ruth Ann’s advice is practica...
In this episode of Childcare Conversations with Kate and Carrie, it’s just Carrie at the mic, diving deep into the tough realities facing childcare in the U.S. She unpacks legal battles over subsidy freezes in five states, Head Start’s fight for DEI, and the ripple effects of payment delays and funding cuts.
Carrie’s got practical advice and heartfelt stories, all with a dose of hope and resourcefulness. If you care...
In this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate and Carrie sit down with the ever-resourceful Logan (aka “Logan the Leprechaun”) to chat about creative ways to fund your child care program. They share tips on using data you already collect, crafting compelling stories, and—here’s the gold—tapping into local business marketing budgets for sponsorships and discounts. You’ll walk away with new ideas and the confidence...
In this episode, Kate and Carrie get interviewed in an episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair. Erica Saccoccio sits down with them to chat about building real, lasting partnerships between schools and families. They share smart, down-to-earth tips—like swapping rushed updates for meaningful stories and asking parents thoughtful questions at pick-up.
The trio reminds us that when educators and families ...
In this episode of Childcare Conversations, Kate and Carrie sit down with leadership consultant Jaime Rechkemmer for a warm, insightful chat about women’s leadership in early childhood education. Jamie shares her journey, the power of informal mentoring, and how real growth often comes from everyday connections—not just formal titles.
They discuss the challenges women face in balancing career and family, a...
In this episode of "Childcare Conversations," Kate and Carrie sit down with Tyler and Autumn from Wichita Falls’ Southside Youth Center to chat all things school-aged care. You’ll hear how their program blossomed from a small girls’ club into a vibrant STEAM hub, plus get the inside scoop on the joys (and quirks!) of working with older kids.
They share resourceful tips for nonprofit management, c...
In this episode of "Childcare Conversations," Kate and Carrie sit down with Kaila Linder, an AI trailblazer and preschool owner, to chat about how artificial intelligence is transforming the childcare industry. ☎️🤖 Kayla shares her journey from teacher to tech innovator, introducing tools like “AI Emily” that help centers answer calls, manage messages, and even monitor online reviews. The trio swap practi...
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