ChildCare Conversations with Kate and Carrie

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In this episode of Child Care Conversations, you’ll meet Cindy Lehnhoff, a true gem with 40+ years in childcare! Cindy shares her inspiring journey from part-time preschool teacher to VP of Operations, and dishes out practical tips on flexible staffing, creative scheduling, and why part-time roles can be a game-changer. 

The chat also covers staff well-being, vacation policies, and the value of professional d...

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In this episode of Child Care Conversations, guest host Erica of the Directors Chair Podcast turns the tables on regular hosts (and cousins) Kate and Carrie, diving into their journey as early childhood education leaders and publishers. They share heartfelt stories about resilience, building their business, and empowering women in leadership. 

You’ll hear about their “monkey management” workshops, memorable conference ...

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In this episode of Child Care Conversations, Kate and Carrie chat about “loveys,” those cherished comfort items kids bring to childcare with Diane Goyette. They share heartfelt stories and practical tips on why these objects matter so much for emotional regulation and security. You’ll pick up resourceful ideas for managing loveys in your center, hear why every child’s attachment is unique (especially for neurodiverse ...

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In this episode, we sit down with Hope King, founder of Black Tie Babysitting, to chat about creative ways childcare professionals can branch out beyond traditional centers. Hope shares her journey of providing event-based childcare at weddings and corporate gatherings, offering tips on partnerships, staff empowerment, and setting up safe, fun spaces for kids. It’s a warm, insightful conversation packed with practical...

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In this episode, Kate and Carrie chat about making confident decisions under pressure, something every childcare leader faces! They swap real stories (like Carrie’s wild tree-on-the-roof incident), tackle decision fatigue, and share clever tips for managing overflowing emails and communication chaos. You’ll pick up resourceful strategies for streamlining your tech tools, setting boundaries, and handling tricky moments...

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Wow, this episode was a real heart-to-heart! You’ll hear from Ms. Bianca and Ms. Trina of Tender Care in Milwaukee, who share their center’s inspiring 46-year journey from a small church ministry to a lifeline for local families. They open up about the tough realities of childcare funding, their creative “hustles” to keep doors open, and the power of advocacy, both big and small. If you care about kids, community, or ...

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In this episode, you’ll feel like you’re sitting down with old friends as they coach Yulonda—and you—through the ins and outs of using podcasts and press releases to market your childcare program. The hosts share practical tips for getting started, from overcoming nerves to using AI tools (like ChatGPT) to turn podcast transcripts into blogs and social posts. You’ll learn how to amplify your message, tap into your net...

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In this episode of Child Care Conversations, the hosts sit down with Trevor Newton, a passionate early childhood educator, to chat all about “big body play”—think wrestling, tumbling, and active movement in the classroom. They share real-world tips for empowering teachers as leaders, creating safe play spaces, and building staff buy-in (book club, anyone?). 

Trevor and the team get personal, sharing how big b...

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In this episode of Child Care Conversations, you’ll meet Melissa McCall from North Carolina, who shares her journey blending play and literacy in early childhood education. Melissa opens up about her own daughter’s struggles with early reading skills during the pandemic and how that inspired her to champion play-based, research-backed learning. 

You’ll pick up practical tips for teachers and parents, learn wh...

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In this episode of Child Care Conversations, Kate and Carrie chat about National Breastfeeding Awareness Month and how you can support breastfeeding families in your center. They share smart, doable tips, like creating comfy breastfeeding spaces, hosting community groups, and connecting with local media and doctors. Plus, they talk about using themed awareness months to boost your curriculum and marketing. It’s all ab...

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In this episode, you’ll join a warm, insightful chat about the real challenges and creative solutions in early childhood education.  Noelle D’Intino shares her journey running a thriving center, renovating a church into a new facility, and building supportive networks for directors and teachers. 

The group dives into smart staffing (think hiring from outside childcare!), the power of collaboration over competition, and...

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Kate and Carrie sit down with Dr. Teri DeLucca, founder of Impact Early Education, to chat about the real challenges early childhood leaders face, especially around behavior management and teacher self-regulation. Dr. DeLuca shares practical tips, like quick “glow and grow” check-ins and the importance of self-reflection for teachers. There’s even a sneak peek at new AI tools for supporting educators. 

This e...

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In this episode, Kate and Carrie sit down with Sara and Greg Schreiner, the dynamic duo behind ChildMYnder in Montana. They chat about how Sara’s childhood passion for childcare turned into a thriving family business—despite Greg’s initial reluctance (he was an engineer!). The couple shares honest stories about juggling marriage and business, expanding during the pandemic, and raising entrepreneurial kids. Their secre...

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In this episode, Kate and Carrie sit down with Diane Goyette to chat about the real heart of early education: supporting kids’ emotional needs. Diane shares her “Four C’s” framework—connection, calming, compassion, and capacity building—offering practical tips for teachers and directors facing challenging behaviors. 

The trio swaps stories, laughs, and wisdom, all while reminding us that strong relationships ...

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Pull up a chair, friend! In this episode, we chat all about what it really means to lead in childcare. 🦆🦢 They swap stories and metaphors (think ducks vs. geese!) to explore the difference between managing and truly leading a team. With warmth and wisdom, they stress the importance of self-awareness, knowing your values, and finding your own leadership style. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to inspire your tea...

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In this episode, Kate and Carrie sit down with Kathy Ligon from Hinge Advisors to chat about the tricky balance between purpose and profit in childcare. Kathy shares smart tips on understanding occupancy rates, bridging the communication gap between directors and owners, and why financial health is key to quality care. 

They swap stories, offer practical advice, and remind us that a strong financial foundatio...

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In this episode, Kate and Carrie sit down with Carson Wagner, the heart behind Lifetime of Love Nannies in Reno. Carson shares her inspiring journey from teen caregiver to agency owner, opening up about the real-life challenges—and joys—of supporting kids with special needs. The trio chats about why hands-on experience often trumps formal education, the power of partnerships in childcare, and creative ways to diversif...

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In this episode, Kate and Carrie chat live from the Early Childhood Empowerment Conference with Princess Shenette Zachary, a true powerhouse in the childcare industry. She shares her inspiring journey from the entertainment biz to building a thriving childcare empire, all sparked by motherhood. 

We get a peek into her family’s legacy, her passion for empowering kids, and her knack for helping others start the...

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In this episode, Carrie and Kate delve into the often-overlooked financial and social significance of childcare centers. They encourage providers to recognize their worth, highlighting that many centers can generate around $1 million in revenue. 💰 Carrie and Kate emphasize the importance of rephrasing the language used to describe their roles, shifting away from "just a director" to acknowledging their subs...