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
280 episodes
270: How Can Event-Based Childcare Transform Your Business? With Hope King
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...
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26:13
269: How Can Child Care Leaders Make Confident Decisions Under Pressure?
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...
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23:03
268: How Can Child Care Centers Thrive Amid Budget Cuts and Challenges? With Bianca and Trina
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 a...
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30:42
267: How Can Podcasting Transform Your Child Care Program? With Yulonda Smith
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 star...
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35:19
266: Unleash the Power of Play: Why Big Body Play is a Game Changer with Trevor Newton
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 ...
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29:57
265: The Best Ways to Combine Play and Literacy for Early Learners with Melissa McCall
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 ...
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22:09
264: Awareness months and connecting with community
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 space...
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16:31
263: How Can Collaboration Transform Your Childcare Business? With Noelle D'Intino
In this episode, you’ll join a warm, insightful chat about the real challenges and creative solutions in early childhood education.
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32:55
262: Unlocking the Power of Self-Regulation in Early Childhood Education With Dr. Teri DeLucca
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 ...
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23:19
261: The Dynamic Duo of ChildMYnder: Lessons in Love, Business, and Adaptability!
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 ...
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44:06
260: The Best Strategies for Building Emotional Connections with Kids! With Diane Goyette
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—conne...
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33:55
259: Embrace Your Unique Leadership Style and Inspire Your Team
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 ...
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21:45
258: The Best Strategies for Financial Health in Early Childhood Education with Kathy Ligon
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 be...
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26:26
257: How Can We Transform Childcare for Children with Special Needs? With Carson Wagner
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 u...
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21:37
256: Building a Childcare Empire: Princess's Inspiring Journey in Early Education.
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 inspiri...
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21:02
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255: Your Childcare Center is More Than Just a 'Daycare'
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...
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31:21
254: The Comprehensive Guide to Compliance in Early Education! With Lynn Wenger
In this episode, hosts Kate and Carrie chat with compliance expert Lynn Wenger about the importance of compliance in childcare centers. Lynn shares her journey into early education and emphasizes that compliance goes beyond just meeting licensi...
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Episode 254
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28:35
253: Get Ready for the Born To Teach Conference with Latrice Galloway
In this episode, co-hosts Kate and Carrie sit down with Latrice Galloway, the founder of the "Born to Teach" conference. Latrice shares her journey into childcare, which began when she couldn't find quality care for her son and decided to open ...
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Episode 253
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15:08
252: The Greatest Challenges Facing Childcare Today with Dr Jamalynn Lewis
In this episode, hosts Kate and Carrie chat with Dr. Jamalynn Lewis, a resilient childcare provider from New Orleans. Jamalynn shares her inspiring journey into early childcare, highlighting the grit needed to navigate the industry, especially ...
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Episode 252
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27:27
251: The Best Strategies for Engaging and Retaining Childcare Staff with Vernon Mason Jr.
In this episode, Kate and Carrie chat with Vernon Mason Jr., a childcare veteran with over 32 years of experience. They dive into the staffing challenges that hit childcare programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vernon shares his journey from r...
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27:44
250! Our Best Tips for Your Childcare Center 🌟
In this episode, Kate and Carrie chat about turning ideas into actionable steps to improve childcare programs. They tackle common challenges like managing enrollment, understanding financial impacts, and creating standard operating procedures (...
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Episode 250
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25:12
249: How Mentorship Can Elevate Your Childcare Program with Tafta Miller
In this episode, Kate and Carrie sit down with Tafta Miller, who runs two childcare centers in Monroe, Louisiana. They dive into the importance of mentorship and coaching for new directors in the childcare industry. With her 30 years of experie...
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27:45
248: Creating Safe and Engaging Playgrounds with Alisha Kriege
In this episode, Kate and Carrie chat with Alisha about the vital role playgrounds play in childcare settings. They dive into the benefits of investing in high-quality playground equipment versus DIY options, emphasizing safety, longevity, and ...
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16:11
247: Balancing Enrollment and Staff Retention in Childcare with Chanie Wilschanski
In this episode of "Child Care Conversations," co-hosts Kate and Carrie chat with Chanie Wilschanski, CEO of Schools of Excellence. Chanie shares her expertise on managing childcare programs, especially during challenging times like the COVID p...
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28:17
246: Become Prepared for the Unexpected: How to Create an Oh Sh*t Fund
In this episode of "Child Care Conversations," Kate and Carrie dive into the nitty-gritty of financial planning for childcare providers. They chat about the importance of having a financial safety net, humorously dubbed the "oh sh*t fund" (OSF)...
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31:25