• Episode 202: The Childcare Staffing Dilemma: Finding the Right Fit for Summer Employment
    May 21 2024

    In this podcast episode, Carrie and Kate explore solutions to the persistent staffing shortages in childcare facilities. They discuss the potential of hiring young adults, particularly those aged 18 to 25, for temporary summer positions, which could lead to long-term employment. They also consider the benefits of employing teachers and retirees, offering strategies to accommodate the latter's learning preferences. The conversation underscores the importance of a diverse and flexible staff to maintain operations without over-relying on expensive substitutes, offering practical hiring advice for childcare programs facing staffing challenges.

    Support the Show.

    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" 📖
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    • Contact us if you have any questions or have a good idea for a future episode!
    • Are you looking for a good director training? Check out our Website for our training and additional resources!


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    14 mins
  • Episode 201: What Insurance Coverage Does Your Child Care Program Need?
    May 15 2024

    In this episode of ChildCare Conversations, Kate and Carrie discuss the complexities of insurance for childcare programs with Blake, an insurance professional. They delve into the necessity of accurate insurance coverage, considering the increased construction and materials costs over time. Blake advises on the importance of general liability, abuse, molestation coverage, professional liability, and auto policies, including hired and non-owned auto coverage. He also highlights how licensing deficiencies can affect insurance rates and the value of contesting unfounded deficiencies. The conversation covers the impact of COVID-19 on insurance rates, the significance of business interruption insurance, and the need for employment practices liability insurance. The episode underscores the importance of understanding and maintaining proper insurance to protect childcare programs financially.

    Blake Sanders
    Aleaf Insurance - National coverage
    Phone: (972) 232-2258

    Child Care Division:
    Phone: (972) 312-9999
    https://www.aleafinsurance.com/child-care

    Support the Show.

    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" 📖
    • Like us on Facebook! 👍
    • Contact us if you have any questions or have a good idea for a future episode!
    • Are you looking for a good director training? Check out our Website for our training and additional resources!


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    28 mins
  • Episode 200: Understanding Child Care Insurance: Navigating Liability, Abuse Claims, and More
    May 7 2024

    In this podcast episode, Blake, an expert in childcare insurance joins Kate and Carrie to discuss the challenges childcare directors and owners face in obtaining suitable insurance coverage. He shares his journey from being a childcare director to an owner and the difficulties he encountered in finding the right insurance guidance. Blake emphasizes the need for specialized knowledge in childcare insurance due to the industry's unique requirements. This episode explores the impact of market changes, the complexities of abuse and molestation coverage, and the importance of working with knowledgeable brokers. Blake also advises on the long-term implications of filing small insurance claims, such as those for stolen catalytic converters, and the significance of understanding when to file a claim to avoid increased premiums. The conversation concludes with practical tips for childcare businesses to navigate insurance complexities effectively.

    Blake Sanders
    Aleaf Insurance - National coverage
    Phone: (972) 232-2258

    Child Care Division:
    Phone: (972) 312-9999
    https://www.aleafinsurance.com/child-care

    Support the Show.

    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" 📖
    • Like us on Facebook! 👍
    • Contact us if you have any questions or have a good idea for a future episode!
    • Are you looking for a good director training? Check out our Website for our training and additional resources!


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    25 mins
  • Episode 199: How Can Certification Programs Support Early Childhood Educators in Coaching and Mentoring?
    Apr 30 2024

    In this podcast episode, Carrie, Kate, and guest Prerna Richards discuss a new certification program aimed at coaching and mentoring early childhood education teachers. Prerna introduces the program, which is designed to help individuals such as education managers and directors support classroom teachers. The conversation covers the program's commitment, content, and the benefits of providing a career path for teachers. Prerna emphasizes the importance of equipping educators with coaching skills to avoid burnout and ensure success in their roles. The episode also touches on the international interest in the program and its focus on practical application and community learning. The hosts express enthusiasm for the program's potential to uplift teachers and improve early learning environments.

    https://togetherwegrow.online/behavior-intervention-specialist-certification/

    The certification is offered over three days:
    May 9th, May 21st and June 6th
    All sessions are from 12:00-2:00 CST PM.

    Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and exhausted in your early childhood education program? Are challenging behaviors draining joy from your classrooms? Together We Grow is here to help you turn the tide and create a culture of excellence, joy, and growth.

    Support the Show.

    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" 📖
    • Like us on Facebook! 👍
    • Contact us if you have any questions or have a good idea for a future episode!
    • Are you looking for a good director training? Check out our Website for our training and additional resources!


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    23 mins
  • Episode 198: The Most Innovative Business Models for Childcare Programs
    Apr 23 2024

    In this podcast episode, Carrie and Kate explore various business models for starting a childcare business, including nature-based preschools, partnerships with faith-based entities, and collaborations with dance or martial arts studios. They also consider the potential for working with schools or businesses to provide childcare services. The hosts emphasize the importance of planning and understanding the cycles involved in starting a childcare program. They conclude by encouraging listeners to share the episode with potential childcare entrepreneurs and to engage with their content online for further learning.

    Support the Show.

    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" 📖
    • Like us on Facebook! 👍
    • Contact us if you have any questions or have a good idea for a future episode!
    • Are you looking for a good director training? Check out our Website for our training and additional resources!


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    20 mins
  • Episode 197: Is Expanding Your Child Care Center the Right Move for You?
    Apr 16 2024

    In this podcast episode, Carrie and Kate discuss the complexities of expanding a childcare center. They cover the benefits of scaling up, the timing of enrollment spikes, and the importance of market demand, zoning, and financial considerations. The speakers highlight the need for thorough due diligence, such as understanding local market dynamics, checking licensing reports, and community perception. They also suggest consulting with a business broker experienced in the childcare sector.

    Support the Show.

    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" 📖
    • Like us on Facebook! 👍
    • Contact us if you have any questions or have a good idea for a future episode!
    • Are you looking for a good director training? Check out our Website for our training and additional resources!


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    20 mins
  • Episode 196: Engaging with Legislators and Building Community Relationships
    Apr 9 2024

    In this podcast episode, Carrie and Kate explore the significance of advocacy in the early childcare sector. They highlight the benefits of joining professional organizations and networking to amplify voices in the industry. The duo offers actionable advice on how to effectively engage with legislators and participate in advocacy initiatives. They discuss the power of forming personal connections within the community, such as with local coffee shop owners, to foster mutual support. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of community engagement and the importance of being involved in various groups beyond childcare associations to advocate for diverse causes. Carrie and Kate conclude by encouraging listeners to leverage their networks and passions to advocate for meaningful change in their communities.

    Support the Show.

    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" 📖
    • Like us on Facebook! 👍
    • Contact us if you have any questions or have a good idea for a future episode!
    • Are you looking for a good director training? Check out our Website for our training and additional resources!


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    22 mins
  • Episode 195: Empowering Child Care Centers: A Practical Guide to Advocacy
    Apr 2 2024

    In this episode, Carrie and Kate outline a strategy for advocating childcare tax reduction in Pflugerville, Texas. They discuss identifying city council members, researching legislation, and contacting officials with a clear proposal. Emphasizing community involvement, they suggest attending local events, like Farm Day, to promote childcare programs. While focused on Pflugerville, they invite discussions on similar issues in other areas, noting they don't reside or work in Pflugerville to maintain transparency. The episode is a guide for effective advocacy and community engagement. Check out parts 1 and 2 of our advocacy program to learn more and check back next week for more!

    Support the Show.

    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" 📖
    • Like us on Facebook! 👍
    • Contact us if you have any questions or have a good idea for a future episode!
    • Are you looking for a good director training? Check out our Website for our training and additional resources!


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    26 mins