Child Care Rockstar Radio

Child Care Rockstar Radio is the podcast for child care owners, daycare leaders, and early childhood education entrepreneurs who want to grow a stronger, more profitable child care business.Hosted by Jennifer Conner, CEO of The Child Care Success Company, each episode features conversations with child care experts, preschool owners, and industry leaders who share practical strategies for child care leadership, enrollment growth, marketing, team culture, and business success.If you run a child care center, daycare, or preschool program, this podcast will help you build the systems, leadership skills, and mindset needed to grow your program and create a lasting impact on children, families, and your community.

Child Care Rockstar Radio is a education podcast hosted by Jennifer Conner, with 228 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Jennifer Conner hosts Child Care Rockstar Radio, a education show with 228 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #234

  Ep. 234 — Is Your Childcare Center Overspending on Food? How to Find the Hidden Savings with Kris Davis

  Aug 20, 202653 minS1

  This episode could save you money, hours, and maybe a few future Saturdays pushing an overflowing cart through a warehouse store! Jennifer sits down with Kris Davis, Senior Director at Food & Supply Source, who brings more than 30 years of experience in food distribution and procurement. After decades of helping restaurant owners find hidden money, make smarter purchasing decisions, and operate more efficiently, Kris is now bringing that same expertise to child care centers and other organizations serving children. Kris and Jennifer dig into a part of the business that many owners rarely stop to analyze: what are you really spending to feed each child? They talk about the true cost of grocery runs, when using a distributor makes sense, the products that deserve the closest look, CACFP compliance, portion sizes, food waste, and how seemingly tiny changes can add up to thousands of dollars a year. Key Takeaways: [2:45] Jennifer looks back on years of "shopping Saturdays" and realizes that saving a few pennies at the store may have been costing her hours of valuable time. [9:16] Kris shares how more than 30 years in food service and distribution taught her to find hidden money inside businesses that looked successful on the surface. [13:10] One of the first numbers every owner should know is their true food cost per child per day. [14:55] Kris says a center feeding 50 to 60 children could have around $10,000 a year hiding inside its food costs. [17:12] Buying from a distributor can mean bulk savings, consistent products, fewer scavenger hunts around town, and a whole lot of time back. [18:19] Owners should consider the value of their own time instead of treating hours spent grocery shopping as if they are free. [22:40] Before switching to a distributor, look at practical things like storage space, case sizes, delivery minimums, and whether you can use the food before it expires. [30:56] Kris starts a food cost review with the invoices and focuses first on the high-volume products that have the biggest impact on the bottom line. [35:52] The right product choice can improve CACFP compliance and lower costs, including one sausage swap Kris says saved more than $6,000 a year. [39:45] Kris recommends occasionally looking at what is being thrown away because food waste is one of the clearest places to spot money leaving the building. [42:00] Registered dietitians and nutrition specialists can take the complicated CACFP calculations and documentation off an owner's plate. [45:30] Food & Supply Source can start with a cost-benefit analysis to show owners what they are currently paying and where savings may be available. [48:09] Kris shares real examples ranging from $18,000 a year in savings to one organization saving $400 every week simply by changing brands. [50:48] Kris leaves listeners with an immediate money-saving tip: check the price of the applesauce brand you are buying! Quotes: "Sometimes improving your bottom line doesn't require a brand new revenue stream or a massive change to your business. Sometimes the money is already there; you just have to know where to look." [8:08] - Jennifer "The first thing I'm going to want to do is I want to look at number one, your invoices. So you're going to show me your invoices, and then this is where we really start to take a deep dive into your food costs." [31:16] - Kris "With our program, it's completely free. There's no cost. There's no contract. If you hate us, you can leave. But we're going to help you save money. We're going to do all the work for you. We're not for everyone, but I really think that we should be. I like to think that we are." [43:50] - Kris Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute : Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal Kris Davis LinkedIn Food and Supply Source

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  Episode #233

  Ep. 233 — Becoming a Magic Maker with Tammy England

  Aug 6, 202649 minS1

  Jennifer sits down with a true magic maker, Tammy England! Tammy is part of the team at The Child Care Success Company and often one of the first friendly faces members many of you have already met, but long before joining the team, she spent 29 years teaching, training teachers, mentoring educators, and finding creative ways to help children fall in love with learning. She also happens to be Jennifer's cousin who feels much more like a sister, which makes this conversation especially sweet. Tammy shares how their grandmother Mimi taught them that magic can be created with imagination, patience, cookie dough, pretend hotels, and an RV that suddenly becomes an apartment. She brings that same spirit into the classroom through dramatic play, sensory experiences, nature, animals, imagination, and plenty of opportunities to get messy. Jennifer and Tammy also talk about understanding behavior as communication, partnering with parents, and creating classrooms where children feel safe, excited, and free to explore. Key Takeaways: [8:05] Tammy shares how 29 years of teaching, along with the influence of Mimi and Mary Poppins, shaped her love of making learning magical. [11:54] Children are experiencing so many things for the first time, which gives teachers the incredible opportunity to become magic makers. [14:00] Tammy shares how finding something positive in a struggling child changed the experience for both the child and her worried mother. [18:52] When a child is struggling, start by looking at the environment, finding something positive to praise, and giving the child ownership in the classroom. [20:56] Observing exactly what happened without assigning emotions can help teachers understand what a child's behavior is communicating. [23:24] Parents do not need a list of everything their child did wrong, but they do need to understand where their child needs support and how they can help. [25:13] Small personal connections with families help build the trust that every strong child care relationship depends on. [26:38] Tammy's dream classroom brings nature inside and includes animals, hands-on learning, movement, books, art, and a calming space. [28:02] Preschool classrooms should be built around how young children actually learn instead of looking like miniature kindergarten classrooms. [31:53] When behavior problems keep showing up, look at the classroom setup and whether the environment meets the needs of the children currently in it. [33:46] Meaningful learning experiences do not have to come from an expensive catalog, as Tammy proves with everything from loose parts to a real octopus sensory experience. [35:27] Items that look like junk to adults can become pure magic when children are given the freedom to explore and create with them. [38:08] Letting children help with everyday activities like baking can build confidence, pride, and a genuine excitement for learning. [38:56] Candy corn math, sensory tubs, and rainbow writing are a few of Tammy's favorite ways to make early learning irresistible. [45:03] Tammy closes with a hilarious reminder that preschoolers can create unexpected mischief anywhere, including a dramatic play at a flower shop. Quotes: "Some of the most magical classrooms are built with cardboard boxes, sensory bins, imagination, patience, and a teacher who genuinely loves being there." — Jennifer [5:34] "Before we were business owners, before we were leaders, most of us simply just wanted to make a difference in a child's life, and that's still the greatest work we get to do." — Jennifer [6:02] "These kids, for the most part, are experiencing these things for the very first time, and so getting to plan these things out, you become a magic maker, and it's one of the best jobs in the world." — Tammy [11:54] "Most of the time, every reaction, every behavior is a communication, and so if you look at it that way, what are they communicating?" — Tammy [21:08] "Every classroom should have a cozy corner for children to regulate." — Tammy [44:44] Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute : Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal Tammy Lee England

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  Episode #132

  Ep. 232 — Stop Sounding Like Everyone Else: What Today's Parents Really Want with Zach Merritt

  Jul 23, 202643 minS1

  In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Zach Merritt, Senior Manager of Product Marketing at Procare Solutions, who spends his days talking with child care programs across the country and spotting the patterns that show up across hundreds and thousands of centers. Together, they dig into what separates the programs that continue to struggle from the ones that are truly thriving, and why sounding exactly like every other child care center in your area is one of the fastest ways to disappear into the background. Zach and Jennifer talk about what today's parents actually expect, why "safe, nurturing, and quality education" is no longer enough to set you apart, and how speed, transparency, and real-life content can completely change the enrollment experience. They also get into technology, automation, and how the right systems can give owners back hours each month without losing the human connection that makes child care so special. Key Takeaways: [3:02] Zach shares how his work with nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and education led him into the child care industry. [5:19] Staff retention, enrollment, and the overwhelm of competing responsibilities continue to be the biggest pressure points for owners. [7:43] The industry is still feeling the effects of COVID, staffing changes, and the end of many pandemic-era funding programs. [10:51] Owners have an important role as advocates who can bring real data and real business needs into policy conversations. [13:27] Thriving centers often find a meaningful way to specialize and carve out their own place in the community. [14:25] Zach shares how one North Carolina center built belonging and strong word-of-mouth by intentionally serving Indian immigrant families. [17:00] When every center uses the same words, parents are left comparing only price and convenience. [19:02] Your website, reviews, and social media are often the first places today's parents decide whether you are worth exploring. [21:03] Fast now means automated, with an immediate response, helpful information, and a clear next step. [22:22] Families may stop searching as soon as one center responds quickly and makes them feel like they have found the right place. [24:23] Real photos, videos, and everyday classroom moments help families see what life inside your center actually feels like. [27:08] Owners have to look at their marketing through the eyes of the younger families walking through their doors. [28:47] Technology can turn hours of administrative work into minutes while creating a smoother experience for families. [30:15] Procare supports the full family journey, from the first inquiry and tour through enrollment, communication, and daily care updates. [33:22] The right software can save a center an average of 60 to 80 hours each month. [34:20] Zach's first lightning-round answer is simple: stop sounding like everybody else and start responding faster. [34:32] Owners should review what is taking too much time and decide what software can take off their shoulders. [35:22] New owners should expect mistakes and focus on building a strong culture from the beginning. [35:44] Child care is becoming more widely understood as a vital part of the infrastructure that keeps society moving. [37:22] AI is opening new possibilities for automation, planning, and handling more complex tasks with less owner oversight. [40:15] AI can support the work, but it cannot replace an owner's expertise, relationships, or responsibility for quality. Quotes: "I think sometimes people forget that they're an advocate for childcare in general, but also as a business owner." — Jennifer [10:51] "If you are expedient in getting back to people and giving them the opportunity to see and experience what they can expect from your center and what their child's outlook would be and all of those things, then you're just going to win them over before and their research is going to stop there." — Zach [22:22] "It's okay to make mistakes. You're going to learn. I would say focus on your culture as a building block." — Zach [35:22] "I think the way that our society is looking at childcare now is that it is no longer just daycare or a place to drop your kids off, as it was in the past. But deeper than that, I think that it's becoming more and more clear where childcare plays a pivotal role in the infrastructure of our society and the needs for it for all other aspects in terms of work and education and those key functions that our future coming generation needs, and the parents and families now are also in dire need of. So, childcare is not going anywhere." — Zach [36:09] Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute : Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal Procare Solutions

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  Episode #131

  Ep. 231 — You Already Have What You're Fighting For with Rachel Chaisson

  Jul 9, 202638 minS1

  Jennifer welcomes Rachel Chaisson, owner and CEO of A Joyful Noise Preschool and Child Care in Maine. Rachel's journey is incredible: after earning her GED and raising three children as a single mother, she began working in child care as a teacher and eventually grew into the owner of three successful early learning centers serving more than 200 children and families each year. Rachel talks about the season she is in now and learning to pause, reflect, and ask whether the things that once drove her are still the things she wants to carry forward. Jennifer and Rachel talk about personal core values, leadership, trust, building a business that supports the life you love, and the surprising realization that sometimes the very things you have been fighting for are already yours. And yes, there is even a little homework in this one, but we promise, it's the good kind! Key Takeaways: [5:30] Rachel shares how she went from never planning to have children to building a life and career around caring for them. [10:23] Jennifer and Rachel reflect on becoming "unintentional" child care owners and finding purpose in a path they never expected. [12:15] Rachel shares how she first focused on becoming the best business owner she could be before realizing she also wanted a business that supported her life. [13:45] How to build a business that can sustain a life you love that gives you freedom, stability, and space to evolve. [16:04] Rachel shares the family crisis that forced her to step away and showed her how capable her leadership team really was. [18:00] Jennifer points out that Rachel's team could step up because Rachel had already spent time modeling, training, and building trust with them. [19:30] Rachel talks about her current passion for developing leaders and giving her team room to grow. [21:19] Jennifer gives listeners a little homework: pause and write down your personal core values. [22:30] Rachel shares the realization that independence had once served her deeply, but may not be the value she needs to keep fighting for now. [24:27] Rachel names stability, peace, and growth as values she is still reflecting on in this new season. [27:30] Rachel explains how the CEO Lab helped her think not only about being a better leader, but also about being a better wife, mom, friend, and person. [28:47] The shift from fighting for independence to learning how to trust. [31:48] Great advice from Rachel: be open to what life sends your way and surround yourself with people who are where you want to be. Quotes: "Sometimes the things you're fighting for are already yours." — Jennifer [4:35] "Once I got into the business, I became very much about how to make it the best business, the strongest business. You know, how to have profit, how to have systems." — Rachel [12:15] "How do I build my business to sustain the life that I love so much right now?" — Rachel [13:45] Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute : Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal A Joyful Noise Preschool and Childcare

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  Episode #230

  Ep. 230 — The Difference Between Owners Who Grow and Owners Who Stay Stuck with Ben Poswalk

  Jun 25, 202638 minS1

  In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Ben Poswalk, Director of Business Development at The Child Care Success Company, for a chat about what really separates owners who keep growing from the ones who stay stuck in the same overwhelm, year after year. Because after years of working with child care owners in every stage of the journey, Ben has seen the patterns clearly: where owners break through, where they get in their own way, and what actually helps them move forward. Together, they talk about the habits that show up inside successful businesses, the blind spots that keep owners spinning, and why the biggest problem is not always the one sitting on the surface. They also get into trust, relationships, vulnerability, and what it looks like to stop carrying everything alone. Key Takeaways: [3:57] Ben shares how his path into child care started unexpectedly and became a calling he never planned for. [6:47] The owners who grow are usually the ones who take action on what they learn instead of just gathering more information. [8:09] Many owners stay stuck because they are buried in the day-to-day and are trying to control too much at once. [9:25] Letting go of tasks your team can handle often creates more freedom and better results than holding on too tightly. [10:42] A lot of staffing struggles point back to leadership, culture, and clarity, not just hiring. [11:53] Better hiring starts with helping people see the purpose of the work and how they fit into the bigger vision. [14:03] One major blind spot is chasing outside solutions for problems that are really happening inside the business. [15:07] Strong enrollment systems are built on trust and relationship-building, not pressure or rushing families. [18:25] The owners who keep growing are usually the ones willing to do the hard things and have the hard conversations. [19:40] Vulnerability is often the thing that helps owners get support, build confidence, and move forward. [26:58] In 2026, one of the biggest opportunities is getting back to real human connection with staff, families, and children. [31:48] Owners do not have to carry everything alone, but they do have to be honest about what is not working. [33:33] Often, the biggest breakthrough starts by identifying the one issue that will create the most momentum first. Quotes: "I feel like it's a calling more than anything else, and we end up serving the children and families that are in our care, because it was just meant to be." — Ben [4:09] "It's the owners that implement and actually take action on the information that they receive." — Ben [7:06] "Relationships are everything, because it's not about what we can do or the shiny objects that we can build; it's about who we are on the inside, showing up and being authentic, building trust, and building relationships with them." — Jennifer [17:14] "We are in the trust business. Always." — Jennifer [17:50] "Vulnerability is such a key component to success." — Ben [20:32] "My passion is getting fulfilled, and that's making this world a better place, one child at a time, and that's only possible through those conversations I have on a regular basis with owners." — Ben [35:02] Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute : Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal Ben Poswalk Facebook Ben Poswalk Instagram Ben Poswalk LinkedIn Brené Brown

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