Childcare Conversations was founded by cousins Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed., PCC, and Carrie Casey, MBA, to create practical, honest conversations about the real business and leadership challenges facing early childhood professionals. Today, the podcast is hosted by Kate Woodward Young and features childcare owners, directors, experts, and industry leaders talking about leadership, staffing, enrollment, finances, systems, growth, and the everyday decisions behind stronger early childhood programs. With hundreds of episodes and voices from across the field, Childcare Conversations helps early childhood leaders ask better questions, find practical ideas and trusted resources, and make better decisions for their businesses, programs, teams, children, and families. Real people. Practical ideas. Better decisions.
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80/100
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ChildCare Conversations
384: What Most Preschool Owners Miss When Choosing a Franchise Model With Amber Stravlo
Oct 1, 202626 min
Send us Fan Mail What happens when you find a preschool franchise that actually fits your educational philosophy and business goals ? Amber Stravlo shares how choosing Ivybrook Academy helped her grow enrollment from 40 to 162 children in one year while building a school centered on individualized learning, strong relationships, and family trust. Kate Woodward Young talks with Amber about preschool franchising, childcare business growth, enrollment strategies, curriculum, community building, and franchise support . From evaluating franchise models to using local Facebook groups, Google visibility, events, and relationship-based tours, Amber shares practical lessons for childcare owners, directors, and aspiring franchisees who want a proven business model without losing their mission. Listen to learn more about making the right decisions for your center! www.ivybrookacademy.com/lubbock LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amber-stravlo-b658691b4 Email: amber.stravlo@ivybrookacademy.com Check out this episode's sponsor: https://northstarschoolsupply.com/ 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" Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals! Join our Podcast Newsletter ! Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more. Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!
383: The Hidden Grief Behind Divorce, Empty Nesting, and Job Changes With Vickie Hagedorn
Sep 29, 202624 min
Send us Fan Mail What if the stress and overwhelm you’re carrying isn’t just stress but unresolved grief ? Grief recovery specialist Vickie Hagedorn joins Kate for a powerful conversation about how grief can show up far beyond death or divorce, especially during major life transitions like retirement, menopause, moving, job loss, empty nesting, and children starting school. Vickie shares practical tools for grief recovery, emotional healing, leadership, parenting, and relationships , and explains why simply “pushing through” or compartmentalizing doesn’t always work. For early childhood educators, childcare leaders, parents, caregivers, and anyone navigating change , this episode offers a fresh perspective on grief and why becoming emotionally complete may be the key to moving forward. Check out this episode's sponsor: tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations 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" Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals! Join our Podcast Newsletter ! Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more. Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!
382: Why Co-Regulation Works Better Than Self-Care Buzzwords With Cameile Henry
Sep 24, 202626 min
Send us Fan Mail What does co-regulation really look like when a classroom is chaotic, and everyone is overwhelmed? Kate Woodward Young talks with Camille from Strengthen Hands about self-regulation, emotional development, behavior support, and social-emotional learning in early childhood . They explore how educators can respond in those critical moments with connection and intention instead of simply telling children to “calm down.” Camille shares practical strategies for supporting overwhelmed educators, creating brave spaces, and using children’s books to open meaningful conversations about identity, emotions, and social-emotional development . If you’re an early childhood educator, director, or teacher leader looking for better ways to support children—and yourself—through big emotions, this conversation is worth a listen. Connect with our guest: Website: StrengthenHands.com Instagram: @StrengthenHands YouTube: @StrengthenHandsEDU Check out this episode's sponsor: tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations 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" Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals! Join our Podcast Newsletter ! Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more. Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!
381: The 12-Month Process Behind Turning a Childcare School Into a Franchise With Krisana Puccio
Sep 22, 202624 min
Send us Fan Mail What if your next growth move isn’t another childcare location—but a whole new business model? Krisana Puccio shares how Pineapple School grew from one bilingual, family-centered child care program into a three-campus operation with a franchise strategy designed for sustainable growth. Kate Woodward Young and Krisana explore childcare expansion, franchising, business systems, EOS, leadership, and scalable operations , including what it takes to build the legal, financial, marketing, and operational foundation for growth. If you’re a childcare owner or director wondering whether your successful program could become something bigger, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to scale without losing what makes your school special. Learn more about our guest: www.pineappleschool.com www.ownapineappleschool.com www.linkedin.com/in/krisana-puccio Check out this episode's sponsor: tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations 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" Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals! Join our Podcast Newsletter ! Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more. Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!
380: The Lease Negotiation Lessons That Saved a Childcare Business With Mary Hornbeck
Sep 17, 202631 min
Send us Fan Mail What should every childcare owner know before signing a lease or starting a build-out? Kate Woodward Young talks with Mary Hornbeck, a Kansas City childcare operator who grew from one classroom to four locations, about childcare facility leases, landlord negotiations, build-outs, expansion, and protecting your budget . Mary shares hard-earned lessons on negotiating long-term leases, rent-free months, build-out costs, and hidden expenses , plus why asking the right questions can save childcare owners thousands of dollars and countless headaches. If you’re a childcare owner, director, or operator considering a new facility, expansion, or lease, this episode is packed with practical advice you’ll want to hear before signing on the dotted line. To learn more: MSH-Strategies.com To contact Mary: Mary@msh-strategies.com Check out this episode's sponsor: tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations 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" Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals! Join our Podcast Newsletter ! Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more. Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!
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