E224 Competing with “Free”: How Private Child Care Can Stand Out with Michael Braswell
Release Date: 09/09/2025
Child Care Genius Podcast
If you’ve ever wondered why some child care businesses keep strong teams, even in a tough hiring market, while others feel like they’re constantly starting over, this episode is for you. Tune in as Sindye Alexander, COO of Child Care Genius, fills in for Brian and Carol and sits down with Robin Harris, owner of Exceptional Scholars Leadership Academy and a longtime Child Care Genius University member who has officially joined the Child Care Genius team as a coach. Listen in as Robin shares her journey from public school education into opening her own center in 2018, and why she...
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Strong systems can work wonders for your business—turning daily chaos into calm, improving consistency, and freeing up time for growth. In this episode of the Child Care Genius Podcast, CCG COO Sindye Alexander steps in as guest host for a powerful conversation with Faith Yocum, owner of Six Little Ducks Childcare Centers in Buffalo, NY, and Vice President of Coaching and Business Development at Child Care Genius. Together, they dive deep into how smart systems, solid processes, and clear expectations can help your center run more efficiently and operate smoothly—even when you’re not...
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Expanding your child care business is more than just adding another location—it’s about growing your impact, your leadership, and your heart for families. In this week’s episode of the Child Care Genius Podcast, special host Sindye Alexander, COO of Child Care Genius, fills in for Brian and Carol Duprey to chat with Jessica Kelley, a seasoned child care owner from Clarksville, Tennessee. With over 23 years of experience and a second location now underway, Jessica shares her story of growth, community connection, and leadership grounded in relationships. Listen in as Sindye...
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What does it look like to build a legacy in child care—and are you creating one without even realizing it? Tune in to this episode of the Child Care Genius Podcast as Brian Duprey steps behind the mic for a special message while continuing to recover from open-heart surgery. He shares heartfelt gratitude for the support he’s received and gives listeners an important update you won’t want to miss. In this episode, Brian unveils exciting details about the newly renamed Child Care Genius Legacy Conference—formerly Child Care Genius LIVE—and why this event is unlike anything else...
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Growth often starts with a hard moment—and what you do next can change everything. In this episode of the Child Care Genius Podcast, Sindye Alexander, COO of Child Care Genius, sits down with Christine McNally, owner of Under the Magic Pine Tree in Nevada and business coach with Child Care Genius University. Christine shares how a personal experience as a parent led her to open her first center and how her passion for the Reggio-inspired approach has shaped her leadership and fueled her expansion to three thriving schools. Tune in as Christine discusses navigating COVID shutdowns,...
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Growth often starts with a hard moment—and what you do next can change everything. In this episode of the Child Care Genius Podcast, Sindye Alexander, COO of Child Care Genius, sits down with Christine McNally, owner of Under the Magic Pine Tree in Nevada and business coach with Child Care Genius University. Christine shares how a personal experience as a parent led her to open her first center and how her passion for the Reggio-inspired approach has shaped her leadership and fueled her expansion to three thriving schools. Tune in as Christine discusses navigating COVID shutdowns,...
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What does it really take to grow from one thriving child care center to four—and still have parents describing your program as a community of love? In this week’s episode of the Child Care Genius Podcast, special host Sindye Alexander (filling in for Brian and Carol Duprey) sits down with Diane Bronco, owner of World of Wonder Child Care Centers in New Jersey. With nearly two decades in the industry and a fourth center opening soon, Diane shares how she built a reputation rooted in connection, trust, and authentic relationships with families. Tune in as Diane opens up about her...
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This week, Child Care Genius co-owner Sindye Alexander steps in as host for Brian and Carol Duprey to welcome Billie Quiring, owner of Billie’s Busy Kids Early Learning Centers in Washington State. Billie has grown her business from a small in-home program into three thriving centers that serve families with heart, purpose, and a deep sense of community. Her journey offers a real-world look at the challenges and triumphs that come with expanding a business while staying true to your mission. Together, Sindye and Billie dive into the realities of leadership in early...
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In this special episode of the Child Care Genius Podcast, host Brian Duprey steps away from the usual interviews and training to share a deeply personal message with listeners. After more than 230 episodes filled with insight, laughter, and learning, Brian opens up about a health challenge that requires him to take a temporary break. Tune in as Brian speaks candidly about a condition he’s managed since birth, the procedure he’ll soon be facing, and why it’s time to pause his usual role on the show. In his familiar, hopeful way, he offers a glimpse into both the challenge and the...
info_outlineWhat happens when universal pre-K expansion collides with the private child care industry? That’s the question Brian and Carol dive into with returning guest Michael Braswell in this week’s Child Care Genius Podcast. If you’ve ever wondered how owners can survive—and even thrive—while competing against “free” programs, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Tune in as Michael shares his own recent struggles with sudden enrollment shifts, the impact of government policies, and the law of unintended consequences when subsidies and universal pre-K pull children out of private centers. Brian and Carol weigh in with their perspective on what this means for the future of child care, from skyrocketing infant rates to the pressure of frozen subsidies.
Listen in as the three of them explore how child care owners can reframe the conversation with parents—showing the real differences between a loving, low-ratio early learning environment and an overcrowded public classroom. They discuss practical strategies for messaging, the power of parent testimonials, and why marketing your center as a high-quality education provider (not “just a daycare”) is more critical than ever.
Join us for an honest, eye-opening discussion filled with both challenges and solutions. Whether you’re dealing with enrollment dips, worried about government competition, or simply looking for fresh ideas to strengthen your messaging, this episode will give you insights and encouragement to pivot, adapt, and position your center for long-term success.
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