Child Care Rockstar Radio

Early learning leaders around the globe are breaking through challenges, leading the way in innovation, testing new best practices, and impacting children and families in a much more powerful and positive way than ever before. Each week, tune in to top child care business guru Kris Murray on the Child Care Rockstar Radio podcast for interviews with early childhood leaders and experts that will leave you inspired to get to the next level of success, whatever that means for you. Kris Murray is President of Child Care Marketing Solutions, and the Founder of the Child Care Success Academy, the world’s largest and most comprehensive business coaching program for early childhood entrepreneurs and leaders. She is the author of two top-rated books on early learning business, and the mom of two great kids. She and her team are based in the mountains of Colorado. Listeners are encouraged to visit https://www.childcaresuccess.com/podcast/ and leave a message for a chance to have your questions/thoughts featured on a future podcast episode!

Ep 197 with Neshanta Linson: Creating an Extended Family In Her Community 03/27/2025

Ep 197 with Neshanta Linson: Creating an Extended Family In Her Community Neshanta Linson is the owner of Hermes Enchanted Garden, a boutique early childhood program in Lower Alabama. Starting as a home-based daycare, her center has grown into a thriving, community-driven school that blends classical education, family values, and a strong sense of connection. Beyond her role as a business owner, Neshanta is deeply committed to servant leadership, fostering an environment where families, staff, and children feel like an extended family. In this episode, she shares how she built a family-centered school culture where staff and parents feel truly connected. Neshanta also talks with Kris about the power of mindset shifts and personal growth in leading a successful business, the ECE Mafia, and the importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout and ensure sustainability. Key Takeaways: [7:42] Neshanta started her program as a home daycare and expanded into a boutique school due to growing demand. [8:33] The name Hermes Enchanted Garden came from blending two meaningful influences — an early childhood program she admired and her family’s cloth diaper business. [10:41] The culture of her school is laid-back yet structured, emphasizing Southern values, community, and support. [12:50] Fun fact: Neshanta loves folding a hot towel and hates traveling home with dirty clothes! [14:10] Neshanta is part of the mafia! Well, the ECE Mafia, a small group of accountable, high-performing child care leaders who challenge each other to grow. [15:05] Joining the Freedom track of the Child Care Success Academy helped Neshanta implement systems, delegate leadership roles, and reclaim her time. [19:01] For Neshanta, 2021 was a pivotal year — she battled personal losses, business struggles, and health challenges, but found strength through her team and accountability group. [22:39] Working with Kris on mindset coaching and awakened leadership has helped Neshanta recognize the impact of ego, expectations, and balance in business and life. [27:46] Rather than traditional tours, she hosts one-on-one “meet-and-greet” sessions to ensure a mutual fit and strong parent-school relationship. [30:22] Her strong word-of-mouth reputation allows her school to stay fully enrolled without aggressive marketing. [32:27] She learned to set boundaries to avoid over-giving and protect herself and her team from burnout. [33:30] Hosting family events like Mom’s Night Out and private Facebook community discussions helps strengthen parent connections. [37:32] A rare snow event in Alabama reminded her how much parents and communities rely on child care centers as a support system. Quotes: “I would say our culture is laid back, but structured and firm. We believe that kids need to have a balance. I’m a Southerner, and so Southern values really matter to me, and so we want to instill those Southern values into our students. We want them to be well-rounded kiddos.” — Neshanta [10:55] “I think we have cultivated a small community where they (the staff) hang out outside of work. They’re becoming real friends and real family, and that’s who we are. Family.” — Neshanta [11:16] “It’s like putting the right people in the right seats and people love to give more, especially if that’s their gift.” — Neshanta [18:09] “I’ve always been a bit driven, and nobody can tell me no if I believe that that’s where I’m supposed to be.” — Neshanta [19:04] “Real love just is. And being authentic, which is something that I do professionally, being authentic is a way to be, and a lot of times that ego gets in the way of that. And so you have to check yourself in the roles that you play, in your shenanigans when that ego comes to play, and then just realize that life just is. And you have to realize life is about duality, but you want to be balanced.” — Neshanta [24:03] “I think that part of our unique brilliance is holding space for parents to be parents.” — Neshanta [26:36] Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/35838040

Ep. 196 with The Sisters (M. Mercedes & Maria Consuela): What Does ECE Stand For? Empathy-Courage-Excellence 03/13/2025

Ep. 196 with The Sisters (M. Mercedes & Maria Consuela): What Does ECE Stand For? Empathy-Courage-Excellence Kris welcomes The Sisters, Sister M. Mercedes Diaz and Sister Maria Consuela Garzón of St. Francis Daycare Center in Alton, Illinois, who also just happen to be the winners of the 2024 Child Care Rockstar Contest! In this episode, the sisters share their journey of leading a 45‑year‑old institution, discussing their leap into early childhood education without prior daycare experience, transforming systems post‑COVID, and embracing a “whatever it takes” mindset. Their story reveals the heart, courage, and excellence that define a true ECE rockstar. Key Takeaways: [4:31] M. Mercedes and Maria are the winners of our 2024 Child Care Rockstar contest! [7:28] Their decision to join the Child Care Success Academy marked the start of crucial changes, moving from makeshift sticky-note systems to structured processes. [8:08] More about St. Francis, located in Alton, Illinois. [10:21] Fun Fact: One sister reveals her Dominican Republic roots and bilingual background, while the other shares her love for writing letters and a wild adventure running down an active volcano in Nicaragua. [12:18] How their program has grown and changed since they came in. [14:06] Having families pick their schedules. [16:33] Implementing software. [18:42] Enrollment and getting the word out about St. Francis. [19:47] Learning what ECE meant — The Sisters have grown a lot! [21:26] Sharing more about their 38 Mission partners. [24:37] The Sisters discuss overcoming a “cray cray” work culture by embracing the right mindset, focusing on gradual improvement, professional development, and maintaining a clear goal. [27:04] Advice to those who may be in a daunting work situation and out of their comfort zone. [29:25] Taking baby steps toward your core values and getting employees bought in. [30:38] What made The Sisters want to enter the Child Care Rockstar contest? [34:40] Kris shares about the first ECE Conference she attended at NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children. [37:00] The Sisters define a Child Care Rockstar, and the balance between heart and will. Quotes: “All we had to go was up. So we were given that opportunity and the Academy gave us the tools that we needed.” — Sister Mercedes [14:00] “There’s such a great desire to share freely and it’s a really beautiful experience.” — Sister Mercedes on The Academy [16:08] “Even though you're scared, know what the goal is. In your mind, see it and keep your eye on it, and don’t be discouraged.” — Sister Mercedes [27:19] “The core value piece is one of the biggest shifts that you're going to make in their mindset as professional educators, and how you want them to show up too.” -— Kris [30:00] “I think a Child Care Rockstar is someone who has a huge heart and a courageous heart.” — Sister Maria [37:40] “A rock star is someone who can see the star, who can see where your goal is, and then take those steps courageously, fall and get up, have arguments and make up and be stronger because of it.” — Sister Mercedes [39:01] Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/35372375

Ep. 195 — Jacob Jensen: Stack Your WINS for Massive Momentum 02/27/2025

Ep. 195 — Jacob Jensen: Stack Your WINS for Massive Momentum Jacob Jensen is the Executive Director of The Learning Station, a Christian-based child care organization in Myrtle Beach, and a coach for the Child Care Success Company. As a husband and father of two boys, Jacob is dedicated to providing exceptional early education while upholding core values like positivity, family, and excellence. With three schools serving nearly 500 children, Jacob focuses on empowering leaders and driving success in the child care industry. He is passionate about building strong communities and helping child care businesses thrive. In this episode, Jacob talks with Kris about his journey from growing up in child care with the awesome Donna Jensen as his mom, how his experience in mortgage sales and ministry shaped his leadership style, and how stacking small wins creates massive momentum and helps to prevent burnout. Jacob also has some great insights into using community events and a “whatever it takes” approach to boost enrollment, embracing technology, and the COACH acronym (Call Out & Call Higher) as a key strategy for empowering staff and fostering growth. Key Takeaways: [5:58] Jacob grew up in child care. His mom, Donna Jensen, founded The Learning Station. He talks about returning to lead his family’s business after exploring careers in mortgage sales and ministry. [10:31] More about Jacob’s (very busy) family life. [12:18] Fun fact: Jacob’s front two teeth are fake, and knocked them out during a wild event the same day he was supposed to take his now wife out. Everyone is pretty happy she decided to give him another try! [14:10] Challenges in the industry include technology and child care leaders learning to build their own systems to stay efficient. [18:42] The power of consistency and the “captain” analogy. Many child care leaders are busy plugging holes in a sinking ship instead of standing at the helm and leading with strategy. [22:07] Lessons learned in the ministry that Jacob carried over to childcare. [27:51] Stacking small wins builds momentum. [31:02] Seasonal thinking helps prevent burnout. Understanding when to push hard and when to pause and reflect keeps businesses sustainable. [33:37] The Learning Station now follows a “whatever it takes” approach, removing barriers and offering promotions to secure sign-ups. [38:52] Ways that The Learning Station markets everywhere parents are, including community events, partnerships, and a grand reopening to stay top-of-mind. [42:20] The “COACH” analogy. [42:49] The importance of finding the hidden talent on your team. Quotes: “I always joke with Donna that I need 10 centers before 2030. But we're, we’re excited, and it’s been an honor to help her bring to fruition that dream that she’s always had.” — Jacob [9:40] “Obviously, it is a passion-based industry, and so there's a lot of different heart-tied elements to the fact that the margins are not as big as they are in other industries, and so you're operating with fewer resources.” — Jacob [15:13] “I think the biggest thing that I noticed is you have to create your own thing. You have to take the bull by the horns and say, okay, if not me, then who's going to do it?” — Jacob [15:38] “Consistency, consistency, consistency. That will save leaders so many headaches and also give your people a roadmap for how this place runs and how we do things around here.” — Kris [18:50] “When you’re in leadership, you are the captain of the ship.” — Jacob [18:53] “You have to have a vision of where you want to go.” — Jacob [19:10] “Sometimes when you’re under the water, you have to hold your breath, and you have to just paddle, paddle, paddle, paddle, paddle until you get to shore. But the shore is there, and just understanding that it’s a season. It’s a really good mindset because it's way easier to run hard when you see the finish line.” — Jacob [19:33] Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal , by Clay Scroggins , by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin , by Dale Carnegie /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/35372055

Ep. 194 — Creating Beauty From Tragedy with Michelle Masjedi 02/13/2025

Ep. 194 — Creating Beauty From Tragedy with Michelle Masjedi Michelle Masjedi is a dedicated early childhood educator and business owner in Los Angeles. As the founder of The Journey Begins and the soon-to-open The Journey Continues, she has spent over 30 years shaping the future of child care. In this episode, Michelle shares how she and her community have rallied together in the wake of the devastating California fires, working to provide emergency child care, support families in crisis, and address the gaps in disaster infrastructure for young children. Beyond that, she goes more into the systems and leadership strategies that have transformed her business, from implementing clear SOPs to maximizing technology for efficiency. Key Takeaways: [5:38] Michelle secured a $1M grant to open The Journey Continues, a new child care center expanding infant and preschool care in a child care desert. [7:01] Michelle’s child care journey is deeply rooted in family, with her husband playing a key role in property acquisitions and business operations, while her children are also involved. [8:26] Michelle’s early career in early childhood education led her from teaching to business ownership, where she has spent 32 years shaping child care programs. [10:53] The California fires destroyed 289 child care centers and family daycare homes, leaving hundreds of families without care. [15:55] Michelle and other local directors mobilized immediately, forming a response team to provide emergency child care, distribute resources, and advocate for displaced families. [20:11] Michelle and her team created a to help directly affected families cover the cost of child care. [23:55] The experience reinforced the importance of strong leadership, defined roles, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in managing a crisis. [25:08] Being named as a Child Care Rockstar finalist this past year, and a few best practices that have helped Michelle grow her business. [27:15] A few of the many benefits Michelle has gained from joining the Academy. [33:07] Michelle secured a $1M grant to open The Journey Continues, a new child care center expanding infant and preschool care. [36:44] More about the vision for the new center, including serving children from 18 months to after school and the anticipated timeline for completion. Quotes: “In the Pasadena Altadena area, there are 289 child care centers and family daycare centers that were lost in the fires — 289 — which is hundreds of children that immediately lost both their homes and their childcare.” — Michelle [11:41] “I immediately wanted to, just like wrap my arms around and protect people from that. And how could we do that quickly?” — Michelle [13:30] “Even in all of this devastating disaster, there’s been so much beauty in the community coming together.” — Michelle [21:59] “No matter how difficult and challenging it is, find the good.” — Michelle [23:45] “Really, the Child Care Success Academy changed everything for me. I really had some excellent tools in my toolbox, but I was missing so much. And when I joined the academy, it’s been five years now, I learned so many things.” — Michelle [26:22] “What if you could actually take on more and do more and grow to levels you never even imagined? And that was something I never allowed myself that opportunity or even thought, and that’s what the academy really did for me.” — Michelle [29:18] Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal Donate to Michelle’s GoFundMe to help provide child care scholarships for families in need: /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/35277115

Ep. 193: Tameenah Adams — Feeling Alive in ’25 01/30/2025

Ep. 193: Tameenah Adams — Feeling Alive in ’25 Tameenah Adams is a Certified Child Care Success Academy (CCSA) Business Coach and a seasoned entrepreneur who has successfully owned and operated multiple childcare centers in the DC Metro area. As a coach, she helps childcare owners streamline operations, build high-performing teams, and achieve sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in HR, business management, and leadership development, Tameenah launched ChildcareHR to support childcare owners with HR, compliance, and scaling their businesses. In this episode, Tameenah and Kris dive into the feelings wheel and discuss everything from life post-pandemic to stepping back into abundance — not just financially, but personally. They explore the importance of self-love, creating a life of ease as a leader, and embracing a daily rhythm that feels peaceful and fulfilling. Key Takeaways: [8:46] Learning to surrender and taking it one day at a time. [11:26] The biggest lesson learned from the pandemic. [13:07] Tameenah shares how she’s shifted to a reward system based on how her heart, mind, and body feel, rather than material things. [19:04] The connection between self-love and effective leadership. [20:40] Strategies for managing overwhelm and staying present. [25:52] The importance of surrounding yourself with the right community. [29:43] How outsourcing can create more time and efficiency. [35:17] Practical strategies for financial recovery and smart money management. [38:06] Overcoming fear and leading with confidence. [42:07] Transparent leadership and leading with grace. [44:48] Exploring the power of the Feelings Wheel. Quotes: “I was at the intersection of my life. I had to make a choice because, quite honestly, there were times I didn’t even know if I could make it another day. What kept me hanging on was knowing my children needed me.” — Tameenah [7:56] “I’m learning now that there is a different reward system. My reward comes in how my heart feels, how my mind feels, how my body feels. Am I able to sleep well? Rewarding myself really doesn’t cost anything.” — Tameenah [13:07] “I’ve started the journey to really look and love me. I’m healing from the hurt in my life and how I hurt myself. Self-love is being kind to yourself.” — Tameenah [18:33] “I stay plugged into a community that can serve me and understand me, where I feel safe.” — Tameenah [25:00] “Your intentions have to equal your impact.” — Tameenah [35:22] “It’s all about the energy you bring into your leadership decisions.” — Kris [40:08] “I’m leading differently because I’m leading even more transparently.” — Tameenah [42:18] “I’ve taken my power back. There is nothing anyone can say about me that I haven’t transparently shared myself. I’m not going to walk around in shame for anything.” — Tameenah [43:47] “What people think of me is none of my business. What I think about me is my business.” — Tameenah [48:20] Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/35084570

Ep. 192: Thomas Brawner - Build a Great Team Around You 12/31/2024

Ep. 192: Thomas Brawner - Build a Great Team Around You Kris welcomes Thomas Brawner, Owner and CFO of Alta Schoolhouse, a Montessori-inspired preschool located in Lakeland, Florida. Thomas first talks about his and his wife's journey to Lakeland - his wife had previous experience as a director at a childcare center, while Thomas came from a business background but shared a passion for working with kids. Thomas provides an inspiring glimpse into the strategies he and his wife used to successfully open Alta Schoolhouse, after facing challenges with their first two location attempts, emphasizing the importance of understanding the dynamics of their local market and building a strong, credible team - including hiring a respected architect - as keys to finally launching the school; throughout the conversation, Thomas shares insights into his innovative approaches to marketing, staffing, and growing the new childcare business, demonstrating the rewards that can come from pursuing your vision with the right support system in place. Key Takeaways: [5:40] Check out Kris’s new website! [9:03] Thomas joins the show from Lakeland, Florida. [9:38] Alta Schoolhouse opened in April 2022, and is a Montessori inspired pre-school. [11:00] Thomas talks about why he and his wife chose Florida. [12:50] How he and his wife handle the different roles and responsibilities. [15:05] Fun fact: Thomas is Argentinian and has a close affinity for the culture…especially soccer! [16:25] The Montessori inspired component. [18:25] How Thomas found the Child Care Success Academy. [22:10] Falling in love with the real estate development side of building Alta Schoolhouse. [23:25] The two locations that failed before the final Alta location, and what Thomas learned from the process. [25:15] Investing in the right team at the beginning will save you money and earn you respect down the road. [27:35] The different types of marketing they utilized, including the power of Mom’s Groups! [29:47] Fun offerings at tours and open houses. [32:20] The importance of knowing your market and doing your homework. [32:35] Staffing and building confidence within leadership. [35:31] Team retention and finding new members. [38:17] Alta is a young and vibrant environment. [41:01] The idea of starting another location in the near future. [42:02] Thomas talks about managing finances as a self described “spreadsheet fiend” and secret shopping locations before they opened. [47:18] Thomas’s advice for people looking to get into the industry: go for it! Quotes: “The work life balance is truly, truly a gift in this industry.” [14:16] - Thomas “It's been an absolutely incredible experience ever since joining the community and just the wealth of knowledge that you can get so quickly. It’s pretty invaluable.” [20:08] - Thomas “The moment that we hired this architect and he walked into the doors of the city hall with us, the city planners and everybody on staff took us seriously. We were no longer two kids that had a dream and were trying to open up school. We were now business professionals with the backing of an architectural firm that was well known in Lakeland and respected in Lakeland. That is what gave us the credibility that we needed to be taken seriously.” [24:53] - Thomas “We were able to build a wait list and have enough desire for what we were offering, where we were able to be in the green on day one.” [27:11] - Thomas “They (your team) get confidence from good leadership.” [34:22] - Thomas “I'm constantly looking at what other centers in our area are paying, and it's my goal to pay more than them.” [35:51] - Thomas “It’s obviously an income for my family, but it's provided a community and just a sense of fulfillment in creating jobs, creating happiness through, through the kids and students and parents that are under your care. Go for it!” [37:14] - Thomas Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/34541070

Ep. 191: The Power of Story with Brenda and Geordie McClay 12/19/2024

Ep. 191: The Power of Story with Brenda and Geordie McClay In this episode, host Kris Murray welcomes Brenda and Geordie McClay, the dynamic husband-wife team behind Bright Ideas Child Care and Learning Center. Brenda and Geordie share their remarkable journey, from Brenda's initial desire to be an elementary school teacher to opening their first childcare center in 2009 and expanding to a second location in 2020. The McClays discuss the challenges they’ve faced, particularly with hiring quality staff during the pandemic, and the strategies they’ve employed to overcome these hurdles. This includes partnering with local high schools to develop an apprenticeship program, leveraging social media to showcase their positive culture, and implementing a robust referral bonus system. Geordie also shares his insights on the value of the Academy’s men's group, which has provided him with a supportive network of like-minded individuals as he transitions into a more active role in the business. Additionally, Brenda and Geordie emphasize the importance of building a strong, family-oriented culture and the power of community partnerships in enhancing their program. Key Takeaways: [8:40] Brenda and Geordie’s path from home daycare to multi-center childcare program. [10:00] Geordie shares his background in the Coast Guard and his transition to supporting Brenda in the childcare business. [12:36] Family fact: the McClays have six children! [16:41] Brenda discusses the difficulties in hiring quality staff and the impact of COVID-19 on the hiring process, along with different recruitment strategies. [19:00] Brenda mentions their partnership with local high schools to recruit Co-op students and provide apprentice programs. [20:51] Their intentional use of social media to showcase the fun and positive aspects of their program. [24:58] Their referral reward program. [26:39] Showcasing the family aspect of it. [28:30] The Academy’s men’s group and the support it provides for men in the childcare industry. [31:26] Gaining confidence and focus from joining the Academy. [37:30] Working together as a husband and wife duo. [40:13] The partnership with the local public preschool and the benefits it brings to their teachers and students. [43:13] Support can show up in a variety of ways. [45:53] What does it mean to be an “energy bus school”? Quotes: “I thought that having a center was the big dream, and I had achieved it. So, I guess when I joined the Academy, I realized that I could dream bigger than that.” — Brenda [8:52] “We have worked hard to pour into our staff and show them that we care about them and their contribution. Without them, we couldn’t do it.” — Brenda [17:17] “I found that the more we showcase the fun things that we’re doing, the more successful we are in finding a good match for us.” — Brenda [17:50] “I think it’s important for us to get our high school students and young adults excited about the field, yes, because it’s an amazing field.” — Brenda [20:23] “I think as a community, we need to be together, whether we’re in the same town or the same state, we should all be here for the children.” — Brenda [31:08] “The only way to scale the business and be able to impact more people and more children is to figure out where you’re the bottleneck and start replacing yourself in the areas that are not your unique brilliance.” — Kris [35:40] Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/34488330

Ep. 190 — Fail Your Way To Success with Constance Sholar Cherry 12/05/2024

Ep. 190 — Fail Your Way To Success with Constance Sholar Cherry This week, Kris welcomes Constance Sholar Cherry, the powerhouse owner of Creative Home Academy, to share her remarkable journey from home daycare to running multiple thriving centers. Constance discusses her growth through challenges, especially navigating the launch of her center during the pandemic, and emphasizes the “don’t just survive, thrive” mindset. Constance also highlights the value of creating a positive culture, personal development for staff, and the rewards of seeing children go from surviving to thriving. Key Takeaways: [9:15] Constance joins the show and shares the capacity and recent expansion of Creative Home Academy. [10:48] Launching her commercial center during the challenges of April 2020. [12:09] Why Constance stays passionate about early childhood education. [14:14] Fun fact: Constance used to show and breed big, beautiful Cane Corso dogs! [16:41] What sets Creative Home Academy apart, including its screen-free environment and commitment to high-quality nutrition. [18:53] Constance discusses the importance of showing up as a leader and gaining her team’s trust. [20:53] Onboarding new team members with a thriving mindset and fun team culture. [24:02] Teacher appreciation week is a whole vibe… massages with training as well? Yes, please! [26:56] Constance’s mindset during the pandemic and how she overcame obstacles. [32:52] The value of failing your way to success. [35:26] Constance shares how her grandmother and mother inspired her journey. [36:18] The story of how Constance joined the Academy and how it changed her life for the better. [39:26] Exciting plans for 2025, including new pre-K programs. Quotes: “I love to see children go from surviving to thriving.” — Constance [12:09] “If I want people to perform in their best version, I have to show up first in my best version.” — Constance [19:10] “I had to come as the expert, meaning, I know what kids need. I know what my staff needs.” — Constance [19:50] “ECE is not just something that I just do. It’s who I am, and trust me, because I’m going to lead us in the right direction.” — Constance [20:07] “I want team members to understand we want to work in a thriving school. … Come on this side. It’s good over here!” — Constance [21:02] “Some of my darkest moments, the one thing that kept me going was knowing that I deserve to have everything that I want in life, and just being grateful for what I did have.” — Constance [32:18] “You literally have to fail your way to success. ... You have to move through the hard times because it’s always greater on the other side.” — Constance [32:52] Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/34303200

Ep. 189 — The Power of Story with Jon Sieber 11/21/2024

Ep. 189 — The Power of Story with Jon Sieber It’s all about the story this week as Kris welcomes Jon Sieber, Co-Founder of Story Time Learning, and Story Time Chess, an innovative early learning and education-based product for kids and adults of all ages. Jon shares how he went from theater to chess to Story Time, the power of storytelling to help children learn complicated concepts such as chess or coding, and the importance of storytelling in creating meaningful connections and learning experiences. He and Kris also talk about the importance of consistency in personal and professional goals, and the future exciting plans for Story Time Learning. Key Takeaways: [4:10] Congrats to Sister Mercedes for being named the new Rock Star! [8:33] Jon joins the show from Brooklyn, New York. [9:30] How a chess tutoring company evolved into Story Time Learning. [13:26] Jon is a direct descendant of which royal figure from history? [20:01] How can you use the power of storytelling? [25:42] Jon highlights the success of their program in Singapore and the interest from parents and educators. [28:16] Shaping 450‒500 preschools. [30:27] Kris shares a great story on how she and Jon met. [35:24] The key lessons Jon has learned as an entrepreneur. [37:02] The importance of positivity, consistency, and showing up every day. [41:47] What’s next for Story Time? Quotes: “Children are capable of learning big, complex things like chess or coding if you throw out the rule book and you tell them fun, engaging, silly stories and let them discover the rules, rather than use rote memorization or rules that they have to stick to.” — Jon [10:26] “The same way that I train my teachers or tutors in New York City, we can train teachers, educators, librarians, anywhere in the world, to deliver our fun, engaging curriculum.” — Jon [12:10] “The power of story is one of the most powerful things you can do as a business owner, as a marketer, as anybody who’s trying to make a difference.” — Jon [19:27] “Storytelling is what we think is the best vehicle to deliver something.” — Jon [20:48] “We feel very strongly about the powerful tool and the vehicle that is storytelling.” — Jon [21:32] “You have to be positive and optimistic and believe in what you do. And if you approach things with eternal optimism and the ability to show up day after day, you will expose yourself to enough surface area that you will start getting ‘lucky.’” — Jon [37:21] “Consistency over time equals success.” — Jon [37:53] Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/34034902

Kris Murray: What Would You Love? 11/07/2024

Kris Murray: What Would You Love? What would you love in your life? This week, Kris goes solo to explore the power of possibility and heeding the universe’s call—wet pants and all. She recaps highlights from the Child Care Success Summit and reflects on her own journey from CEO to strategic founder. This shift, she shares, has opened doors to new passions and personal growth. Through her transformation, Kris inspires listeners to step outside their comfort zones and fully embrace life’s possibilities. At the end of the episode, she talks about her new coaching, combining conscious leadership with business badassery. Key Takeaways: [7:13] Kris shares some insider baseball on the Child Care Success Summit, the most energetic and transformative event yet. [10:44] Learning to trust the process. [12:35] Hiring a new event management team, a beautiful fit with Anna and her husband. [17:15] Where are things not a fit right now, and you have not had the time or the courage to step up and make the change? [19:05] The power of possibility and answering the call, even through fear and imposter syndrome. [25:56] Kris talks about becoming the next version of herself, which is being the Founder but not having to do with the day-to-day operations or schedule of the Summit. [30:14] Moving towards your highest calling. [31:45] Ben Nemtin’s beautiful story and encouragement, using a Bucket List journal. [36:40] The universe will show you that “how” after you take the leap first. [39:27] Kris shares a few of her own bucket list items, including an amazing love relationship. [40:15] Kris listened to the universe, joined Bumble, and met Chris! [43:29] What would you love to do? [45:30] Kris’s new coaching group for awakened and enlightened leaders. Quotes: “When you start really focusing on what you love and what you would love to have in your life, your life transforms into something new and fresh and different. It’s almost like a rebirth of sorts. It’s a new version of you that’s showing up.” — Kris [3:40] “Trust the process.” — Kris [10:44] “If I had not believed in the power of possibility that I actually could do that, even though I was scared beyond belief and had imposter syndrome beyond belief because I’d never owned a daycare, I decided to dive in anyway with wet pants.” — Kris [21:04] “I created a multi-million dollar business out of a $15,000 investment of seed capital. And that was it.” — Kris [21:44] “I’m a much lighter, neutral, glowing, loving, present version.” — Kris [27:14] “The real you is the essence of the Divine. It’s you as the big you. It’s you as the ocean, not the drop.” — Kris [28:38] “What are you waiting for? This is the youngest that you will ever be. … So this is again a wake-up call to listen to your wake-up call.” — Kris [34:55] “We’re not getting any younger, and this is not a dress rehearsal, so focus on what you would love.” — Kris [44:37] Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/33812527

Kim Lannin: The Inch Way — Steps to Create An Empowered School Culture 10/24/2024

Kim Lannin: The Inch Way — Steps to Create An Empowered School Culture Kris welcomes the awesome Kim Lannin, member of the Child Care Success Academy and owner of Inch by Inch Childcare, Inc. for the past 18 years. Kim shares her inspiring journey of building a successful child care business, overcoming early challenges through the support of the Academy, and developing a unique “Inch Way” philosophy centered on exceptional customer service and a collaborative, hands-on leadership approach. Key Takeaways: [2:47] Kim provides an overview of her business, Inch by Inch Childcare, Inc., which she has owned for 18 years. The school has a current license capacity of 102 and is 90% full, with a revenue of over $2 million for the year. [6:25] Kim loves a good Peloton session, with over 2,600 rides completed. [7:30] Fun fact, Kim is Canadian! [8:41] Kim recounts the early challenges she faced, including having no vision and lacking business skills. She credits the Child Care Success Academy for providing the tools she needed to succeed. [14:00] Kim suggests that the lack of leadership in childcare may be due to a lack of leadership skills and a reliance on conventional, top-down management styles rather than a more collaborative, hands-on approach. [14:42] Kim advocates for a more unconventional, collaborative leadership style where the leader is “hands-on” and focused on supporting the team, rather than just giving orders. [17:30] How Kim’s mindset has changed over the years and what she attributes that to the most. [20:07] Forming a Massachusetts cohort during the pandemic and how that helped everyone get through a difficult time. [23:58] Dealing with staffing challenges by constantly hiring and bringing in candidates. [28:01] What sets Inch By Inch apart from competition in the community? [30:27] How “The Inch Way” helps retain employees and family. [31:29] Future goals, including rebranding and expansion. Quotes: “What is now your ceiling will become your floor.” — Kim [6:59] “Within the first five years, I was on the brink of complete and utter failure. And this is a true story. This is not a paid infomercial, but what saved me was finding the Academy, because I had no plan. I had no idea what I was doing, and it gave me the tools that I needed to get on the right path.” — Kim [9:32] “The two main pillars I think of what you should be doing with your business are articulating your vision or core values and deciding what they are. They have to be inherent to you, that you believe in, and that’s what we have now.” — Kim [11:56] “Putting together that team who’s working with you and you’re all working together is really, really important.” — Kim [12:50] “To be successful, at least for us, we’ve had to be unconventional. We are unconventional, and it’s hard to be that way sometimes.” — Kim [14:07] “I have much more confidence in our brand than I did even five years ago, but we’ve really managed to articulate and put into place something that parents appreciate. Kids are thriving, so I have much more confidence.” — Kim [17:46] “ABC. Always Be Hiring.” — Kim [23:06] “If someone wants to be a part of your team, then hire them. If they want to be with you, then why would you say no? Likewise, if somebody wants to come to your school and then find a way to get them in.” — Kim [26:33] “The way we decided to set ourselves apart was through customer service, and that is what the ‘Inch Way’ is. It’s being helpful, being kind, and not hesitating to go the extra mile for people. That will set you apart. People will appreciate that, and it will benefit your business in ways that you never anticipated.” — Kim [29:22] “People often confuse kindness for weakness, but they are different things. Meet people where they are — some people need help and support. Be that for them, and it will pay off. That’s really the foundation of the ‘Inch Way’ — it’s how we treat our families and staff, and it governs how we go about our day.” — Kim [29:41] Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/33566462

Ashley Varouhas: Deepen Your Roots and Succeeding Through Relationships 10/10/2024

Ashley Varouhas: Deepen Your Roots and Succeeding Through Relationships This episode features Ashley Varouhas, a young powerhouse, dynamic child care leader, owner, and coach at the Child Care Success Academy. Ashley shares her journey from teacher to owner and administrator, and how she integrates her passion for early childhood education into her two successful centers. They discuss the importance of strong leadership, staff retention, and cultivating a unique school environment that meets the needs of both children and teachers. Ashley also shares some great strategies for business growth, managing multiple centers, and how fostering relationships is key to long-term success. Key Takeaways: [2:28] Congrats to former guest Beth Davis and her Kindness Initiative! If you want to learn more about Beth, check out her past episode . [12:46] Ashley’s early career in early childhood education started at KinderCare, sparking her passion for leadership and innovation in the industry. [15:15] After several false starts, Ashley opened her first center in Minnesota in 2022 and is about to open her second location. [17:29] The importance of serving her teachers and maintaining strong leadership to retain staff — only two teachers have left in two years. [20:49] Ashley emphasizes that ensuring a supportive, well-staffed environment reduces stress and turnover, leading to high teacher satisfaction and 100% tour conversion. [27:26] Gardening plays a big role in her program, offering children hands-on learning experiences. Next year, Ashley plans to expand the gardening curriculum. [37:45] Ashley highlights the importance of being present at her centers, whether through daily visits or other ways, to maintain a sense of stability and connection with staff. [40:45] Ashley is currently opening a second center focused on infant care, to address a growing need for more infant and toddler spots in her community. [46:39] She maps out child transitions up to nine months in advance, ensuring smooth transitions and full capacity throughout the year. [51:07] Ashley defines a Childcare Rockstar as someone who puts their all into it every day, and that can look different for everyone! Quotes: “I still get into the classroom because that part of me that loves working with kids will never die.” — Ashley Varuhas [14:16] “I really feel in my life, like, when things are right and meant to be, it just all clicks, and it all flows really fast.” — Ashley [16:27] “I’m proud to say, in almost two years of being open now, we’ve only had two teachers turnover in almost two years.” — Ashley [17:26] “When people have it, you can’t train the it factor in somebody. I believe you can train skills, but she just has everything else.” — Ashley [20:18] “It’s about supporting the teachers, creating a great place for them, and that energy trickles down to the kids.” — Ashley [21:40] “I feel like my program is a menagerie of my experiences, and then my passion all kind of in one melting pot.” — Ashley [23:06] “We have to deepen our roots before we grow our branches.” — Ashley [36:36] “I think you can define a Childcare Rockstar as someone that puts their all into it every day.” — Ashley [50:51] Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/33384732

Silvia Sarhadian: Never Lead From Fear 09/26/2024

Silvia Sarhadian: Never Lead From Fear Kris welcomes Silvia Sarhadian, an Empire member of the Childcare Success Academy and owner of two franchise locations of The Learning Experience. Silvia shares her journey from a career in chemistry and banking to early childhood education, where she discovered her true passion. She highlights the importance of resilient leadership, communication, and fostering a collaborative environment in her centers. Silvia also talks about her personal growth, some great tips for empowering your staff, and her commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families. Key Takeaways: [5:56] Silvia discusses her transition from a career in banking and chemistry to owning early childhood education centers and finding her passion. [10:21] Silvia’s journey started in 2016 with the support of her husband, helping her gain the confidence to start her first center. [13:19] The importance of having clear goals for business success and expansion. Silvia’s vision includes opening three to four more schools and reaching a business valuation of $10 million. [14:12] Fun fact! Silvia is a ballroom dancer! [15:11] Silvia’s schools and community involvement, including the Make-A-Wish partnership. [17:29] She reflects on how her communication style and leadership have evolved over the years, emphasizing the need for clear communication with her team and the importance of involving teachers in decision-making. [27:46] Silvia shares her strategies for developing a growth mindset and the role resilience plays in fostering confidence and effective leadership. [30:00] She talks about her focus on professional development, offering workshops, retreats, and resources for teachers to improve classroom management and early intervention techniques. [35:22] Silvia’s vision for the future includes integrating early intervention programs and differentiated instruction into her centers to meet the unique needs of every child. [39:51] Silvia reflects on the importance of never leading from fear and prioritizing hiring staff aligned with the company’s vision. Quotes: “It’s not just all about money. It’s all about putting our experience into action, helping families, and helping our communities. That’s our mission.” [12:03] “Our mission is to make a positive impact on the lives of the families and communities we serve. That’s what we live every single day.” — Silvia Sarhadian [16:40] “It’s not like we have to, we get to do this, and we do it with love.” — Silvia Sarhadian [20:00] “You are the CEO of your own classroom. What are the needs and challenges of your classroom, and how can you make it a better place?” — Silvia Sarhadian [30:19] “Never lead from fear.” — Silvia Sarhadian [39:51] Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/33220177

Patricia and Megan Williams: The Path to Joy in Entreprenuership in Mother-Daughter Team 08/29/2024

Patricia and Megan Williams: The Path to Joy in Entreprenuership in Mother-Daughter Team Kris welcomes the dynamic mother-daughter duo of Patricia and Megan Williams. As members of the Child Care Success Academy's Empire track, Patricia and Megan share their inspiring journey of joyful entrepreneurship and the profound impact they are making — not just in the United States, but globally. Patricia and Megan talk about the challenges they overcame to grow their successful child care business, American Care Academy, including strategies for boosting enrollment, improving cash flow, and cultivating a positive, community-driven culture. They also shine a light on Patricia's doctoral work and the launch of her nonprofit, She Empowerment Global, which is empowering women entrepreneurs in Ghana. Key Takeaways: [4:39] Kris heads back to Cleveland, excited to visit family and friends, including a fellow yogi and Child Care Success Academy member! [10:06] More about American Care Academy and Patricia’s journey into child care after being laid off from a corporate job. [11:22] Megan’s involvement from a young age. [15:12] Challenges the business faced with enrollment and cash flow, and how they implemented systems and processes to turn it around, including phone skills training, a new website, and CRM systems. [19:35] Implementing the discipline and accountability that you’re expecting from your team, while also maintaining a culture of joy and fun. [26:31] The high school component of their second location. [30:01] Patricia’s pursuit of a PhD and the launch of her nonprofit, She Empowerment Global, to empower women entrepreneurs in Ghana. [34:01] Strategies for balancing their work and personal relationship as a mother-daughter team, including setting boundaries and finding joy outside of the business. [41:44] Bringing the historical component into their story. [43:05] What’s next for Patricia and Megan? [46:02] Precious Jewels Mentorship Program. Quotes: “There is a transaction taking place, but it’s not a transactional relationship. The whole purpose is for us to empower children through our learning programs, and that starts with us all being on board and having our own light to give out.” — Megan [26:31] “We mean it does take a village. We are there to be that village, quite literally.” — Patricia [28:45] “A ChildCare Rockstar is someone dedicated to enhancing the quality of early childhood education with all of their might and joy.” — Megan [47:30] Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/32768297

Tasha Santistevan: Leading Teams Out of Conflict and Into Collaboration 08/15/2024

Tasha Santistevan: Leading Teams Out of Conflict and Into Collaboration Kris welcomes Tasha Santistevan, the Executive Director at Child Time Inc. and a coach for the Child Care Success Academy. Tasha shares her journey from a high school summer job in childcare to her current leadership roles. She discusses her passion for empowering directors and leaders in the childcare industry, offering insights on conflict resolution, collaborative leadership, and the importance of work-life balance. Tasha provides a unique perspective both as an active executive director and coach on the challenges and rewards of leadership in early childhood education, emphasizing the value of continuous learning, servant leadership, and creating a positive workplace culture. Key Takeaways: [5:57] Tasha introduces herself and her background in early childhood education. [10:29] The transition from being a manager to becoming a leader and director, and what she loves about the role. [12:28] The distinction between manager and leader. [13:58] Tasha’s personal life and balancing multiple roles. [14:25] More about Tasha’s very busy family life! [18:07] Strategies for staying organized and maintaining work-life balance. [21:51] The importance of not taking on others’ problems as your own. [23:37] Approaches to resolving conflicts between team members. [25:59] Conflict can just be a better opportunity for us to be better and learn from one another. [29:56] The evolution of leadership styles and the importance of empathy. [30:42] Tapping into confident empathy. [31:45] The need for servant leadership in the current workforce. [32:20] Tasha’s definition of a childcare rockstar. [34:13] The importance of bringing fun back into childcare after the pandemic. [35:00] Tasha’s goals and aspirations for the future. [38:11] Life is short — buy the Cadillac! [42:01] The value of continuous learning and personal development in leadership. Quotes: “Once you find that sweet spot of being a leader, that job becomes exponentially more rewarding and less challenging.” — Tasha [11:04] “Conflict is really if we stop looking at it as like this bad thing, that it’s an argument, but looking at it we just have different desires and drives and this.” — Tasha [24:37] “I believe we just don’t fully understand in the industry, the stress that directors feel and what they go through. So I love being a coach because I love to provide that safe space where they can come to us.” — Tasha [27:54] “That tribe aspect is everything in this business, and it's not something that is easy to find.” — Tasha [28:15] “I can be a great support to somebody, but I cannot let their problems be my problems.” — Tasha [29:45] “It’s perfect that we’re evolving within the leadership industry into this mode because this is what’s going to save this industry.” — Tasha [32:17] “As a rock star, you are somebody that empowers your team to reach their full potential.” — Tasha [32:53] “We have to have fun because fun is what’s going to get us through the hard times.” — Tasha [32:58] “This is childcare guys! If it’s not fun, what are we doing?” — Kris [35:08] “Just commit to learning how to be a good leader. Because if you do that, everything else falls into place.” — Tasha [39:10] Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/32596827

Ashley Blackmon: Empowering Growth in Adults and Children 08/01/2024

Ashley Blackmon: Empowering Growth in Adults and Children Kris welcomes the awesome Ashley Blackmon, owner and founder of A Perfect Start Learning Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Ashley shares her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to running a thriving, nationally accredited childcare center with plans for expansion. She discusses how she’s built a program focused on empowerment, growth, and helping families rise. Ashley opens up about overcoming significant challenges including a major health scare, and how she’s transformed herself from a childcare provider to a true CEO through mindset shifts and finding her tribe. Her story is one of resilience, passion for serving children and families, and the power of continual personal and professional growth. Key Takeaways: [4:55] Make sure you are following ! [5:57] Ashley joins from Huntsville, Alabama and gives an overview of A Perfect Start Learning Center and its current stats and accreditation. [9:27] Ashley’s approach to empowering parents through a Parent Academy program. [12:16] Don’t forget to celebrate your wins before moving on to the next goal! [12:44] How Ashley has built strong relationships and retention with families and staff. [13:17] Parent prep at their Academy. [17:52] The culture at the Academy and how Ashley has grown as a leader. [19:02] Losing her corporate job and being encouraged by her aunt to open a childcare center. [29:03] More about Ashley’s home and personal life. [30:26] Ashley has fostered 14 children, including twins. [33:48] Upcoming second location and expansion plans. [40:27] Realizing that you can’t please everyone and letting go of negative team members. [48:03] The health crisis that led to a major mindset shift for Ashley. [51:44] How joining the Childcare Success Academy transformed Ashley’s perspective and business. Quotes: “I think just overall, naturally, I have an urge to really be my best self. So I try to hire others who don’t mind putting their best foot forward to always achieve all the crazy things that I come up with in my head.” — Ashley [8:50] “I think one of the biggest things is empowerment and growth… We not only empower the children with our high-quality educational care, but we do the same thing with the parents.” — Ashley [12:44] “It’s an us thing. It’s like, we’re raising this kid together.” — Ashley [14:40] “I’m going to be providing high-quality education, right, I need you to know what this education can get you. I don’t want to be a bit basic in every sense of the word.” — Ashley [29:00] “I want for the women and children that have access to me that look like me, I want them to be able to look at me and see other things as possible.” — Ashley [29:14] “No matter how much you pour positivity, growth, and support, you’re not going to satisfy everybody.” — Ashley [40:27] “Now I’m a CEO. That’s the mindset. And I think the tools that you’ve given me to be able to see my program as a business have been critical to my development.” — Ashley [52:44] “I’m creating generational wealth for my families, and hopefully for their children. I am a bridge to all kinds of different people.” — Ashley [53:56] Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/32367622

Militza Mezquita: Get Support for Your Business in a Disaster or Crisis 07/18/2024

Militza Mezquita: Get Support for Your Business in a Disaster or Crisis It’s an extremely valuable and informative episode, as Kris welcomes Militza Mezquita, Senior Advisor with Save the Children. Save the Children is the primary organization in the United States, helping childcare centers with emergency preparedness, resources, and funding for over 100 years. Militza shares a wealth of knowledge about funding and what you can do to come back stronger after an emergency event, even if you are a for-profit business. She talks about the importance of embedding emergency preparedness into business plans, the Gulf Coast Resilience Network, and the process of accessing funding after a disaster. Militza also emphasizes the critical need for mental health support for both teachers and children following emergencies. Key Takeaways: [7:44] Militza talks about Save the Children’s background, mission, and history. [9:11] Explanation of Save the Children’s support methods including remote assistance and fundraising. [13:56] What is the Gulf Coast Resilience Network? [20:40] The importance of prioritizing teachers’ mental health after disasters. [21:02] How Save the Children gets their funding. [23:35] Advocating and staying in touch with legislators. [24:19] The importance of prioritizing the mental health of teachers and providers. [28:45] Tips for relocating childcare facilities after a disaster, including the FEMA-SBA application strategy. [32:15] All of Save the Children’s training and materials are free for childcare providers. Quotes: “We teach our childcare folks that emergency preparedness is embedded in your business plan, it’s got to be in there.” — Militza [11:01] “If parents can’t have stable and high-quality childcare, they’re not going to work and our economy will collapse. And then when you finally paint that picture, you can see the light bulb go off.” — Kris [23:21] “We’ve done the mental health work, we’ve done the hard part and we’re really proud of that. And we’ve seen a lot of good come out of those training sessions and getting teachers and families ready to go back into centers.” — Militza [27:22] “We really saw a lot of good results in building our teachers’ resiliency and our children’s resiliency. We know that when our teachers are ready and calm, then our children will be ready and calm. And then together, they can facilitate advantageous learning and quality learning.” — Militza [27:15] Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/32173877

Latrice Galloway: Meet The Child Care Chic 07/05/2024

Latrice Galloway: Meet The Child Care Chic Kris rolls out the pink carpet for Latrice Galloway, one of the most inspirational, dynamic, and business-savvy women in the early learning industry today. She talks about The Childcare Chic blog, The Childcare Clique community, and her upcoming Born to Teach conference at which Kris will be speaking. Latrice drops some golden wisdom on the two things every ECE professional must know. She also gives some great tips on avoiding common industry missteps, the value of using coaches, and having the right mindset and leadership. Key Takeaways: [3:17] Kris recaps her four-day Mastermind Retreat! [9:44] Latrice joins and talks about working with her sister and The Childcare Chic. [11:30] Latrice’s first employee was her mom, who is now retired as a super-grandma. [16:28] Before Latrice started changing lives with children, she used to change lives with felons, using her degree in criminal justice. [20:40] How Latrice set herself apart. [22:37] How Latrice has grown as a leader. [24:09] Latrice’s leadership style. [27:18] Tips on having hard conversations with staff. [29:19] Latrice’s two key pieces of advice for ECE. [33:18] The mindset mistakes Latrice most often sees in the industry. [35:18] Growth and trends in ECE and what’s next for Latrice. [40:16] Latrice defines a Childcare Rockstar. [41:14] Catch Kris at the conference! Quotes: ● “My staff brag about me as their leader. That makes you feel like, Okay, I’m doing something.” — Latrice [25:35] ● “Fast forward to today, I’m a person that you can follow, but I’m going to get in there with you.” — Latrice [24:09] ● “Yes, you have to create those boundaries, but I can still treat them well. We can still laugh, but at the end of the day, they know that I am still their leader and they still have a job to do.” — Latrice [24:49] ● “Invest in your team. If you don’t have a team to help you enforce those policies, they go out the window.” — Latrice [29:30] ● “The trend is: go to the conference. Invest in yourself. Hire the coach. I think that’s great because people are investing their knowledge so they can go back and grow these programs and offer amazing services to their families and students.” — Latrice [39:47] ● “It costs too much to have a coach, but do you know how much you’re going to lose trying to do this on your own?” — Latrice [40:28] Sponsored By: Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/32023982

Crystal & Ricardo Romero: How to Increase Staff Retention by 10x in Seven Months 06/20/2024

Crystal & Ricardo Romero: How to Increase Staff Retention by 10x in Seven Months From 120% staff turnover annually to just 14% in seven months? It may sound like a dream scenario, but for Kris’s guests this week, it’s reality. Kris welcomes Crystal and Ricardo Romero from the New Mexico Early Learning Academy, currently serving three amazing locations. They share some game-changing tips on hiring the right people, onboarding, and staff retention. Crystal and Ricardo talk about working as a couple and how it helps their overall mission and keeps them both energized and focused, their approach to expansion, and the extra perks they offer to keep their staff satisfied personally and professionally. Get ready to be inspired! Key Takeaways: [8:49] Crystal and Ricardo talk about their school, New Mexico Early Learning Academy, currently with 3 locations. [11:05] Their different journeys into early childhood education. [14:23] Yes, Crystal and Ricardo spend almost every moment together, and they love it! [15:12] They share about their blended family and how their work and personal lives are fully blended. [16:24] How Crystal and Ricardo love spending their free time (together, of course) and being intentional about breaks. [19:31] Fun fact: if you need some cool shoe inspiration, check out Crystal’s renovated home office! It’s now a sneaker closet. [21:53] Crediting the Academy for success. [25:40] Remembering the basics of fostering authentic and meaningful relationships. [27:01] Crystal and Ricardo get into the specifics of hiring and making onboarding engaging and less intimidating. [31:14] More about how they reduced turnover from 120% to 14% in seven months. [32:47] Getting intentional about lowering the turnover rate. [34:24] Realizing the give and take of making staff happy and still meeting their goals while working on the overall mission and vision. [41:09] Overcoming any struggles as a husband and wife team. [43:08] The other businesses that keep Crystal and Ricardo busy. [47:27] Their approach to expansion. Quotes: “I would say we spend about 90%, maybe more, of our time together. And honestly, it works really, really well.” — Crystal [14:39] “I think for us, we thrive off each other and the energy that we have to be able to make decisions and bounce stuff off each other has been really one of the key indicators on why we’ve been so successful.” — Crystal [14:52] “We lay it out there of what our expectations are, and communicate that clearly with each other.” — Crystal [15:24] “I tell Ricardo every day, there’s absolutely no way we could have accomplished where we’re at today if we didn’t have each other. What we have as a couple makes us dynamic in our business and our personal life.” — Crystal [15:43] “Intentional goals make for incredible outcomes, so we made sure that every goal we set in place is trackable and attainable.” — Ricardo [32:37] “I think as owners, we get caught in that mindset of this is my program, this is my school, these are our rules. But not realizing that at the end of the day, we need these people, and there's a lot of give and take that has to happen.” — Crystal [34:24] Sponsored By: Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/31803637

Becoming the Provider of Choice with Scott Whitaker 06/06/2024

Becoming the Provider of Choice with Scott Whitaker What are the two keys to retaining more families in your program? And do you think that those two keys also apply to retaining staff? This week, Scott Whitaker, aka the “Membership Boy Wonder,” is here to answer those questions. Scott is the membership consultant at the Child Care Success Academy, and he has some great tips on how to set yourself apart in your community, how to compete with the increasing competition in today’s world, and how to do it in a way that’s fun for teachers, kids, and parents. Key Takeaways: [3:48] Kris recaps her beautiful trip to the jungles of Ecuador. [5:01] More about The Pachamama Alliance. [10:19] Scott’s wife Kelly was a teacher, and they have been married for almost 29 years. [17:43] What are some keys to improving family retention or customer retention? [20:14] What are the results that the parents are looking for? [25:36] Creating a unique value proposition for schools to stand out and become the “provider of choice” in their community. [30:20] Retaining staff and clients through relationship-building and reward systems. [34:11] That which gets rewarded gets repeated. [36:26] You want your staff to believe in your value proposition. [42:46] Identifying target clients and your avatar through a state of abundance. [51:24] Allow the members of the Academy to help you and thrive in the community! Quotes: “That’s really my goal, to make them the most impactful inside their niche so that they can help those businesses that are truly looking to grow and serve.” — Scott [9:38] “I can’t think of any better journey than taking an owner and helping them move from growing into a place of freedom into a place of an empire.” — Scott [16:34] “Retention is all about relationships and results.” — Scott [18:16] “As we look at this retention model, we have to look at it as a relationship and results with the child and relationship and results with the parents, and it’s got to be an equal focus there.” — Scott [19:00] “My first challenge to anybody and everybody considering identifying who their avatar is is to come from a place of abundance.” — Scott [42:47] Sponsored By: Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/31614012

Confident Leadership & A Strong Marriage with Rick and Nancy Kodama 05/24/2024

Confident Leadership & A Strong Marriage with Rick and Nancy Kodama The story this week starts with pizza, so you know it’s going to be a good one! Kris welcomes Rick and Nancy Kodama from Kid’s World Learning Center. Rick and Nancy are a husband-and-wife team based near Houston, Texas. They share some great tips on having a business together as a married couple for over three decades. They chat with Kris about their journey from owning Domino’s Pizza franchises to transitioning into early childhood education and give perspective on how having four sons affected their overall managing style and work-life balance. They also talk about how joining the Childcare Success Academy impacted Nancy’s leadership growth and confidence in running their school. Key Takeaways: [3:42] Kris set herself a goal of visiting all seven continents and speaks a bit about her Amazonian adventures. [6:35] Rick and Nancy join from Texas. [8:00] Kid’s World started in 2012 and now has a capacity of 262. They have nine classrooms. [9:12] Rick and Nancy share more about their four sons and family background. [15:03] How they went from a Domino’s Pizza franchise to Kid’s World, and lessons learned along the way. [20:01] Remembering that you’re in a relationship business, and true connections matter. [23:09] Fun fact! Talk about a large family — Rick has over 150 relatives in California. [25:38] Leading without micromanaging. [26:37] What The Child Care Success Academy has taught them about leadership. [32:14] Communication, respect, and overcoming challenges as partners. [44:18] The “other” Nancy at Domino’s that inspired our Nancy. [46:18] What’s next for this husband-and-wife duo? Quotes: “Our vision for our school is to serve more children in our community.” — Nancy [8:32] “With five locations, it was just not enough to sustain a supervisor. So it's either grow, or go.” — Nancy [16:06] “When people ask me how I spend 12 hours at the childcare, I say that’s nothing. Working 6‒6:30 pm is nothing.” — Nancy [19:32] “It’s not a transactional business. It’s a transformation business.” — Kris [20:36] “We’re not just watching your babies here, we’re teaching them. When I say we’re teaching curriculum, and all the things that I’m saying that we’re going to deliver, I make sure that my staff is going to do that. That’s what is important to me.” — Nancy [48:02] Sponsored By: Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/31412752

From Floater to Executive Director with Shannon Vasquez 05/09/2024

From Floater to Executive Director with Shannon Vasquez Kris welcomes Shannon Vasquez, Executive Director of PB Schools. Shannon started as a floater in 2004 and has since grown the organization to 8 locations. In their chat, Shannon shares her journey from floater to leader and her goals for the upcoming year. She discusses how the Academy's training and coaching have helped her build confidence in her leadership abilities and implement strategic planning practices. She and Kris chat about growing collaborative teams and the importance of courageous leadership when facing challenges. Plus, Shannon shares some fun facts including one of her favorite ways to destress - watching true crime! Key Takeaways: [7:37] Shannon talks about PB Preschool and celebrates her 20th work anniversary. [8:26] Shannon started as a floater. [9:47] Shannon’s favorite age to work with. [10:08] What a typical week looks like for Shannon. [12:27] Why starting from scratch can be a good thing. [13:29] Challenges in hiring and retaining staff. [13:33] Growth is happening, but there's still a long way to go in aligning company practices across two counties. [13:57] Shannon’s goals for 2024. [14:55] An update on enrollment. [15:50] The 8 schools combined hold a capacity of 878. [16:37] Fun fact: Shannon is a crime fan! [18:16] Shannon discusses the expansion. [21:28] How the business changed and morphed over the last eight years. [23:41] Feeling like a more confident leader and making friendships inside the Academy. [26:20] The importance of listening. [28:32] Winning Director of the Year. [31:03] How Shannon defines a childcare rockstar. Quotes: “You can’t dwell on trying to make a decision, you’ve got to just make a decision. There’s no right or wrong. There’s an outcome. And if you don’t like the outcome, then you change direction. Don’t dwell, just keep on going, keep on moving.” — Shannon [20:31] “Every year, we continue to grow and put more policies, more procedures into place, and hold people accountable to those policies and procedures. And we’re just constantly succeeding.“ — Shannon [22:38] “They want you to support them and teach them how to be self-sufficient, but also give them the confidence and know that you have the confidence in them.” — Shannon [28:10] “A child care rockstar is someone who puts into practice high-quality business strategies that are driven by their vision and mission. And that not only is about the children but it’s about the people that are in the day-to-day grind.” — Shannon [30:49] Sponsored By: Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/31196272

Creating a World Worth Being In with Raj Jana 04/25/2024

Creating a World Worth Being In with Raj Jana Kris welcomes Raj Jana, co-founder and CEO of the mental health app Liber8. Raj shares his entrepreneurial journey and how he created Liber8 to help people manage stress and mental health. He and Kris discuss their passion for entrepreneurship and using their gifts to help others. They talk about the importance of improving our world and mindfully creating a world worth living in through compassion and small acts of kindness. Raj highlights Liber8 programs, including emotional lab reports and group coaching cohorts, which help users better understand their triggers and find tailored tools for personal growth. Use Code Key Takeaways: [6:18] Raj talks about Liber8 and his journey in entrepreneurship. [8:30] How Raj finally got off the hamster wheel of healing to shift into real and inspired action. [9:33] The start of Liber8. [15:08] What Raj loves most about entrepreneurship. [18:47] The impact that had on Raj and Kris. [21:16] Breakups can be emotional, but can also be a great time to rediscover yourself and peel back new, exciting layers. [22:36] How Liber8 can help with burnout. [28:05] What can someone expect when doing a session with Liber8? [28:56] How we can “be the ripple.” [36:05] The people who had an impact on Raj along his entrepreneurial journey. Quotes: “What I love most about being an entrepreneur today is that I get to use my gifts, talents, and my brilliance to help people.” [15:57] “I don’t know of a more growth-fueled journey than the journey of entrepreneurship.” [16:40] “I do feel like entrepreneurship is my art.” [17:07] “If we can help the little humans be better learners and more emotionally resilient, then we can help the world because as the little humans get big, it’s just going to ripple out.” — Kris [29:30] “I think just about the most impactful thing we can do is to wake up to the fullness of ourselves, learn to love ourselves, and be that light from the inside out. And then just be that ripple in the world.” [31:10] Sponsored By: Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/30987223

An “Easy Button” For Child Care Management with Daniel Andrews and Sasha Reiss 04/11/2024

An “Easy Button” For Child Care Management with Daniel Andrews and Sasha Reiss It’s all about the best and brightest in software automation for schools this week, as Kris welcomes Daniel Andrews and Sasha Reiss, co-founders of Playground, an innovative childcare management software company. They first share Playground’s unique story of being friends since high school and creating a solution for their own families’ childcare centers. Daniel and Sasha highlight Playground’s differentiating features, such as drop-in care management and integrated payroll modules, and they share insights into hiring practices and their vision for AI in childcare. At the end of the episode, Daniel and Sasha share lessons they’ve learned on scaling their own company and fun yet powerful ways to maintain a happy company culture. Register for our ECE tech webinar with Playground here: Key Takeaways: [3:15] Kris announces the two-day virtual challenge, The Road to Freedom. [6:31] Playground’s founding story. [8:38] How does Playground’s mission and technology stand out in a crowded space? [11:37] Perspective on ECE’s past of being a slower adopter of technology, and how that’s changing. [12:53] The “grandma test.” [15:38] The lessons Sasha and Daniel have learned about scaling and growing a business. [17:09] Some of the tools and technology Playground uses. [20:09] The grounding and stabilizing force of working with family. [22:44] Personal and professional inspiration. [25:29] What they look for in new hires. [26:36] Playground’s short but effective interview process. [31:29] What’s next for the Playground team? [33:13] Using AI to improve family interactions, especially with communication, engagement, and lesson plans. Quotes: “I think our differentiated approach is the new technology that we’re bringing. A lot of that comes down to really solving the problems that we are building software for.” — Daniel [8:39] “If we want to be able to compete and if we want to be able to operate at the same level, we need to adopt the same tools that they’re using.” — Sasha [14:10] “A lot of the big problems that we faced have become significantly smaller by putting phenomenal people in front of those problems. If you find someone great, you can just trust that they’ll get the job done and that you don’t need to be managing the day-to-day.” — Daniel [16:54] “Working with family and then also building for family really grounds you on what the work you’re doing, who’s impacting, and why it’s actually getting done.” — Daniel [20:09] “It’s ultimately the three of us against the problem. It’s not us against each other. So realizing and recognizing what it is that we’re working for, and why we’re doing it ultimately helps us get into the right direction.” — Sasha [21:25] Sponsored By: Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. Webinar: Emerging Technologies Revolutionizing the Childcare Industry /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/30755948

Unstoppable: A Global Vision of Massive Impact with Kishani Woldberhan 03/28/2024

Unstoppable: A Global Vision of Massive Impact with Kishani Woldberhan Kris welcomes the very inspirational Kishani Woldberhan of Kids Early Learning Centers, now operating four locations in Texas with plans for expansion into Ethiopia. Kishani talks about bringing Montessori-inspired education to underserved communities, and her vision for building two new schools in Ethiopia with a combined capacity of over 3,000 students. She offers valuable advice on setting clear goals, implementing strong systems and accountability, and using technology like Slack and QR codes to effectively lead a growing business. She and Kris also talk about embracing the difficult things and realizing the sky's the limit when it comes to realizing your vision. Key Takeaways: [7:12] Kishani joins the show from Arlington, Texas, and talks more about . [7:39] Kishani talks about the four locations currently running and the plan to expand to Ethiopia. [10:11] Fun Facts: Kishani came to the United States on a VISA as a Montessori teacher from Sri Lanka. She is now a mother of five and a grandma! [13:30] Buying a center during the pandemic but opening it in 2021. [14:50] What sets KIDS Early Learning Centers apart in the market. [17:54] Working with Grow Your Center. [20:16] How they made their vision become a reality and why they are bringing the brand to Ethiopia. [22:35] The school will be from toddlers to high school. [26:33] Advice for others wanting to open up a school internationally. [29:02] The sky's the limit when you put in the hard work and act with purpose and strategy. [31:07] Keep the end in mind and work backward when working towards your goals. [32:03] Giving your staff the tools they need to succeed. [35:14] How Kishani communicates with her leadership team. [41:50] How being a member of the Academy has helped Kishani and the importance of finding mentors. [43:06] Keep your eyes peeled for Kishani’s program for a childcare management system, which will come out in June. [43:25] Fun Fact: Kishani is a party planner and decorator at heart. Quotes: “We have dedicated teachers who love children and love to teach them.” — Kishani [14:50] “This is a partnership. It’s not just you dropping off your child, we babysit with your child.” — Kishani [15:30] “The sky's the limit as long as you know what you want and you go for it.” — Kishani [22:18] “Keep the end in mind and work backward.” — Kishani [31:07] “Nothing is going to come easy. It’s going to be difficult. If it was easy, everyone would do it.” — Kishani [31:44] “I worked so hard on getting systems and processes in place.” — Kishani [32:59] Sponsored By: Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/30551178

My Solo Adventure in Hawaii 03/14/2024

My Solo Adventure in Hawaii Aloha! In this solo episode, Kris shares more about her month in Hawaii — why she decided to head to island life, the logistics behind her adventures, and how you can use her story as inspiration to make space in your life. She goes deeper into detail about the important strategic implementation steps that allowed her to live her best life and take time to relax, breathe in the salty ocean air, and be led by intuition. Kris talks about the importance of joining a Mastermind group that fits your personal and professional goals, more about ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), and how to travel solo like a pro. Key Takeaways: [4:12] Kris walks us through a grounding exercise to bring presence and mindfulness into the conversation. [6:52] Kris shares her experience of the major change from moving to Crested Butte, Colorado after living in Chicago. [8:55] Why Hawaii is so special to Kris and how visiting the islands has changed her life. [10:31] Intentionally creating space in her life. [11:18] Embracing the flow state and being led by intuition. [20:07] Some of the adventures Kris has enjoyed in Hawaii, including whale watching, snorkeling, and meeting new people. [22:17] Being confident while solo traveling. [25:37] Kris walks us through the intentions behind crafting her exit from the business. [28:10] The importance of finding a Mastermind group. [29:00] The pros and upsides of an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). [35:34] Kris talks about finding the new CEO and sharing the ESOP plan with the leadership team, along with why ESOP’s can be positive for employee retention. [45:31] Kris’s upcoming trips, including Ecuador and Burning Man! Quotes: “I am becoming every day, a better, higher, and deeper version of myself.” — Kris [6:25] “I've created this new life for myself and I have intentionally created more space in my life. — Kris [10:31] “You need to find a group of peers and people that are walking your walk, who are successful, and who you can be coached up with and model their success for whatever that looks like for you.” — Kris [26:35] Sponsored By: Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/30350288

Kim Harris: Lifting People Up with “Big-Ups” 02/29/2024

Kim Harris: Lifting People Up with “Big-Ups” Kris welcomes the awesome Kim Harris, affectionately known as "Big Ups," from The Harris & Tucker School in Connecticut. Kim talks about getting her structures “right and tight” and how she stays on the pulse of good leadership. She talks more about the rich legacy of The Harris & Tucker School, and their mission to create superhero influencers and a culture that connects the whole community. She expounds more on Harris & Tucker’s values of respect, integrity, and faith-based education and how she has accomplished so many goals over the years, one of which was getting accredited. Key Takeaways: [10:55] Kim joins the show and talks about , along with how it is a product of the civil unrest in the 60s. [12:00] Harris & Tucker becoming an urban epicenter and growth community. [15:23] Harris & Tucker is the only Black-woman, family-owned-and-operated, nationally accredited faith-based urban center in the area. [16:56] Kim speaks more about Harris & Tucker’s leadership structure. [20:56] The two big things that really set Harris & Tucker apart. [22:03] Creating superhero influencers. [24:28] Where did the phrase “big ups” come from? [25:04] Kim discusses taking on her new role after her mother’s passing and her vision for growth, including national accreditation. [27:03] The beauty of longevity in the community, along with values such as community connection and ongoing education. [28:02] Why the pandemic was the best thing that happened to the school. [33:26] The benefits they have seen since joining the Childcare Success Academy. [36:11] Automating operations and systems. [38:24] Plans for the cultural activities center. [41:27] The famous soap story! [44:13] Kim defines a childcare rockstar as someone who has helped to create a movement through transforming their community. Quotes: “This is because of the mindset of two black women who came to Connecticut, and said that they were going to make a difference and do the things that they were going to do.” — Kim [12:22] “We walk our core values. We talk about it all the time.” — Kim [20:33] “We can talk about all the dreams and everything that we want to have in life, but if we don’t do the action part, it doesn't happen.” — Kim [22:30] “That's what we teach our kids here with the school — you have a chance to create your hustle, create your legacy, and to keep it going.” — Kim [44:14] “To be a childcare rockstar is a movement that just moves us all forward. I think when you arrive at the status of childcare Rockstar, you've helped to create a movement. ” — Kim [45:38] Sponsored By: Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/30143043

From Tolerating Mediocrity to Finding Big Momentum with John & Tracy LaBreche 02/15/2024

From Tolerating Mediocrity to Finding Big Momentum with John & Tracy LaBreche In this episode, Kris welcomes John and Tracy LaBreche from Ardent Preschool and Daycare, with seven locations in Alabama. John and Tracy share their journey into developing Ardent’s value system and building a strong and happy team. They talk about their desire to not burn their team out during the pandemic and facing staffing shortages and enrollment declines, and they discuss how they turned things around while maintaining a healthy work-life balance for employees. John and Tracy share some great insight into rewarding good attendance, their commitment to data-driven decision-making, and a few of their favorite benefits from joining the Academy. Key Takeaways: [5:20] Ardent currently has seven locations, and close to 1600 students enrolled with a waitlist of just over 500. They also have 300 employees. [6:42] John and Tracy talk about how they got started in child care and how Ardent came to be. [10:15] In addition to their busy work life, John and Tracy have a large family with six kids. [12:23] Fun fact: if you are looking for a great tequila, ask John! As for Tracy, she will be reading a few of her favorite books including Traction, What The Heck is EOS, and The Alter Ego. [16:40] Tracy and John’s commitment to making sure the people, teachers, and admin are enthusiastic and passionate about Ardent’s mission. [17:46] Exceeding the expectations of parents. [18:10] Ardent is also a Christian company, so they include Christian-related Bible studies and curriculum. [25:42] Overcoming challenges over the pandemic by learning to push enrollment, stay focused, and not be complacent. [30:42] Now they are at 91% enrollment, which was their goal. [30:56] Coming off the Summit, John and Tracy rescaled, brought on one of their existing staff to be a full-scale enrollment specialist, and hired an internal recruiter to help with bringing teachers on board. [31:17] The importance of having a fast response to applicants and tracking all data. [36:44] How Ardent maintains good retention and a happy culture. [37:02] Breaking down Ardent to Ability, Respect, Dependability, Engaging, Nurturing, and Team Player. [47:46] The ROI of academy membership. [46:22] Culture is the glue that will hold you together in the face of challenges. Quotes: “With our purpose of committing to excellence in all areas, we can deliver a childhood experience that is worth the investment of our parents.” — Tracy [17:11] “When we get testimonials or reviews from our parents, one thing that just always is a recurring thing is that we’ve exceeded their expectations.” — Tracy [17:46] “We always focus on people, process, and service. I have the right people doing things the right away to have excellent service. You can’t have one without the other.” — John [19:00] “You meet people where they are, and you leave them where they need to go.” — Tracy [25:20] “A healthy culture is where reality meets the road and the value system becomes a reality.” — Tracy [46:06] Sponsored By: Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. . /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/29951643

A Huge Vision for Better Mental Health in Kids and Adults with Marissa and Sunflower from Little Luminaries 02/01/2024

A Huge Vision for Better Mental Health in Kids and Adults with Marissa and Sunflower from Little Luminaries In this episode, Kris welcomes Marissa and Sunflower from Little Luminaries, two talented women partnering together to bring art, beauty, and mindset tools to empower children globally. They discuss how Little Luminaries aims to support children through self-celebration and resources for challenging conversations using their thoughtfully designed toys, decks, and other mindfulness creations. Marissa and Sunflower discuss their individual journeys and partnership in developing toys, curricula, and other products to support children's mental wellness. They also explore how to apply non-violent communication practices in business relationships and classrooms. Additionally, they talk about how they maintain alignment as business partners living on different coasts through clear communication, sharing their passion for creating resources to positively impact children and the future. Key Takeaways: [6:27] Marissa and Sunflower talk about creating Little Luminaries. [7:18] Their shared passion for mental health. [11:41] The process of getting the artwork and artistic components just right. [12:05] How the animal affirmation cards work. [13:00] Marissa is a new mom of two and a teacher and Sunflower is a mental health and mindfulness coach in North Carolina. [17:30] How Little Luminaries helps children with their own self-image and supports them in learning more about sustainability and how we can live in harmony with our environment. [21:16] Fun fact: when Marissa and Sunflower aren’t dreaming up new business ideas, you may catch them lip-syncing on The Toy Boat. [22:15] Kris picks The Rooster! [24:38] Other products in the Little Luminaries line include decals, posters, and a mythical creature mystery pack. [30:00] How Little Luminary helps cultivate self-love and the ways it ripples out to take care of our communities and planet. [32:09] What is “nonviolent communication”? [44:11] Marissa and Sunflower have learned to be rocks for each other, so they can navigate challenges and grow together. Quotes: “We both found that whenever we’re giving kids tools to celebrate who they are, instead of changing the parts that don’t fit in the box, we’re just seeing so much more pride and authentic celebration in themselves.” — Marissa [11:32] “I think what inspired me to really step into mindfulness coaching is going on a deep dive myself and collecting all the tools, then starting to watch transformations happen in who I was and how I felt about myself and the world, in general.” — Sunflower [14:08] “Our brains are like popcorn when we get together, just all these fun ideas.” — Marisa [24:31] “I think that when we can cultivate self-love, we have so much more capacity to love our communities, to love our planet.” — Sunflower [30:00] Sponsored By: Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. . — use code “rockstar” for 25% off /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/29726023

Know Your Market with Grafton Milne 01/18/2024

Know Your Market with Grafton Milne In this episode, Kris welcomes Grafton Milne and shares a glimpse into his distinctive expertise in childcare real estate. Grafton gives practical insights on understanding your market through straightforward approaches, emphasizing clarity and actionable insights. He talks more about his latest book, Childcare Center Success: How to Maximize Profits and Minimize Mistakes, highlighting key practices such as measuring due diligence, nuanced market understanding, strategic planning, and the latest trends in real estate. Grafton also sheds light on some of his favorite go-to tools tailored to enhance your understanding of the market dynamics, in an industry where one neighborhood could make a world of difference. Key Takeaways: [6:30] How Grafton fell into the niche of early childhood by happenstance. [7:29] Grafton’s degree was in marketing and advertising with a minor in business. [8:15] Grafton has a busy home life with four energetic young kids, who keep him and his wife very busy. [8:51] Fun fact: Grafton visited Scotland and Ireland and fell in love with the countries, so don’t be surprised if you ever see him learning the bagpipes! [9:26] The process of and inspiration behind Grafton’s new book, . [11:08] What does it mean to make sure you are getting the appropriate amount of due diligence? [12:17] How can you measure due diligence? [15:14] Tips for strategic planning and the cost-of-care model. [17:14] Examples of how real estate can positively or negatively impact a childcare center’s success. [19:21] How Grafton’s experience in commercial real estate in the early childhood niche sets him apart. [25:20] What Grafton would tell his 20-year-old self. [29:32] What we can expect from Grafton and his team in 2024? [30:06] Where are the hot markets now? Quotes: “Different streets and different neighborhoods can make or break your business.” — Kris [3:05] “The takeaway is, you’ve got to do some due diligence to make sure that you’re making an educated and informed decision.” — Grafton [12:29] “You can’t overcompensate the importance of just taking care of your mental health and surrounding yourself with good people and good influences.” — Grafton [25:53] Sponsored By: Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: : Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. . /episode/index/show/childcarerockstarradio/id/29522763

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