• Episode 208: The Most Important Considerations for Administering Medication in Childcare
    Jul 2 2024

    In this podcast episode, Carrie and Kate delve into the complexities of administering medication in childcare settings. They discuss legal, safety, and practical aspects, including medication policies, state regulations, and the importance of proper documentation. The conversation covers the challenges of distinguishing symptoms from various conditions and the legal implications of administering medication. They emphasize the necessity of following doctor's instructions, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring proper storage and training. The episode highlights the importance of updating policies and handbooks and encourages seeking resources and training to mitigate risks associated with medication handling in childcare programs.

    Medication lock-box: https://amzn.to/3VMxMKX

    Support the Show.

    Thanks for Listening 🎙

    • Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖
    • Like us on Facebook! 👍
    • Contact us if you have any questions or have a good idea for a future episode!
    • Are you looking for a good director training? Check out our Website for our training and additional resources!


    Show more Show less
    17 mins
  • Episode 207: How Can Pre-Service Training Improve Staff Success in Childcare?
    Jun 25 2024

    In this podcast episode, Carrie and Kate discuss the importance of hiring new staff from outside the childcare industry and the necessity of pre-service training. They advocate for recruiting individuals from fields like hospitality and retail to bring fresh perspectives. The hosts emphasize the need for thorough training, including eight-hour and 24-hour pre-service courses, to ensure new hires are well-prepared. They outline a structured 90-day onboarding process to reduce turnover and enhance staff success. Carrie and Kate also encourage listeners to visit their website for training resources and invite feedback for future episode topics.

    Support the Show.

    Thanks for Listening 🎙

    • Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖
    • Like us on Facebook! 👍
    • Contact us if you have any questions or have a good idea for a future episode!
    • Are you looking for a good director training? Check out our Website for our training and additional resources!


    Show more Show less
    19 mins
  • Episode 206: Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Success: A Conversation with Christian Muraira
    Jun 18 2024

    In this podcast episode, Kate and Carrie are joined by Christian Muraira, the director of an early childcare center. They delve into Christian's journey in the early childcare industry, highlighting his unique experiences and challenges as a male teacher. Christian shares his transition from a volunteer to a director, the dynamics of working with family, and the importance of effective communication and leadership. The discussion also touches on the significance of male presence in childcare, the benefits of professional development, and Christian's future plans for his centers, including accreditation and possibly opening a Montessori school.

    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/ECCHarlingen

    Support the Show.

    Thanks for Listening 🎙

    • Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖
    • Like us on Facebook! 👍
    • Contact us if you have any questions or have a good idea for a future episode!
    • Are you looking for a good director training? Check out our Website for our training and additional resources!


    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • Episode 205: How Can Directors Ensure Smooth Operations While on Vacation?
    Jun 11 2024
    In this podcast episode, Carrie and Kate discuss the importance of directors taking vacations and their impact on their centers. They explore the challenges and benefits of stepping away and share strategies for preparing staff and parents for the director's absence. The episode also offers practical tips for directors on effectively disconnecting and delegating responsibilities during their time off, ensuring the center continues running smoothly.

    The Director Credentialing class: http://texasdirector.org/getstarted

    Support the Show.

    Thanks for Listening 🎙

    • Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖
    • Like us on Facebook! 👍
    • Contact us if you have any questions or have a good idea for a future episode!
    • Are you looking for a good director training? Check out our Website for our training and additional resources!


    Show more Show less
    16 mins
  • Episode 204: The Most Comprehensive Leadership Training for Early Childhood Educators With Super Friend Summer Picha
    Jun 4 2024

    In this podcast episode, Kate and Carrie host Summer Picha, an expert in early childhood education with 23 years of experience. Summer discusses her journey from working in a program kitchen to owning schools and her shift to consulting and training during the pandemic. She introduces her Conscious Classroom Certification Model, which focuses on aligning staff with organizational values and implementing brain science in staff training. The episode covers leadership challenges in early childhood programs and details Summer's leadership boot camp, designed for various levels of leaders. They also touch on vendor management and the importance of understanding all facility running aspects. Information about Summer's work and how to connect with her on social media is provided, emphasizing her Facebook page, Conscious Classroom Certification Model. The conversation ends with a mention of Montessori education and the work involved in transitioning to this approach.

    Conscious Leadership Camp: https://square.link/u/9tugIfZC

    https://www.facebook.com/summerpicha

    Support the Show.

    Thanks for Listening 🎙

    • Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖
    • Like us on Facebook! 👍
    • Contact us if you have any questions or have a good idea for a future episode!
    • Are you looking for a good director training? Check out our Website for our training and additional resources!


    Show more Show less
    23 mins
  • Episode 203: When the Boss is Out: Managing a Childcare Center Without Losing Your Mind
    May 28 2024

    In this podcast episode, Kate and Carrie explore the delicate issue of handling health problems within a childcare center's leadership team. They emphasize empathy and practicality in managing the increased workload, suggesting strategies like private meetings, task delegation, and creating temporary positions to support the affected team. They advise against firing individuals due to health issues, instead adjusting roles and compensation. The conversation also covers setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and reshuffling duties to maintain a healthy work-life balance and a supportive environment for all staff members.

    Support the Show.

    Thanks for Listening 🎙

    • Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖
    • Like us on Facebook! 👍
    • Contact us if you have any questions or have a good idea for a future episode!
    • Are you looking for a good director training? Check out our Website for our training and additional resources!


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

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

    Support the Show.

    Thanks for Listening 🎙

    • Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖
    • Like us on Facebook! 👍
    • Contact us if you have any questions or have a good idea for a future episode!
    • Are you looking for a good director training? Check out our Website for our training and additional resources!


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

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

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

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

    Support the Show.

    Thanks for Listening 🎙

    • Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖
    • Like us on Facebook! 👍
    • Contact us if you have any questions or have a good idea for a future episode!
    • Are you looking for a good director training? Check out our Website for our training and additional resources!


    Show more Show less
    28 mins