Childcare Confidential

Childcare Confidential: Jessica Hampton & Katy Denk

Welcome to Childcare Confidential, the podcast where the real stories of early childhood education come to life. Hosted by Jessica Hampton and Katy Denk— seasoned experts, speakers, trainers, coaches, and authors in the early childhood world — pull back the curtain on the day-to-day moments that only those in the field truly understand. From laugh-out-loud classroom mishaps to heartfelt cries for help, we share and discuss the true tales submitted by teachers, directors, aides, administrators, licensing consultants, professors, and everyone in between. No matter your job title, if you’ve worked in early childhood education, you’ve got a story worth telling—and we’re here to talk about it.

  1. Staff vs. Parents: The Blow Up That Split the Center

    2D AGO

    Staff vs. Parents: The Blow Up That Split the Center

    🎙️ In this episode, Jessica and Katy walk through a messy parent confrontation that many childcare professionals can relate to. They unpack what led up to the situation, how it unfolded, and the impact it had on everyone involved. Through honest reflection, they share lessons learned, strategies for de-escalation, and ways to handle conflict with professionalism and confidence. This episode offers practical insight for anyone navigating tough conversations with families while maintaining boundaries and respect.

    33 min
  2. The Childcare Truth Nobody Wants to Say Out Loud

    APR 28

    The Childcare Truth Nobody Wants to Say Out Loud

    In this episode, Jessica tackles the hard truths about the childcare industry—the challenges, the misconceptions, and the realities that often go unspoken. This honest conversation sheds light on what providers, families, and leaders need to hear.

    25 min
  3. Inclusion Without Support: Who Is This Actually Working For?

    APR 21

    Inclusion Without Support: Who Is This Actually Working For?

    🎙️ In this episode, Jess takes a closer look at the support needed in childcare and why it matters more than ever. From staff support and professional development to communication, resources, and leadership, she explores what truly helps educators thrive. Jess shares insight into how strong support systems not only improve staff morale and retention but also directly impact the quality of care children receive. This episode is a valuable listen for anyone looking to strengthen their team and build a more supportive, sustainable childcare environment.

    18 min
  4. THEY'RE FINALLY LISTENING, BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN

    APR 15

    THEY'RE FINALLY LISTENING, BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN

    🚨🎙️ Emergency Episode: Indiana Is Finally Listening! In this episode, Katy and Jessica dives into recent developments in Indiana and what it means for the childcare community. After ongoing conversations and challenges within the industry, there are signs that voices are being heard. Katy and Jessica share their perspective on what’s changing, why it matters for providers and families, and what steps could come next. This episode highlights the importance of advocacy, speaking up, and staying engaged in the future of childcare. If you’ve been following the challenges in childcare, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Thanks for tuning in!  If you enjoyed what you heard, we’d love to connect with you on more platforms.  Want to share your own story? Submit it HERE: https://gforms.app/M2SXBtR Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildcareConfidential Check us out on Buzzsprout: https://childcareconfidential.buzzsprout.com/ Check us out on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/childcare-confidential/id1841466272 Check us out on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5MV0chCDpmiXPaYbgtcnvi?si=70fbe1caf5fd4bb3 Stay connected and be part of our community! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578842384016 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/childcareconfidential/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@childcareconfiden?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

    18 min
  5. WE DON T HAVE A STAFFING CRISIS WE HAVE A LEADERSHIP PROBLEM

    APR 14

    WE DON T HAVE A STAFFING CRISIS WE HAVE A LEADERSHIP PROBLEM

    🎙️ In this episode, Katy tackles a big statement: we don’t have a staffing problem—we have a leadership issue. She dives into how leadership styles, workplace culture, and support systems directly impact staff retention and overall morale. Katy shares insight on what strong leadership looks like in childcare, how it influences team success, and why focusing on leadership development may be the key to solving ongoing staffing challenges. This episode is a must-listen for directors, owners, and anyone leading a team.

    20 min
  6. WHAT HAPPENS IF CHILDCARE IS DEREGULATED?

    APR 7

    WHAT HAPPENS IF CHILDCARE IS DEREGULATED?

    🎙️ In this episode, Katy takes a deeper dive into the idea of childcare deregulation and what it could mean for families, providers, and children. She breaks down how regulations currently support safety, structure, and quality—and what risks could arise if those guidelines were removed or reduced. From staff qualifications and ratios to accountability and consistency, Katy explores both the potential benefits and serious concerns surrounding deregulation. This episode encourages listeners to think critically about the role regulations play in protecting children and supporting high-quality care. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or childcare leader, this conversation offers valuable insight into an important and often overlooked topic. Thanks for tuning in!  If you enjoyed what you heard, we’d love to connect with you on more platforms.  Want to share your own story? Submit it HERE: https://gforms.app/M2SXBtR Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildcareConfidential Check us out on Buzzsprout: https://childcareconfidential.buzzsprout.com/ Check us out on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/childcare-confidential/id1841466272 Check us out on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5MV0chCDpmiXPaYbgtcnvi?si=70fbe1caf5fd4bb3 Stay connected and be part of our community! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578842384016 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/childcareconfidential/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@childcareconfiden?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

    20 min
  7. THE TANTRUM TRUTH WHY MELTDOWNS COULD ACTUALLY BE A SUPERPOWER

    MAR 31

    THE TANTRUM TRUTH WHY MELTDOWNS COULD ACTUALLY BE A SUPERPOWER

    🎙️ In this episode, Katy dives into the importance of understanding and navigating tantrums in the classroom. She explains how challenging behaviors often have underlying causes and how the right approach can turn potential disruptions into teachable moments. Katy shares practical strategies for staying calm, responding effectively, and supporting children through big emotions. By learning how to manage tantrums with confidence and consistency, educators can help prevent small situations from turning into bigger classroom disruptions. Whether you’re a teacher, director, or childcare provider, this episode offers helpful tools to create a more positive, balanced classroom environment. Thanks for tuning in!  If you enjoyed what you heard, we’d love to connect with you on more platforms.  Want to share your own story? Submit it HERE: https://gforms.app/M2SXBtR Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildcareConfidential Check us out on Buzzsprout: https://childcareconfidential.buzzsprout.com/ Check us out on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/childcare-confidential/id1841466272 Check us out on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5MV0chCDpmiXPaYbgtcnvi?si=70fbe1caf5fd4bb3 Stay connected and be part of our community! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578842384016 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/childcareconfidential/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@childcareconfiden?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

    17 min
  8. Our Road to Accreditation

    MAR 24

    Our Road to Accreditation

    🎙️ In this episode, we take a deeper look into the journey of becoming dual accredited. From the initial decision to pursue accreditation to the hard work, challenges, and growth along the way, this episode shares what it really takes to reach this level of excellence. We discuss the standards, the process, and the impact accreditation has on quality care, staff development, and family trust. Whether you’re considering accreditation or just curious about what it involves, this episode offers valuable insight and inspiration. Thanks for tuning in!  If you enjoyed what you heard, we’d love to connect with you on more platforms.  Want to share your own story? Submit it HERE: https://gforms.app/M2SXBtR Check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChildcareConfidential Check us out on Buzzsprout: https://childcareconfidential.buzzsprout.com/ Check us out on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/childcare-confidential/id1841466272 Check us out on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5MV0chCDpmiXPaYbgtcnvi?si=70fbe1caf5fd4bb3 Stay connected and be part of our community! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578842384016 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/childcareconfidential/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@childcareconfiden?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

    30 min
See All (32)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Childcare Confidential, the podcast where the real stories of early childhood education come to life. Hosted by Jessica Hampton and Katy Denk— seasoned experts, speakers, trainers, coaches, and authors in the early childhood world — pull back the curtain on the day-to-day moments that only those in the field truly understand. From laugh-out-loud classroom mishaps to heartfelt cries for help, we share and discuss the true tales submitted by teachers, directors, aides, administrators, licensing consultants, professors, and everyone in between. No matter your job title, if you’ve worked in early childhood education, you’ve got a story worth telling—and we’re here to talk about it.

Information

  • Creator
    Childcare Confidential: Jessica Hampton & Katy Denk
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Childcare Confidential
  • Show Website
    Childcare Confidential

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