ChildCare Conversations

Kate Woodward Young (co-founder Carrie Casey)
  • 4.9 (10)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Childcare Conversations was founded by cousins Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed., PCC, and Carrie Casey, MBA, to create practical, honest conversations about the real business and leadership challenges facing early childhood professionals.Today, the podcast is hosted by Kate Woodward Young and features childcare owners, directors, experts, and industry leaders talking about leadership, staffing, enrollment, finances, systems, growth, and the everyday decisions behind stronger early childhood programs.With hundreds of episodes and voices from across the field, Childcare Conversations helps early childhood leaders ask better questions, find practical ideas and trusted resources, and make better decisions for their businesses, programs, teams, children, and families.Real people. Practical ideas. Better decisions.

  1. 4d ago ·  Video

    380: The Lease Negotiation Lessons That Saved a Childcare Business With Mary Hornbeck

    Send us Fan Mail What should every childcare owner know before signing a lease or starting a build-out? Kate Woodward Young talks with Mary Hornbeck, a Kansas City childcare operator who grew from one classroom to four locations, about childcare facility leases, landlord negotiations, build-outs, expansion, and protecting your budget. Mary shares hard-earned lessons on negotiating long-term leases, rent-free months, build-out costs, and hidden expenses, plus why asking the right questions can save childcare owners thousands of dollars and countless headaches. If you’re a childcare owner, director, or operator considering a new facility, expansion, or lease, this episode is packed with practical advice you’ll want to hear before signing on the dotted line. To learn more: MSH-Strategies.com To contact Mary: Mary@msh-strategies.com Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

    380: The Lease Negotiation Lessons That Saved a Childcare Business With Mary Hornbeck

  2. 6d ago ·  Video

    379: The 15-Second Pitch That Gets People to Remember You With Tiffany Mason

    Send us Fan Mail Networking isn’t just about collecting contacts; it’s about building real relationships that lead to trust, referrals, and opportunity. Kate Woodward Young and Tiffany Mason share practical strategies for networking, relationship building, local marketing, and business growth, including how to make meaningful connections in person and follow up in a way people remember. Whether you’re an early childhood leader, childcare owner, or local business owner, this episode will help you become more confident, memorable, and intentional with your networking. From the “Know, Like, and Trust” factor to the power of a great follow-up, you’ll walk away with simple strategies you can put to work immediately. The Link Up Lounge Podcast (about networking): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-link-up-lounge-strategic-networking-for-small-business/id1823904704 Tiffany's website: https://www.virtuallyyouva.com/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Tiffany_R_Mason Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

    379: The 15-Second Pitch That Gets People to Remember You With Tiffany Mason

  3. Sep 10 ·  Video

    378: The Hidden Cost of Not Investing in Your Best Teachers With Erica Saccoccio

    Send us Fan Mail What if your staffing problem isn’t a hiring problem; it’s a leadership and retention problem? Kate Woodward Young and Erica Saccoccio explore how childcare directors and owners can recognize hidden leaders, strengthen staff development, and build a pipeline of future leaders from within their own teams. From onboarding and teacher buddies to meaningful recognition, professional development, and succession planning, this episode offers practical strategies for employee retention, staff engagement, leadership development, and childcare business growth. If you want to build a team that feels valued, supported, and excited to stay, this conversation is a must-listen. Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

    378: The Hidden Cost of Not Investing in Your Best Teachers With Erica Saccoccio

  4. Sep 8 ·  Video

    377: How One Childcare Operator Scaled to 21 Schools Without the Tech Chaos With Dr. Jason Lody

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to grow a childcare organization without losing the systems, staff support, and community connection that make it successful? Dr. Jason Lody shares how Aventus grew from zero to 21 schools across six states, and the technology, operations, and strategy required to scale sustainably. Kate Woodward Young and Jason explore childcare expansion, multi-site operations, acquisitions, technology, staff training, and family communication, including why a unified system and hands-on support can make all the difference. If you’re a childcare owner, operator, director, or multi-site leader looking to grow without creating operational chaos, this episode is packed with practical insights you can use. Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

    377: How One Childcare Operator Scaled to 21 Schools Without the Tech Chaos With Dr. Jason Lody

  5. Sep 3 ·  Video

    376: The Onboarding Mistake that Makes New Childcare Staff Quit Fast with Marie Young

    Send us Fan Mail Why does Gen Z leave childcare, and what can leaders do differently to make them want to stay? Kate Woodward Young and Marie Young share an honest mother-daughter conversation about Gen Z staff retention, onboarding, leadership, communication, and workplace culture in early childhood education. From handling difficult conversations to matching teachers with their strengths and passions, they explore practical ways childcare directors, owners, and lead teachers can better support younger educators, build trust, and create teams where staff feel valued and want to grow. If you’re struggling with teacher turnover or retaining Gen Z employees, this episode offers a fresh perspective and actionable ideas. Contact Marie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-young-59a7161a9/ Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

    376: The Onboarding Mistake that Makes New Childcare Staff Quit Fast with Marie Young

  6. Sep 1 ·  Video

    375: 3 Questions That Reveal What a Child Really Needs With Stephanie Corley

    Send us Fan Mail What if we stopped waiting for a diagnosis before supporting a child who needs help? Stephanie Corley joins Kate Woodward Young to explore early intervention, developmental concerns, exceptionalities, and supporting children in early childhood education. They discuss how tools like ASQs and Teaching Strategies GOLD can help educators recognize concerns early, partner with families, and take action without labeling or making assumptions. From navigating difficult conversations with parents to understanding autism, selective mutism, hearing concerns, and developmental delays, Stephanie shares practical guidance for early childhood educators, directors, and childcare leaders. If you want to become the educator who notices what others miss and knows what to do next, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Support Corley Discovery Institute Your support helps move Corley Discovery Institute closer to creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment for children and families: https://gofund.me/775538f57 Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

    375: 3 Questions That Reveal What a Child Really Needs With Stephanie Corley

  7. Aug 27 ·  Video

    374: Why Childcare Directors Need Training Before They Can Lead a Center

    Send us Fan Mail Great teachers don’t automatically become great directors. But too often, they’re promoted into leadership and expected to figure it out on their own. Kate Woodward Young and Carrie Casey explore why early childhood administrator training needs to be built around the real work of leading a childcare center, from budgets and enrollment to hiring, payroll, culture, and business operations. They dive into the National Childcare Administrator credential, practical leadership training, and how shared training can help administrative teams lead with confidence and make smarter decisions. If you’re an early childhood director, owner, assistant director, office manager, or aspiring administrator, this episode offers a fresh look at what it takes to move from excellent educator to effective leader. Learn more at: directorsuccess.com Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

  8. Aug 25 ·  Video

    373: 5 Ways Early Educators Can Lead With Confidence and Clarity with Jessica Van Hoose

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to go from early childhood educator to CEO? Jessica Van Hoose, CEO of The Nest Schools, joins Kate to talk about early childhood leadership, business strategy, personal branding, and executive confidence. They explore why ECE leaders need to understand both quality and the business side of childcare, from operations and financials to revenue and profit. Jessica shares how mentorship, LinkedIn, executive presence, and being willing to raise your hand helped shape her career. If you’re an early childhood leader, director, owner, or aspiring executive ready to step into greater authority and lead with confidence, this episode is for you! Learn more about Jessica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-van-hoose-a388029a/ Check out this episode's sponsor:  tryplayground.com/partnerships/childcareconversations Thanks for Listening 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out our book; "From Overwhelmed to I Got This: Guaranteed Success Route to Directing Your Childcare Center" 📖Join our Facebook Group for Childcare professionals!Join our Podcast Newsletter!Want to be a guest on our podcast? Go to our website to learn more.Are you looking for director training in Texas? Check out our Texas Director Website for our training and additional resources!

    373: 5 Ways Early Educators Can Lead With Confidence and Clarity with Jessica Van Hoose
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4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Childcare Conversations was founded by cousins Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed., PCC, and Carrie Casey, MBA, to create practical, honest conversations about the real business and leadership challenges facing early childhood professionals.Today, the podcast is hosted by Kate Woodward Young and features childcare owners, directors, experts, and industry leaders talking about leadership, staffing, enrollment, finances, systems, growth, and the everyday decisions behind stronger early childhood programs.With hundreds of episodes and voices from across the field, Childcare Conversations helps early childhood leaders ask better questions, find practical ideas and trusted resources, and make better decisions for their businesses, programs, teams, children, and families.Real people. Practical ideas. Better decisions.

Information

  • Creator
    Kate Woodward Young (co-founder Carrie Casey)
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    392
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ChildCare Conversations
  • Show Website
    ChildCare Conversations

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