Best Ece Program Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 214 with Ashanti Ordone — Fixing a Broken Culture with Intentional Leadership 49:36

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4h ago49:36

49:36

Kris welcomes Ashanti Ordone, the Founder and CEO of Gifted & Talented Academy, and the 2025/26 Child Care Rock Star Award winner! They talk about expanding from a home daycare to three locations, transforming her school's culture, and overcoming challenges in the early childhood education landscape. Ashanti shares her powerful story of building a …

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SNAP!: How A Shutdown Hits Childcare, Families, And Teachers 29:09

2d ago29:09

29:09

Send us a text A shutdown stalls SNAP and shakes childcare, leaving families, teachers and programs scrambling for stability while kids lose consistency. We also confront bias against male ECE teachers, name red flags in constant staff reassignments, unpack real answers to stress interviews, and explain why harassment policies protect everyone. Fol…

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Grandma Is Not Helping And One Glove Is Not For Everyone 28:39

10d ago28:39

28:39

Send us a text A daycare sends a Saturday-night email announcing it’s closed effective immediately, and by Monday morning parents, teachers, and an entire neighborhood are scrambling. We dig into what sudden closures reveal about the state of childcare: budgets stretched to breaking, staff underpaid and undervalued, and families forced to choose be…

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Season 5, Episode 11: How Centers, Teachers and Families Benefit from Enrichment Programs, with Megan Bowling 18:23

10d ago18:23

18:23

Looking to boost enrollment and stand out in a competitive market? Enrichment programs might be the game-changer your child care center needs. Megan Bowling is the director of franchise development at Stretch-n-Grow, a well-known children’s fitness business with 125 locations around the world. In this episode, she shares how child care centers can …

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Introducing Child Care Matters: Built to Break 1:31

11d ago1:31

1:31

Why is it so hard to find high-quality, affordable child care in the United States? And what would it take to fix it? Child Care Matters: Built to Break is a new narrative podcast from BridgeCare that shines a light on America’s early education system and what it will take to rebuild it. Across eight episodes, host and CEO of BridgeCare, Jamee Herb…

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Episode 213 with Jami Hartmann - Getting Your Operational "Stuff" Together! 47:40

14d ago47:40

47:40

Want to stop the revolving door of teachers and create a rock-solid childcare team? Kris talks with Jami Hartmann from Trainual about how the right systems can transform your center's operations. They dig into practical strategies for finding great staff, training them effectively, and keeping them motivated. Jami shares some great insights on gett…

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Pass the Collection Plate for Childcare? 35:26

25d ago35:26

35:26

Send us a text The day a state slices $225 million from childcare and 45 centers go dark, the ripple doesn’t stop at the classroom door—it hits every shift, every meeting, every bottom line. We dig into why asking local businesses to “chip in” can’t replace public responsibility, and we map out what real fixes look like: permanent funding that does…

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Episode 212 with Josh and Pamela Hernandez — Leveraging Word of Mouth Marketing for Fast Growth 42:07

28d ago42:07

42:07

Kris welcomes Josh and Pamela Hernandez, owners of Montessori Kids Universe Stone Oak. The duo talks about their path into early childhood education and opening up MKU, tips for starting out with cash flow out of the gate, and enrollment strategies that worked for them. They also chat with Kris about using referral rewards, how they balance family …

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Bubble Sheets and Here We Are 25:27

1M ago25:27

25:27

Send us a text Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

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Episode 211 with Jennifer House and Jenni Grawvunder — Chasing Cows and Building Dreams Into a 12-Center Empire 43:39

1M ago43:39

43:39

Kris welcomes "The Jens", aka Jennifer House (CEO) and Jenni Grawvunder (COO) of Children's Choice Preschool, to share the remarkable story behind their 12-center child care empire in San Diego County. What started as a nonprofit program with 25 children has grown into a thriving operation serving nearly 1,300 kids across 11 centers (with a 12th on…

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Kids Say... 26:42

1M ago26:42

26:42

Send us a text Ever wonder what keeps educators up at night? Spoiler alert: it's rarely the children. In this refreshingly candid episode, we dive into the real challenges that make working in education both hilarious and maddening. From the three-year-old who perfectly uses profanity in a sentence during rhyme time to the parent who sends their ch…

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Season 5, Episode 10: How to Incorporate Social Emotional Development in ECE, with Wendy Turcott and Dani Svantner 34:43

2M ago34:43

34:43

Ready to build a culture of well-being in your early childhood program? In this episode of the Child Care Business Podcast, we sit down with Wendy Turcotte and Dani Svantner, the dynamic duo known as The Play Coaches who have become leaders in implementing social-emotional learning from infancy. They share why SEL should be the foundation of your c…

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Beyond Talk: When States Actually Solve the Child Care Crisis 30:17

2M ago30:17

30:17

Send us a text New Mexico has just achieved what many thought impossible – implementing truly universal, free child care for all residents regardless of income. Follow this podcast to stay updated on this groundbreaking initiative and share this episode with anyone interested in how states can transform early childhood education from aspiration to …

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Episode 210 with Dominique Gill — When You Love Kids This Much, Success Comes Naturally 39:30

2M ago39:30

39:30

Kris welcomes Dominique Gill, heart-centered leader and owner of Unique Kids Childcare in Nashville and Smyrna, Tennessee, to share her journey to multi-site child care leader. Dominique opens up about starting as a young mother seeking affordable child care, working in exchange for tuition, and eventually moving from home-based care to two thrivin…

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Who Will Care for Us Tomorrow? The True Cost of Education Policy 27:34

2M ago27:34

27:34

Send us a text The political weaponization of early childhood education takes center stage, as these children will take care of us when we get older. The stay-at-home mom is considering childcare employment for the wrong reasons, while the school administrator is dealing with an employee whose child's father violated a protection order by impersona…

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Stickers and Sleepy Kids 27:22

2M ago27:22

27:22

Send us a text When four-year-old Lane smuggled home a mysterious sticker, the episode dives deep into the ethical boundaries being crossed in early childhood settings and why even challenging classroom behaviors never justify administering substances without parental consent. Through real-world scenarios and practical advice, this conversation pro…

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Episode 209 with Tea Shong and Trina Romanowski - A Family Affair! Tales of a Multi-Generational ECE Company 46:40

2M ago46:40

46:40

Kris sits down with Tea Shong and Trina Romanowski, the powerhouse mother-daughter duo behind a thriving, multi-site early childhood business in Michigan. Winners of the Partnership of the Year Award at the Child Care Success Summit, Tea and Trina share how they scaled from an in-home daycare to three high-quality centers, all rooted in purpose and…

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When New Hires Ghost: Tales of Professional Disappearing Acts 25:20

2M ago25:20

25:20

Send us a text Have you ever spent weeks interviewing candidates, finally found "the one," only to have them quit within 24 hours? How do you stand firm on your planned departure date when a director tries to guilt you into staying? Share your own workplace disappearing act stories with us – we know you've got them! Follow me : Website: https://www…

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Bonnets & Boundaries, Should we Judge Parents? 28:11

3M ago28:11

28:11

Send us a text Professional standards in educational environments matter, from dress codes to qualifications, as we explore how expectations shape children's experiences and learning environments. • Parent dress codes at schools spark debate about setting examples for children • Principal resigned over controversial dress code comments, but school …

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Season 5, Episode 9: Why ECE Programs Need Child-Led Play, with Stacy Benge 32:13

3M ago32:13

32:13

Literacy begins with embracing the whole child, says Stacy Benge, an expert on early literacy and a proponent of child-led play. Her mission to help educators approach literacy in a way that builds confident, curious, lifelong learners. In this podcast, Stacy defines child-led play (and dispels myths about it), including the difference between chil…

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Episode 208 with Rachel Supalla — Creating Leadership Magic In Her Ruby Slippers 46:31

3M ago46:31

46:31

Kris is joined by longtime friend, business visionary, and rockstar early childhood leader Rachel Supalla. Rachel is the founder of Vision Tree, a TEDx speaker, and the author of The Playful Leader's Toolkit, a book packed with wisdom on leading with joy, grounding, and energy. With 10 schools across Montana and Utah, Rachel shares how she's scaled…

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Exploitation, Fraud, Weed, and Late Pickups 24:38

3M ago24:38

24:38

Send us a text Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

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Not a Felony and Parental Ambushes 28:21

3M ago28:21

28:21

Send us a text A man received just one month in jail for allegedly holding down a four-year-old so another child could "retaliate" against them. From unproductive staff who waste valuable nap time scrolling on phones to the complicated dynamics when workplace relationships turn personal, the episode concludes with practical hiring advice centered o…

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Episode 207 with Gigi Schweikert — You Can't Save Your Way to Success 43:19

3M ago43:19

43:19

Kris welcomes Gigi Schweikert, CEO of Lightbridge Academy, to explore what it takes to lead at scale and stay grounded in the human side of early childhood education. With 85 centers across the U.S., Gigi shares how she thinks about quality, culture, and decision-making at the organizational level, and why trust is still the best metric. They discu…

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Firing, Hiring, and Not Pulling Hair 23:06

3M ago23:06

23:06

Send us a text Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the field, this episode offers honest perspective on navigating workplace challenges with integrity. Follow the podcast to join this ongoing conversation about the realities of education work. Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthrou…

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Why CACFP Is Essential to Strong Leadership in Early Childhood 0:49

4M ago0:49

0:49

If you see CACFP as extra, you’re already leading with the wrong lens. This program is a foundation, not a favor. #TheBusinessOfEarlyChildhoodEducation #AletheaEtinoff #CACFPCompliance #ChildcareNutritionMatters #EarlyEdLeadership #ECELeaders #ThebusinessofearlychildhoodeducationBy Alethea Etinoff

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Why Staff Really Leave 0:53

4M ago0:53

0:53

Your team isn’t leaving because of pay alone. If you’re leading people, you need to hear this today. 9pjOBI4P2p169pj1Ih5g #TheBusinessofEarlyChildhoodEducation #AletheaEtinoff #EarlyEdLeadership #ChildCareDirector #WhyStaffLeave #ECELeaders #LeadershipMattersBy Alethea Etinoff

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Operate Like Everyday is an Audit 0:54

4M ago0:54

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Run your program like someone’s always watching because good leadership doesn’t wait for a warning. Audits don’t create problems, they confirm them. #TheBusinessOfEarlyChildhoodEducation #AletheaEtinoffBy Alethea Etinoff

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Naptime Narcotics: When Teachers Turn to Benadryl 31:08

4M ago31:08

31:08

Send us a text A troubling case from Georgia reveals how a daycare lost its license after staff administered Benadryl to toddlers without consent, raising serious questions about trust and safety in childcare settings. Meanwhile, nearly $6.8 billion in federal education funding is being withheld, affecting critical programs for vulnerable student p…

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Episode 206 with Regina Miller - Leadership Lessons in Child Care 49:05

4M ago49:05

49:05

Kris welcomes the joy-inducing and magnetic Regina Miller, a nationally recognized trainer, author, and owner of Trailblazers Academy in Wichita, Kansas. With nearly five decades in early childhood education and 35 years in leadership, Regina shares fantastic insight into what it really takes to lead a team, stay connected as an owner, and build la…

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Leadership Tip: Stop Waiting for Policy Changes 0:56

4M ago0:56

0:56

In this Leadership Tip, I challenge ECE leaders to stop waiting for policy changes and focus on building sustainable strategies now.By Alethea Etinoff

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Dangerous Preschools, Woke Tests, and the Walmart Bag Exit Strategy 33:09

4M ago33:09

33:09

Send us a text The alarming realities of unregulated childcare facilities operating with twice its maximum occupancy, this facility housed infants in a windowless basement alongside propane tanks, creating what authorities described as "nightmarish, hellish conditions." The conversation shifts to Oklahoma's peculiar response to teacher shortages—cr…

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Season 5, Episode 8: Building Loyalty: Strategies for Family Retention in Child Care, with Jaime Rechkemmer 35:45

4M ago35:45

35:45

Jaime Rechkemmer is the founder of Aim4Impact Consulting and her work in early childhood education includes helping child care centers with QRIS, compliance, professional development, curriculum, assessments, technology and more. She has worked at some of the largest child care organizations in the country, and she chairs the AI and Machine Learnin…

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Episode 204 with Whitney Burkman - From Home to Center: Young Leadership in Action 51:11

4M ago51:11

51:11

Kris welcomes young inspiration and rising leader Whitney Burkman, owner of Magnolia Academy in Payson, Utah. Whitney shares more about her journey from in-home childcare to a full 125-spot center before age 30. She talks about building confidence as a young business owner, gives some great advice for hiring, marketing strategies, leadership challe…

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Encourage Yourself: The Power of Tracking Your Wins in Business and Leadership 3:46

5M ago3:46

3:46

In this episode, Alethea Etinoff shares why encouraging yourself is not optional. When the recognition doesn't come, your own record of wins becomes the reminder that you are still building something powerful. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected to the movement.By Alethea Etinoff

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The Power to Pivot 43:40

5M ago43:40

43:40

In this episode I reflect on how the rise of AI is challenging all of us to adapt not just in business but in how we show up for ourselves. Pivoting is not weakness. It is wisdom especially when the world around us will not slow down.By Alethea Etinoff

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Episode 203 with Brett Neller — What's Your Customer Journey? (And Why You Should Care) 49:43

5M ago49:43

49:43

Kris welcomes Brett Neller, CEO of LineLeader by ChildcareCRM, to explore the real meaning of the customer journey in child care, and why it's critical for sustainable growth. Brett shares insights from his professional evolution, including how dropping his kids off at care centers helped him deeply understand the needs of operators. He and Kris ta…

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Season 5, Episode 7: The Six Professional Pillars of Child Care, with Heather White 46:30

5M ago46:30

46:30

Heather White is a multi-site owner who is part of The PREP Schools franchise, and she’s a licensed director and speaker. Finding ways to help fellow child care leaders find joy in their jobs and lives is a huge passion of hers. In this podcast, Heather shares her six professional pillars of child care success and delves into how each matters in be…

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The Director’s Nook That Didn’t NOOK: A Lesson in Public Failure and Moving Forward 4:00

5M ago4:00

4:00

I led the Director’s Nook and completely blanked on a topic I know well. This episode is about owning public failure, leading with honesty, and moving forward without shame.By Alethea Etinoff

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Why I Automated Redundancy and What I Learned the Hard Way 8:04

5M ago8:04

8:04

Redundancy used to feel like busywork until I realized only 30% were following through and I needed a system that worked without me. In this episode, I share how automating redundancy became a game-changer for my early childhood business strategy.By Alethea Etinoff

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Know Your State's Child Care Regulations—It Matters! 1:16

5M ago1:16

1:16

If you're in early childhood education, your first step is understanding your state’s regulations. Compliance protects your license, your income, and your reputation—know the rules before you build.By Alethea Etinoff

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Marketing Lately?! 2:25

5M ago2:25

2:25

Have you marketed your business lately?By Alethea Etinoff

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New CACFP Sugar Guidelines: What’s Changed & What’s Final 1:06

5M ago1:06

1:06

Big changes are here for CACFP sugar guidelines, and they directly impact child care businesses. In this brief episode, Alethea Etinoff—Child Care Nutrition Professional (CCNP) and early childhood business strategist—shares what every child care owner needs to know to stay compliant and protect their reimbursements. Ideal for those managing CACFP p…

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Episode 202 with Adrianne Agulla — A Great Story of Scaling Up and Growth 45:31

5M ago45:31

45:31

In this episode, Adrianne Agulla, CEO of Hamilton Heights Child Development Centers in Nebraska and the true definition of an education entrepreneur, joins Kris. Adrianne shares how she went from working in the corporate world to owning six successful daycares and a catering business called Milton's Amazing Kitchen. Together, she and Kris talk abou…

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Systems That Sustain: Building a Business That Runs With or Without You 1:57

5M ago1:57

1:57

In this episode, I’m breaking down the power of having strong systems in place especially for early childhood educators and entrepreneurs who wear all the hats. Whether you’re stepping away for a day or scaling for growth, your business should still work for you. Systems help you reduce stress, maintain consistency, and build with intention. Let’s …

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The Food Program Isn’t Optional—It’s a Business Tool 2:33

5M ago2:33

2:33

Too many educators are leaving money on the table by skipping CACFP. In this episode, I break down why the food program is still one of the most underused tools for building sustainability in early education—and how to stop missing out.By Alethea Etinoff

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Business Buddy Tip: The Story Behind BECEThreads™ 1:52

5M ago1:52

1:52

In this short episode, I share the real story behind BECEThreads™—how a simple idea turned into a powerful brand reminder. It’s not just merch, it’s movement. Let’s build something that lasts.By Alethea Etinoff

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Business Buddy Tip: Systems Make Business Sustainable 1:30

5M ago1:30

1:30

Today’s tip is all about streamlining. I’m sharing how shifting my process helped me stay compliant without the daily overwhelm.By Alethea Etinoff

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Business Buddy Tip: Trademark Your Work Before They Copy It 4:07

5M ago4:07

4:07

In this short episode, I’m breaking down why I trademarked The Business of Early Childhood Education™—and why every serious entrepreneur should protect their brand. If you’re building something with substance, someone will try to replicate it. This isn’t about ego—it’s about ownership. And if you're doing the work, your name deserves to be on it. N…

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Episode 201 with Zac Alcampo — Gamification in Parenting AND Business 1:05:01

6M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

Zac Alcampo, Creative Director at Grow Your Center, brings a fresh perspective to leadership, culture, and creativity in early education. With two decades of experience in the gaming industry, Zac is a dynamic entrepreneur and inventive strategist who has helped build immersive digital experiences that merge gamification, artificial intelligence, a…