Child Care Rockstar Radio
Child Care Rockstar Radio
Kris Murray
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!
Michael Ingram — A Legacy of Five Decades and Thousands of Families
Kris recaps the incredible Child Care Success Summit and sets her sights on next year’s event in Chicago. She then welcomes the amazing Michael Ingram of Bedford Heights Daycare, founded by his mom five decades ago. Michael discusses the impact that he and his mom have had on thousands of families in and around Cleveland, his drive to serve and give back to his community, and the things that set his program apart. Michael talks about the power of manifestation and mentorship, the beauty of stillness, and how he grew the confidence to take his business to the next level with the support of the Academy as a foundational piece. Michael is delighted that one summer job turned into a 22-year profession, and in this interview, you will learn why.   Key Takeaways: [8:35] Michael joins the show from Ohio and discusses more about Bedford Heights Daycare Center, or BHDC. They are going into their 50th year and have 125 students, ranging from 18 months through 13 years old. [11:13] One summer for Michael turned into 22 years. He talks about how his mom’s legacy in the school shaped his experience, and that she now still does what she loves while making a giant impact. [12:06] The turning point for Michael was when he started to look at it as a business and see how he helped his community. [14:31] Fun Fact: Michael is a yoga teacher and has traveled to India on an Ayurvedic retreat. [19:49] Michael manifested finding a therapy partner and providing additional support to children including ABA therapy, speech, OT, and social-emotional health services. [24:53] The component of multiple funding and how it affects your ability to grow your impact. [26:59] The importance of mentorship. [31:11] Getting rid of the monkey mind and how many great ideas come when we are still. [34:14] Michael’s advice for those who are struggling in their business and how the Academy can help. [41:17] Michael shares a beautiful Sanskrit Mantra.   Quotes: “My mom was an original girl boss when it maybe wasn’t as cool to be a girl boss.” — Michael [9:35] “It’s seeing the direct impacts that we could have on the community and how knowing our numbers and knowing how to fill the seats would not only make a beautiful life for us but also support all of the employees that we have in our building and support our families. So, that was probably the turning point in my journey in the childcare space.” — Michael [12:35] “I came in just thinking it was going to be a layover on a journey elsewhere. It’s afforded me an amazing life and has allowed me to give back to the community.” — Michael [13:19] “I just think that when you give back, things come back twofold.” — Michael [13:48] “It’s knowing that I don’t have to do everything and that I can hand things off and empower others to make those amazing things happen.” — Michael [27:14] “If you’re on that hot mess express and you’re not sure if you should join the Academy, you need to run and find the nearest coach. It will not only grow you as a person, but it will allow your business to just bloom.” — Michael [36:30] “The biggest strength of the academy is the positivity. We’re celebrating the winning culture and instead of complaining, we are celebrating.” — Kris [39:10] “When setting out on a journey, never seek advice from those who have never left home.” — Rumi [40:06]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. Bedford Heights Daycare
Nov 9, 2023
44 min
Maria Dos Santos: From Venezuela to Florida: Driven By Impact
In this episode, Kris welcomes the awesome Maria dos Santos, a childcare entrepreneur hailing from Florida with Venezuelan roots. Maria founded My First Academy, a thriving venture with three locations, each catering to around 100 children, and she’s not stopping there — she’s gearing up for the opening of her fourth location in December 2023. Maria’s commitment to her business and her “whatever it takes” mindset, deeply rooted in her upbringing, are evident in her approach to life and her work with her family and team.   During the conversation, Maria shares the unique benefits and value components that distinguish her school. Maria also discusses her leadership style and how she has nurtured her team while scaling her enterprise. Lastly, she shares the influential figures in her life and her ongoing commitment to giving back to her community and supporting families, parents, and educators.   Key Takeaways: [5:44] Kris gives up sugar!? What about Halloween? [6:59] The beauty that comes with sticking to your commitments. [11:23] Maria joins the show from Orlando, Florida. [11:57] Maria talks about My First Academy and getting the key for their fourth location. [13:19] What inspired Maria to get into the field? [15:09] Maria’s Venezuelan roots and working with her daughter. [18:05] Fun fact: Maria is a personal trainer and has traveled all over the world because of her father’s career as a Navy Seal. [19:09] What sets My First Academy apart? [28:19] Lessons from scaling and expanding. [31:21] What technology does Maria find useful? [34:35] What GYC services is Maria using? [37:01] Maria talks about what we can expect from her in 2024 and beyond.   Quotes: “I feel like if we start with one child at a time, I can make a difference.” — Maria [13:19] “The key has been always to learn to grow and to seek help.” — Maria [29:54]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. My First Academy
Oct 26, 2023
44 min
Matt Arnerich: Fresh Ideas for Improving Parent Engagement & Relationships
This week, it’s all about making a positive impact on kids and their families, as Kris sits down with Matt Arnerich, the Director of Brand & Comms at Famly, a global software company supporting over 5,000 schools and centers across 18 different countries. In this interesting episode, Matt takes us on a journey through his personal journey into the childcare industry. He also discusses the power of parent engagement as a catalyst for the growth of early childhood businesses, shedding light on strategies for boosting enrollment through the magic of word-of-mouth and referrals from fellow parents.   Matt also unveils how Famly leverages the potential of AI to create connections between children, parents, and childcare leaders. He gives us a glimpse into the future, where Famly's software is set to extend its reach and touch the lives of even more communities on a global scale.   Key Takeaways: [9:25] What is Famly and what does it do? [13:03] How did Matt’s journey start? [14:25] Kris talks about being featured in Famly’s blog, and Matt shares how his background in copywriting helps him in his role at Famly today. [18:22] How Famly brings people in different countries together, yet also helps on a state-by-state basis. [20:56] Fun Fact: Matt plays cricket and even has a loose tooth to prove it! [23:09] How parent engagement can really make a difference for the business, and how Famly helps with parent engagement. [28:00] Communication with parents during the two busiest times in every center and every parent’s day: drop off and pickup. [31:08] The importance of emotional intelligence in children’s learning and how Famly can facilitate two-way communication between parents and teachers. [33:18] Famly can provide live translation in multiple languages, making it more accessible to parents who speak English as an additional language. [37:24] Matt’s advice for best practices of using Famly in and out of the classroom. [40:04] How Famly uses AI. [43:08] Matt’s advice to learn to say “no” a lot more.   Quotes: “There’s one reason why parent engagement matters, and it matters because of the children.” — Matt [24:40] “If you’re not being consistent in your approach with that child at home and the center, then you’re not going to give that child the best chance to flourish.” — Matt [25:07] “The business of early learning does cross all the borders of the countries. This is a global experience that we’re having, but at the same time, there are definitely nuances and differences between the countries and across the state.’ — Kris [27:33]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. Famly — use code rockstar for 15% off The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results, by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
Oct 12, 2023
51 min
How to Exit Your Childcare Business the Right Way with Nathan Kelly
It’s an information-packed episode this week as Kris welcomes Nathan Kelly, an industry veteran and trusted figure from Founders Advisors. As the Director of the Consumer Practice at Founders, Nathan is responsible for business development, market process management, and coordinating the analyst team. In the conversation, Nathan talks with Kris about tips for business exits, expansion strategies, wealth building, key considerations for business owners, and the optimal timing for exiting your business. Plus, Nathan gives a sneak peek about an awesome new assessment tool that he will unveil when he takes the stage as one of the mainstage speakers at the upcoming Child Care Success Summit in Orlando!   Key Takeaways: [7:42] Some fun in store for the Summit, so make sure you join the waitlist. [11:57] More about Founders Advisors and the type of clients they serve. [13:03] More about Nathan’s personal life and being a busy dad of three. [14:34] Fun fact: Kris once competed in a mini ladies’ triathlon! [15:21] Nathan’s fun fact is that he once hiked 70 miles through the wilderness while in the Boy Scouts. [16:09] Tips for founders preparing for exit, and how long does the process usually take? [18:11] What are the most common pitfalls of people who want to exit? [21:49] The importance of measuring your KPIs. [23:10] What are some strategies that founders can develop in the three-year period while they get ready to exit? [25:35] The importance of market timing and personal timing. [28:29] How inflation has changed things and how leaders can make their pricing strategy reflect the current state of the market. [30:38] The two models in the childcare world: value-based and premium. [37:54] More about the assessment tool Nathan has created that will provide a quick and easy way to evaluate a business’s financial health and prepare for exit.   Quotes: “The reason that you hire an investment banker or someone like us is to create leverage when it is time to exit or when it’s time to take on growth capital.” — Nathan [16:53] “You generally have a lot more leverage over the buyers when you’re running a competitive process than you do when you try to do it on your own.” — Nathan [17:25] “People are seeing now that childcare is becoming more and more hard to find. The good quality businesses are out there fetching higher prices than in prior markets.” — Nathan [24:25] “It’s all about the team. If you invest in your team, your team will invest in you.” — Nathan [31:40]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. Founders Advisors Nathan Kelly on LinkedIn  
Sep 28, 2023
46 min
27 To 7: Fighting For Disruption with Allyx Schiavone
It’s a crucial episode this week as Kris and guest Allyx Schiavone address head-on the challenges we face and the steps we must take to address the biggest issues in childcare. Allyx brings a wealth of expertise as the Executive Director of the Friends Center for Children, boasting a remarkable 30-year career solely dedicated to early learning. Allyx also chairs the Childcare for Connecticut’s Future Coalition, passionately advocating for change while managing her own center day in and day out. Kris and Allyx talk about how to make change, why we still struggle with the same issues year after year, and some incredibly creative ideas for affordable housing solutions. Allyx shares her passion to work with real childhood rockstars, and let them know how valuable they are, even when society may not reflect it back.   Key Takeaways: [2:32] The average family who is in childcare with one or more children is spending 27% of their household income on childcare. [8:42] Allyx discusses the mission and values of the Friends Center for Children. [9:14] Because of their clear values and purpose, it makes the dynamic less transactional and more relationship-based. [10:45] They currently serve 122 children across two sites and are in a growth phase. By 2027, they will be serving about 275 children by opening up two other sites. [13:40] The challenges in access and affordability are systemic, so therefore, it requires a systemic solution. [14:05] It does feel like fighting at the coalition level because we are fighting for disruption against what is currently being done. [14:23] The focus of the coalition and their broad approach to creating healthy systems. [15:46] The top pillars of where change needs to be affected. [22:39] Using Vermont as a model of what it can look like when the business industry invests in our system. [25:00] Why do we continue to have the same issues? [30:02] Kris talks about her advocacy group, Child Care Champions. [34:02] What can owners, directors, and parents do to work together to be part of a solution and make a difference? [35:13] Planning group events and writing op-eds can help educate the public on what needs to be done to disrupt the system. [36:43] How can we move forward in our industry with a labor shortage and burnout epidemic that leaves us more than 80K providers short? [40:08] Allyx talks about the partnership with housing advocates and donors who invested in homes for teachers to live for free, which then opened up more money for all teachers to get a bigger raise. [41:08] How do they determine which teachers get the home? [47:05] Allyx talks about breaking the patterns from her own challenging childhood and how much of a blessing being a parent has been in her life. [49:08] To Allyx, the real rock stars are the women who show up, fight, and give their all even when society tells them that they aren’t enough. [50:56] The Emotional Wellbeing Program is where there is an advocate who thinks directly about the well-being of children, families, teachers, and staff. Not only is this created for culture, but for productivity as well.   Quotes: “27 to 7 guys is where we’d like to take it if we were going to have any help in providing childcare to everybody that needs it in this country and to continue to support the dual income and the workforce of men and women in this country.” — Kris [5:02] “We are fighting for disruption, and we must be part of the disruption to get the forces and the people that are at the table making the laws in this country and the decision makers to actually stand up and pay attention to us.” — Kris [6:32] “I get to be in partnership with amazing professionals and families and, of course, these amazing, eager, joyful, honest, and developing humans. What could be better?” — Allyx [8:32] “The fact that women are productive members in our economy and workforce, and the fact that we cannot adjust to that has to be about our socially ingrained belief.” — Allyx [10:08] “There’s a real access and affordability crisis in early education, and these challenges that are systemic require a systemic solution.” — Allyx [13:40] “We are really fighting at the coalition level, and I use that word fighting, because it feels like that a lot of the time. We are fighting for disruption in what is currently being done.” — Allyx [14:06] “That’s why the coalition is so critical because we cannot continue to carry the weight ourselves. We have been participating in our own rescue for hundreds of years, both as women and the industry.” — Allyx [29:08] “I look at the women that I work with and the amount of shame that we heap on them by putting them in positions where they can’t care for their own family, but they are caring for everyone else’s. To me, they are the rockstars and the heroes because they show up for those other children, even when society is saying to them that they aren’t enough.” — Allyx [49:08] “If you can get people to be their best selves, you are going to have better engagement from everyone involved, and that’s really the goal.” — Allyx [51:22]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. Friends Center for Children  Child Care for Connecticut’s Future  First Five Years Fund
Sep 14, 2023
54 min
New Practices for Emotional Intelligence in ECE with Dr. Donna Housman
Join Kris in an enlightening conversation this week with Dr. Donna Housman, a prominent figure in child emotional development. Dr. Donna discusses the vital role of emotional regulation for both children and educators in bolstering mental health and effective learning. Dr. Donna talks about her work in aiding emotionally challenged youth to integrate neuroscience into the innovative Housman Institute lab school. She talks about her intention behind getting the children's books aligned with curriculum and expert tips for emotional regulation, such as deep breathing. Kris and Donna address the current mental health landscape and the need for all of us to learn to identify and accept our big emotions, at any age.   Key Takeaways: [2:20] Dr. Donna talks about starting as a psychologist working with children and adolescents struggling with issues around depression, anxiety, and trauma. She talks about the common threads she saw between them in managing and dealing with big emotions. [3:10] Dr. Donna started her child development center in the ’80s, with emotional development at the core of the entire center. [3:56] The importance of understanding that the educator is essential and foundational in helping children develop as they continue to grow and develop is critical. [5:15] Developing the Housman Institute lab school, and tying in research in neuroscience, while addressing the needs of the children, families, and training needs of the educator. [7:30] Why is it important for children to be exposed to emotional regulation skills and competencies? [10:38] Dr. Donna talks about discerning between emotions and connecting our behavior to emotions. [12:44] The four quadrants of our emotional regulations that help us identify, understand, express, and manage these big emotions. [16:12] What are some of the resources that the Housman Institute provides for both children and educators? [18:42] Dr. Donna talks about the children’s books they have created to align with their curriculum. [23:02] Dr. Donna provides some great tips for emotional regulation including deep breathing to calm the nerves and accepting all your feelings and emotions, knowing that you don’t have to act on them. [27:12] The training programs for both leaders and children. [28:14] We are in a mental health pandemic and need to focus on helping each other and future generations. [30:39] The “Make Peace Table” is a way to unite emotion and cognition. [32:55] What is in the future for Dr. Donna and her team in 2024 and beyond?   Quotes: “It’s far better to prevent than repair.” — Dr. Donna [3:10] “Emotions, as we know, are so central in everything that we do.” — Dr. Donna [5:44]  “There’s a direct connection between emotions and learning, and when feelings aren’t managed, it can really impair our thinking, problem-solving, grasping new concepts.” — Dr. Donna [7:51] “Anger is getting something we don’t want, whereas sadness is not getting something we do want.” — Dr. Donna [10:08] “We’re going to help you learn how to deal with these big emotions so that you can continue to engage with friends, learn, explore and discover and do all the things that you’d love to do.” — Dr. Donna [12:30] “All emotions are fine, it’s what we do with them that matters most.” — Dr. Donna [24:51]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. Housman Institute The Little Engine That Could Winnie The Pooh
Aug 31, 2023
45 min
From Transactional To Relational: Making an Impact for Families with Solomon and Michelle Logan
Kris welcomes the husband and wife team, Solomon and Michelle Logan, of Logan’s Treehouse Childcare. Based out of Louisville, Kentucky, they are going on center number three and impacting close to 450 children a day. In the episode, they talk about the beauty of embracing the right timing, learning from mistakes, and their mission to solve problems in their community and commit to a family-focused brand. They discuss the actual features in their schools that help them differentiate and be top-notch and the benefits that come from building a family-like atmosphere.   Key Takeaways: [3:54] Kris talks about her own Mamma Mia moment coming up, and where she will be on some of her fun upcoming travels! [9:05] Solomon and Michelle talk about their play-based and family-centered atmosphere. [11:48] Why did one of their locations close down, and when can we expect it to be back up? [14:46] The vision behind Logan’s Treehouse and how they made it happen, step by step. [16:56] Their commitment to strive to make that family-like atmosphere and build strong relationships with their families. [19:25] Solomon and Michelle talk about their personal life and the need to be structured with so much going on! [20:51] Fun fact! Solomon is the king of the BBQ and makes a mean brisket, and Michelle originally comes from sunny Miami. [22:35] Tips to create an environment that is more relational than transactional. [25:14] Strategies for working together as a husband-and-wife team. [30:10] The challenge of opening a center right when COVID-19 hit in 2020 and how they dealt with losing families and staff, and instead turned it into a positive. [34:10] How did they find the academy and decide to take it seriously? [38:19] What is EOS and how can it help people know who does what and to bring clarity around job responsibilities and roles? [39:18] What is a childcare rockstar to Solomon and Michelle? [40:26] What is next for Solomon and Michelle in 2023 and beyond?   Quotes: “We thrive on basing everything around our family.” — Solomon [10:44] “A lot of people don’t talk about timing. You can’t jump in there right away and just expect things to bloom. You know, some things take time.” — Solomon [14:03] “More than anything, build strong relationships with your families and their children, and you will succeed.” — Solomon [17:37] “Go all in; don't hold back. Meet Your coaches. It’s been a game changer for us.” — Michelle (on the Academy) [35:33] “I will say a childcare rockstar is somebody that leaves a positive impact on whomever they come into contact with, whether it be the kids, whether it be the teachers, whether it be your program director.” — Michelle [39:45]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal. Logan’s Treehouse What the Heck is EOS  
Aug 17, 2023
48 min
How to Create Waves of Positive Change In Your Communities with Robin Harris
Don't miss this powerful and heartfelt episode, featuring the incredible Miss Robin Harris. Driven by her passion to empower and motivate teachers within the school system, Robin shares invaluable insights on making a lasting impact on students’ lives through effective strategies that surpass standard expectations, promoting constant improvement and excellence. Robin discusses finding her energy and drive in the early childhood world, the unwavering motivation that enables her to be a guiding light to others, and details about her Level Up program, two schools, and her fun alter ego. Tune in for one of Kris’s favorite episodes!   Key Takeaways: [5:28] Robin talks about the Future Leaders Learning Academy, right outside of Houston in Spring, Texas. They have a capacity of 68; the Harris Academic Club has a capacity of 150. [7:03] How they got into offering homeschooling, and the benefits that students receive including a lot of personalized attention. [9:53] How Robin’s aunt and uncle helped her realize that she could be something more and make a big difference in the world. [12:15] Kris shares the story of Mrs. Irish, the teacher who made the biggest impact in her life. [15:55] Empowered teachers are the number one leverage point and the most important thing in education for children to fully thrive. [17:20] Robin has an alter ego?! OMG! [20:00] Robin talks about her interactive workbook, Success Looks Good On You. [21:37] Unique selling points or differentiation of Robin’s schools, and how the word of mouth and results do the promoting and selling on their own. [25:29] Robin helps teachers bring their energy and passion back for teaching, and big things happen. [29:32] How the open concept teaching works, and why both the future leaders and parents love it. [32:08] What strategy does Robin employ for the youngsters? [33:25] Robin talks about her Level Up curriculum. [43:01] What are Robin’s plans for 2023 and beyond, including the brilliant ABCDE awards?   Quotes: “From the moment I walked into the classroom, I knew that was my field.” — Robin [6:22] “I wanted to show the world that I was different.” — Robin [11:20 ] “Right now, the schools are promoting me.” — Robin [8:25] “When you do well, by families and children, your parents will love you so much that they will sing your praises to the world.” — Robin [27:40] “If you produce excellence, you have the power to change a student’s life. Multiple students’ lives.” — Robin [35:32] “That’s the thing about a great leader, you always want to continue to grow and to develop.” — Robin [43:42] “When you give excellence, you will always get excellence from your students, your staff, and teachers.” — Robin   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal Level Up: 1-888-700-1017 Miss O.M.G. Blast from the Past
Aug 3, 2023
48 min
How to Scale Your ECE Business With Clarity and Vision with Rob Rubicco
In this episode, Kris sits down with Rob Rubicco, the entrepreneurial founder of Anna and Jack’s Treehouse, a childcare business with a unique blend of corporate experience and a family feel. Rob shares the incredible journey of he and his wife Christina, starting with Anna's Treehouse in a basement and scaling it to multiple locations. With his background in management consulting for renowned companies like Disney and Coca-Cola, Rob brings a corporate approach to customer experience in the childcare industry. Rob talks about the selling points that set Anna and Jack’s Treehouse apart, including their amazing programs, wonderful teachers, and even their homemade fresh pasta sauce. Rob emphasizes the importance of traditional values as a leader and the significance of setting clear expectations for teachers. He also shares his journey with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and how it has helped him scale his business with clarity and efficiency.   Key Takeaways: [6:37] The daycare that started it all, called Anna’s Treehouse, that started in a basement, then Jack’s Treehouse, and how it evolved into a commercial space. [11:01] Before getting into childcare, Rob was a management consultant, helping companies like Disney and Coca-Cola find ways to enhance their overall customer experience. [13:53] Taking care of the children of first responders during the pandemic. [17:19] We need less stigma around men in childcare and in leadership roles around childcare. [18:11] Fun fact: Rob is actually a trained chef, and even studied at the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan and appeared on the Food Network. [22:34] If their great programs and wonderful teachers don’t do the trick of enrollment, the fresh pasta sauce may just be the next best-selling point. [24:17] Some of the great selling points at Anna and Jack’s Treehouse that set them apart and give them that family feel. [29:33] Getting back to his traditional values as a leader. [30:29] The importance of setting expectations and communicating them clearly to teachers. [31:50] How Rob got into his EOS journey. [34:56] The structure of what EOS brings allows you to scale much more quickly and more pain-free with more clarity. [48:19] Using Trainual to systemize and build out their training platforms.   Quotes: “Every time we’ve grown and expanded, other than the Norwalk location, it’s been because of demand.” — Rob [9:19] “When I first joined Treehouse, I came from the boardroom to the classroom, really. And I had to adjust my way of thinking from every perspective you could possibly imagine.” — Rob [15:45] “Whether it's a parent or a teacher, I just want to get to know them and understand what their aspirations are, what they’re into, and not for any other reason than just to be a human.” — Rob [30:00] “The best sign of a super successful entrepreneur is somebody who is a fast implementer, from what we teach.” — Kris   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal Anna and Jack’s Treehouse The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It, by Michael E. Gerber Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… And Others Don't, by Jim Collins The Finisher’s Journal: High Performance Planner Rob Rubicco  
Jul 20, 2023
49 min
New Tools and Inspiration for Struggling ECE Owners with Simon Laube
As Kris gets ready to head to New Zealand for the ECC Conference, she sits down with Simon Laube, Chief Executive at the Early Childhood Council of New Zealand. Simon brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in policy and advocacy for early learning in New Zealand. He discusses the current challenges facing early childhood education in the country and how he and his team are working to overcome them. Simon explores the nuances of New Zealand’s early education system and its impact on the global stage, and he opens up about the unique global perspective and innovative approaches to ECE in New Zealand, shedding light on their high-quality experiential curriculums for children. He and Kris also preview some of the “don’t miss” amazing offerings coming up at the conference so you can plan your schedule accordingly.   Key Takeaways: [8:55] Simon joins the show from Wellington, New Zealand. [9:35] The Early Childhood Council is membership-based with about 860 members across New Zealand. They run about 1500 centers across the country. [13:50] More about Simon’s background in government policy and how it was a chance to specifically recruit someone with his skill set. [14:22] One of the ways of dealing with a threat is to try and have someone who understands quite deeply how the other side works. [15:18] Simon’s previous role at the Ministry of Education. [17:39] What is really going on between the government and the early childhood community and industry? [19:30] What politicians say doesn’t always match up with their actions when it comes to helping the childhood industry. [25:19] How do we not only survive but stay positive during this time? [29:56] The importance of keeping ourselves inspired for not only us, but the children, their families, and our staff. [34:05] It is also important to be realistic, and when the going gets tough, you need to have an exit strategy. [37:56] What can we expect from the ECC conference in July? Simon and Kris talk about some sessions and panelists to not miss.   Quotes: “My background is government policy. So that was a change of tack from the organization to specifically recruit someone with my skill set.” — Simon [11:05] “If you talk to any politician, they will tell you about the benefits of early childhood and how important that is. But, you know, actions speak louder than words. And if you follow the money, they might say that, but when it comes down to it, they make choices and they put their money into other things.” — Simon [19:30] “The quality of early childhood for the child can and does run parallel to the investment in business skills, and best practices, which then flow down a trickle down to the leaders which flow to the teachers, kids and the parents.” — Kris [24:19] “We need to also do this dance where we can continue to keep ourselves inspired and positive so that we don’t just fall into a rut of despair.” — Kris [29:45] “When the going gets really tough, you need to have an exit strategy.” — Simon [34:05]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal Simon Laube Early Childhood Council ECC Conference
Jul 6, 2023
49 min
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