Childcare Confidential cover art

Childcare Confidential

Childcare Confidential

By: Childcare Confidential: Jessica Hampton & Katy Denk
Listen for free

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.

© 2026 Childcare Confidential
Career Success Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • This Can't Be Normal: When Success Starts to Feel Like Survival
    Jun 23 2026

    🎙️ This Can't Be Normal with Special Guest Chanie Wilschanski

    Some challenges in childcare have become so common that we've started to accept them as "just the way things are." But what if they shouldn't be?

    In this episode, Katy and Jessica are joined by special guest Chanie Wilschanski for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about the realities facing the childcare industry. Together, they explore the practices, expectations, and struggles that have become normalized—and ask the important question: Is this really how it has to be?

    From leadership and workplace culture to burnout, staffing, and the pressures providers face every day, this episode challenges listeners to rethink what has been accepted for far too long. Chanie brings her unique perspective and expertise to a conversation that is equal parts eye-opening and empowering.

    If you've ever found yourself thinking, "There has to be a better way," this episode is for you.

    Join Katy, Jessica, and Chanie Wilschanski as they unpack the issues everyone talks about behind closed doors—and why it's time to stop pretending that "normal" is good enough. 💡✨

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Promoted Too Soon When Leadership Happens Before They’re Ready
    Jun 16 2026

    🎙️ Promoted Too Soon: When Leadership Happens Before They’re Ready

    What happens when someone is promoted into leadership before they have the skills, support, or experience to succeed?

    In this episode, Jessica dives into the challenges that arise when leadership roles are given too quickly. They discuss how high-performing employees aren't always prepared to lead, why technical skills don't automatically translate into leadership ability, and the consequences that can follow when development doesn't keep pace with responsibility.

    From strained team dynamics and burnout to difficult conversations and unmet expectations, they explore the warning signs that someone may have been promoted before they were truly ready. More importantly, they share strategies for developing future leaders, providing the right support, and creating a culture where leadership is earned and nurtured—not rushed.

    Whether you're a childcare owner, director, or aspiring leader, this episode offers honest insight into one of the most common—and costly—mistakes organizations make.

    Because promoting someone is easy. Preparing them to lead is the hard part. 💡✨

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Unlearning: The Things We Had to Let Go to Grow
    Jun 9 2026

    🎙️ Unlearning: The Things We Had to Let Go to Grow

    Growth isn't always about learning something new—sometimes it's about unlearning the things that are holding us back.

    In this episode, Katy and Jessica have an honest conversation about the beliefs, habits, leadership styles, and assumptions they had to let go of throughout their childcare journey. From outdated industry practices to personal mindsets that no longer served them, they share the lessons that came from challenging what they thought they knew.

    They discuss how growth often requires discomfort, why letting go can be just as important as moving forward, and how being willing to adapt has helped them become stronger leaders, educators, and advocates for children and families.

    Whether you're a childcare owner, director, teacher, or someone navigating your own professional growth, this episode offers valuable insight into the power of reflection, change, and continuous learning.

    Join Katy and Jessica as they explore the things they had to unlearn in order to grow. 🌱✨

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet