🎙️ 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. 💡✨

🎙️ 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. 💡✨

🎙️ 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. 🌱✨

🎙️ Is Gentle Parenting Backfiring in Group Care?

In this episode, Jessica tackles a question that's generating a lot of discussion in early childhood education: Is gentle parenting backfiring in group care settings?

She explore the differences between parenting at home and managing a classroom full of children, discussing how some approaches that work well one-on-one may create challenges in a group environment. From boundaries and expectations to emotional regulation and accountability, they examine what happens when children transition between different environments with different rules.

Jessica share her experiences from the childcare field, discuss common misconceptions about gentle parenting, and offer practical insights on how families and educators can work together to support children's development. This conversation isn't about criticizing parenting styles—it's about understanding how children thrive when consistency, structure, and support come together.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, director, or childcare provider, this episode offers a thoughtful look at one of the most talked-about topics in childcare today. 💡✨

🎙️ Boundaries in Childcare

Jessica and Katy dive into the importance of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries in childcare. From parent communication and staff relationships to work-life balance and professional expectations, they discuss why boundaries are essential for creating a respectful and successful environment.

They share real-life experiences, challenges providers often face, and practical strategies for communicating expectations clearly while still building strong relationships with families and staff. This episode highlights how healthy boundaries can help reduce burnout, improve workplace culture, and support long-term success in the childcare industry.

Whether you’re a teacher, director, owner, or parent, this conversation offers valuable insight into one of the most important — and sometimes most difficult — parts of childcare leadership. 💡✨

In this episode, Jessica and Katy dive into one of the toughest situations leaders can face—when a top-performing employee starts creating challenges within the workplace. From attitude changes and boundary issues to leadership struggles and team dynamics, they discuss how quickly a great employee can shift into becoming a major source of stress.

Jessica and Katy share real-world insight on recognizing the warning signs, having difficult conversations, and balancing accountability with support. They also talk about the impact these situations can have on staff morale, workplace culture, and overall leadership decisions.

Whether you’re a childcare owner, director, or team leader, this episode offers practical advice and honest conversation about navigating one of leadership’s most uncomfortable realities. 💡✨

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In this episode, Katy and Jessica walk through a stressful and all-too-relatable moment—a licensing visit where everything seemed to go wrong at once. From unexpected challenges to high-pressure decisions, they share what happened behind the scenes and how they handled it.

They also reflect on what they learned, what they would do differently, and how childcare providers can better prepare for licensing visits. This episode is full of real talk, practical advice, and reassurance that even tough days can turn into valuable learning experiences.

🎙️ 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.