ChildCare Conversations

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.

Podcasting since 2020 • 400 episodes

ChildCare Conversations

Latest Episodes

388: How better systems could free childcare budgets for what matters with Mary Harper

Could regulatory reform actually help childcare programs improve quality? Kate Woodward Young talks with Dr. Mary Harper about why reducing duplicative paperwork and outdated compliance processes could free up time and resources for what...

October 15, 2026 • 37:36

387: How One Founder Turned a Personal Need Into 21 Childcare Locations with Kristen Denzer

What does it take to grow a childcare business without losing the values and families at its heart? Kate Woodward Young talks with Kristen Denzer, CEO of Tierra Encantada, about building a bilingual, values-driven childcare brand from a ...

October 13, 2026 • 24:35

386: The Biggest Accreditation Mistake With Selena

Is accreditation just another checklist—or can it actually help your early childhood program grow? Selena McNeely joins Kate Woodward Young to unpack what accreditation really means, why programs pursue it, and how to choose an accredita...

October 08, 2026 • 31:52

385: 7 Reasons Music Belongs in Early Childhood, Not Just Art Class with Alisha Kriege

What if your playground could become a music classroom—without requiring a music specialist? Alisha Kriege of Freenotes Harmony Park joins Kate Woodward Young to explore how outdoor musical instruments can create inclusive, engaging, and...

October 06, 2026 • 19:24

384: What Most Preschool Owners Miss When Choosing a Franchise Model With Amber Stravlo

What happens when you find a preschool franchise that actually fits your educational philosophy and business goals? Amber Stravlo shares how choosing Ivybrook Academy helped her grow enrollment from 40 to 162 children in one year ...

October 01, 2026 • 26:24