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 • 398 episodes

ChildCare Conversations

Latest Episodes

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

383: The Hidden Grief Behind Divorce, Empty Nesting, and Job Changes With Vickie Hagedorn

What if the stress and overwhelm you’re carrying isn’t just stress but unresolved grief? Grief recovery specialist Vickie Hagedorn joins Kate for a powerful conversation about how grief can show up far beyond death or divorce, especially...

September 29, 2026 • 23:44

382: Why Co-Regulation Works Better Than Self-Care Buzzwords With Cameile Henry

What does co-regulation really look like when a classroom is chaotic, and everyone is overwhelmed? Kate Woodward Young talks with Camille from Strengthen Hands about self-regulation, emotional development, behavior support, and social...

September 24, 2026 • 26:01