Schools of Excellence: The No. 1 ECE & Private School Leadership Podcast

Most school leaders have said: “We just need to get on the same page.”But what if that phrase is actually sabotaging your culture, creating false harmony, and leaving you exhausted from holding standards alone?In this episode, Chanie dismantles the “same page” myth and explains why schools thrive on shared standards, not passive agreements. You’ll learn how to create clarity, build ownership, and design guardrails and rhythms that keep standards alive even when things get messy.If you’ve ever felt like you’re repeating the same expectations week after week—and still doing all the follow-up yourself—this episode will show you how to stop appeasing and start building a culture of accountability that truly lasts.What You’ll LearnWhy “getting on the same page” is a delay tactic, not a leadership strategyThe difference between appeasement, agreement, and real accountabilityHow shared standards create clarity and predictability in your schoolWhy guardrails and rhythms matter more than words or meetingsPractical steps to turn repeated expectations into lasting follow-throughKey InsightsCulture isn’t built on harmony. It’s built on clear standards and shared ownership.Follow-through beats words. Agreements in a meeting mean nothing without consistent action.Guardrails protect standards. Without systems and rhythms, your standards crumble under pressure.Safety comes from predictability. When everyone owns the standard, trust and culture grow.Memorable Quotes“Being on the same page doesn’t build culture, shared standards do.”“Schools don’t run on harmony. They run on structure, rhythms, and accountability.”“If your standards only hold when everything is perfect, you don’t have standards, you have nothing.”Why This Matters for School LeadersStops the cycle of repeated conversations and broken promisesProtects leaders from carrying all the follow-up aloneBuilds staff trust and culture through consistencyCreates operational clarity that holds up under stress and changeResources & Next StepsIdentify one standard in your school that keeps “ping-ponging” back to you and design guardrails to uphold itShare this episode with your leadership team and debrief: Where are we chasing harmony instead of standards?Ready to Fix the Real Problem Behind Burnout and Broken Systems?If delegation isn’t working, you don’t have a people problem, you have a rhythm problem.In a 90-minute Leadership Reset Consultation, you’ll get a personalized 30-day Roadmap that shows you how to:Shift from chasing and following up to leading a team that truly owns their workInstall the rhythms that keep your school accountable, even in chaosFree yourself from being the emotional and operational center of your schoolIf you’re tired of patchwork fixes and want a leadership system that holds up under pressure, this session is for you.[Book your Leadership Reset Consultation here]

In this client spotlight episode, Chanie Wilschanski sits down with longtime coaching client Niki Van Cleave, owner of Butterfly Bunch in Metro Detroit, to explore what it means to lead a school with sustainable systems, real accountability, and operational clarity—especially during seasons of personal and professional upheaval.Niki’s leadership journey spans two centers, a season of grief, increased operational pressure, and the bold decision to consolidate into one location with strategy and purpose. The turning point? She stopped defaulting to survival mode and started anchoring into intentional leadership. With the support of the Five Gears Diagnostic and the Money Leaks Assessment, Niki clarified her school operations, strengthened her team culture, and created rhythms that hold—even in chaotic seasons.What You’ll LearnWhat aligned school leadership looks like when the pressure is highHow to identify stuck gears that are slowing down your school’s growthWhy a no-spend freeze revealed unsustainable patterns and opened up team ownershipHow operational clarity and team systems reduce burnout and second-guessingWhat it means to move from micromanaging to leading with confidenceKey InsightsSurvival Mode Isn’t a Long-Term Strategy Niki’s story reminds us that running a school in constant reaction mode isn’t failure—it’s a signal. And it doesn’t have to be permanent.The Five Gears Diagnostic Pinpoints System Gaps Niki identified Financial Health and Strategic Growth as her stuck gears. That clarity helped her stop putting out fires and focus her energy where it mattered most.Tightening Systems Reclaims Profit and Ownership A no-spend freeze and new ordering protocols cut supply waste by over 50% and empowered her assistant director to take ownership of key systems.You Don’t Need More Staff—You Need a Team You Can Trust By equipping one team member to manage supplies with clear accountability, Niki eliminated micromanaging and babysitting staff while building sustainable team trust.Anchored Rhythms Lead to Sustainable Leadership Even during high-demand seasons like back-to-school, Niki prioritized personal anchors—prayer, movement, reflection—to stay grounded in intentional leadership, not reactive chaos.Try This Instead: 3 Tools to Regain Operational ControlRun the Five Gears Diagnostic Discover which area of your school is stuck—enrollment, staffing, parent communication, finances, or strategy—and stop scrambling by focusing on what’s slowing your momentum. 🔗 Take the DiagnosticAudit Your Money Leaks Use this tool to expose where your school is hemorrhaging resources—supplies, staffing, or food—and implement systems that protect your budget. 🔗 Download the Money Leaks AssessmentCommit to One Leadership Anchor Pick one rhythm—a daily walk, a reflective pause, a team huddle—that gives you peace of mind and builds real leadership capacity when the pressure is on.Memorable Quotes “Different is scary—but different is good.” – Niki Van Cleave “You don’t need another tactic—you need a system that aligns with your values.” – Chanie Wilschanski “Anchored leaders build cultures that hold—even when they don’t.” – Chanie WilschanskiWhy This Matters for School LeadersHelps overwhelmed school directors move from chaos to clarityUncovers financial inefficiencies and operational blind spotsBuilds team systems that reduce mental load and increase accountabilitySupports confident school leadership through sustainable daily rhythmsModels how long-term coaching transforms leadership and school cultureResources for School LeadersTake the Five Gears Diagnostic - https://hub.schoolsofexcellence.com/fivegearsDownload the Money Leaks Assessment - https://schoolsofexcellence.com/moneyleaks/

As the school year gains momentum, it's easy for school leaders to fall into survival mode—abandoning the very rhythms that anchor sustainable growth, effective school operations, and confident leadership. In this episode of the Schools of Excellence Podcast, Chanie Wilschanski breaks down the essential distinction between anchors and enhancers, and why understanding this difference is critical for school directors managing high-pressure seasons.If you're facing a surge in enrollment, onboarding new staff, or navigating leadership fatigue, this episode will help you identify the systems, habits, and non-negotiables that protect your energy and peace of mind. Because running a private school, preschool, or early childhood center shouldn’t mean always putting out fires—it means leading with intentionality, clarity, and control.What You’ll LearnThe difference between anchors and enhancers—and why both matter for sustainable school leadershipHow to identify the leadership habits that protect you from burnout, second-guessing, and resentmentThe hidden cost of abandoning your routines during busy seasonsWhy survival mode becomes the default when systems are missingA simple way to assess where your school needs operational focusKey Insights1. Anchors create stability during chaos Anchors are the daily habits that ground you emotionally and mentally. For overwhelmed directors, these aren’t luxuries—they’re leadership tools. Anchors may look like prayer, walking, journaling, or quiet reflection. When the pressure is high, these are the habits that keep you rooted and resilient.2. Enhancers elevate—but they don’t stabilize Massages, time with friends, or a night out can be wonderful enhancers, but they can’t replace the foundational habits that regulate your mindset and sustain your ability to lead. Enhancers help you feel good, but they don’t create consistency.3. Abandoning anchors leads to burnout When school leaders drop their anchors in exchange for hustle, the cost is high. Leadership becomes reactive. Decision fatigue sets in. You feel stuck, anxious, and resentful. Rebuilding your rhythms later will require far more energy than simply preserving them now.4. Your anchors are unique to you Chanie shares her personal anchors—prayer, walking, and meditation—and encourages leaders to identify their own. The true test? If you still do it when you're sick, traveling, or exhausted, it’s likely an anchor.5. Systems—not hustle—drive confident leadership Real school leadership isn't about working harder. It's about installing rhythms and school systems that do the heavy lifting. When you lead from systems, not from stress, you create time freedom, better team accountability, and long-term sustainability.Memorable Quotes"When you stop doing your anchors, survival becomes a habit—and it’s harder to come back from." – Chanie Wilschanski "Anchors aren’t nice-to-haves. They’re lifelines." "Leadership is about alignment, not exhaustion."Try This: 3 Steps to Identify Your AnchorsStep 1: Look at your stress habits What do you continue doing when you’re sick, overextended, or traveling? That’s likely an anchor.Step 2: List your daily wellness practices Then separate anchors from enhancers. Anchors are essential and stabilizing. Enhancers are supportive, but optional.Step 3: Choose one anchor to protect this season Commit to it fully. That single action can create the clarity and consistency you need to lead well this fall.Why It Matters for School LeadersReduces burnout, resentment, and emotional exhaustion in high-pressure seasonsHelps you lead from systems and values—not reactivitySupports long-term sustainability and mental clarityShifts your school culture from disorganized chaos to rhythm-driven leadershipResources & Next StepsTake the Free Five Gears Diagnostic: Discover where your school leadership is misaligned at schoolsofexcellence.com/fivegears Book a Profit & Growth Strategy Session: Identify where you’re leaking time, energy, or resources at schoolsofexcellence.com/profitAbout Chanie Wilschanski & Schools of ExcellenceChanie Wilschanski is the founder of Schools of Excellence and a sought-after mentor for early childhood and private school leaders. Her work is grounded in building operational systems, emotionally intelligent leadership, and sustainable rhythms for long-term success. Through her podcast, trainings, and membership program, Chanie helps private school and ECE leaders lead with confidence, build high-functioning teams, and step into their full leadership potential—without burnout or chaos.If this episode resonated with you, share it with another school leader ready to move beyond survival mode and into intentional, systems-driven leadership.

In this timely solo episode, Chanie Wilschanski shares a powerful leadership truth every school owner and director needs to hear as the new year begins: what you tolerate in August becomes the culture you’re stuck managing by February.This isn’t just a motivational pep talk—it’s a wake-up call. As classrooms buzz with fresh energy and bulletin boards get a glow-up, your old leadership reflexes start creeping back in. The skipped 1:1s, the ignored red flags, the well-meaning rescues? They’re not small moments. They’re culture-setting decisions that will quietly shape your entire year.You’ll learn how to lead with rhythm instead of reactivity, shift your team’s expectations through consistency (not speeches), and install rituals that hold your culture steady—even when the chaos kicks in.What You’ll LearnWhy back-to-school energy masks deeper leadership reflexesThe invisible patterns that shape school culture more than your speechesThe difference between rescuing and rhythm—and how to choose wiselyHow to stop trading your boundaries for short-term order3 specific August moves that build long-term ease and clarityHow to lead without becoming the emotional center of your schoolKey Insights1. Culture Isn’t Built by What You Say—It’s Built by What You NormalizeThe kickoff speech doesn’t shape the culture. What you protect and what you let slide in August quietly creates the tone your team will carry into February.2. Rescuing in August = Burnout by OctoberJumping in every time someone is overwhelmed might feel helpful—but it silently teaches your team that leadership equals emotional labor and unpredictability.3. Back-to-School Is Not a Fresh Start—It’s a MirrorYour patterns will show up early. Canceling a 1:1, skipping an accountability moment, or “letting it slide” may seem harmless, but they’re the seeds of future burnout.4. Leadership Happens in Repetition, Not ReactionWhat you do consistently is what your team learns to expect. Stop trying to be everywhere—start being predictable in the right places.Try This Instead: 3 August Shifts That Anchor Long-Term CultureIf you want this year to feel different, you don’t need a new checklist. You need a new rhythm. Here are three moves to make in August that will shape your leadership for the rest of the year:1. Protect One Ritual at All CostsChoose one leadership rhythm—like weekly 1:1s, classroom walks, or a team huddle—and commit to protecting it. Even in chaos. Especially in chaos. It tells your team: “We don’t abandon connection when things get busy. We anchor in it.”2. Install a Weekly “Culture Check”Every Friday, ask yourself:What did I tolerate this week?What did I repeat on purpose?What culture am I writing through my actions?Culture isn’t what you say on Monday. It’s what you normalize all week.3. Anchor Your Own EnergyPick one small rhythm that fuels you—like a lunch walk, a 5-minute journaling practice, or a coffee check-in with a mentor.Because when you’re regulated, you lead from vision—not vigilance.Memorable Quotes“Leadership isn’t what you say—it’s what you normalize.” – Chanie Wilschanski “You don’t need more visibility. You need more predictability.” – Chanie Wilschanski “Excellence is built through rhythm, not reaction.” – Chanie WilschanskiWhy It Matters for School LeadersPrevents emotional and operational burnout midyearCreates team-wide predictability, not dependencyShifts the culture silently—through consistent, visible rhythmsKeeps your leadership identity rooted in presence, not panicResourcesApply for School Leadership HQ to build rhythms that hold your school—even when you're tired.Learn how to lead without over-functioning → Apply NowAbout Chanie Wilschanski & Schools of ExcellenceChanie Wilschanski leads Schools of Excellence with a passion for cultivating soulful, effective leadership through intentional rhythms. Through podcasting and coaching, she empowers directors and owners to thrive with grace, clarity, and sustainable systems—never at the expense of their well-being.If you found this episode valuable, please rate, subscribe, and share it with a fellow school leader who’s ready to stop over-carrying and start leading with radiant, sustainable rhythms of joy.

From Burnout to Boundaries: Redefining Female Leadership in Private EducationIn this deeply honest and emotionally resonant episode, Chanie Wilschanski invites female school leaders into a transformative conversation about the “impossible standard” of leadership in education. She explores the emotional labor women carry, how over-functioning and people-pleasing lead to burnout, and why leading with warmth shouldn’t come at the cost of boundaries or energy. Chanie offers practical strategies—and powerful mindset shifts—to help leaders reclaim their authority and redefine what it means to lead well.What You’ll LearnThe impact of emotional exhaustion and over-functioning on female school leadersThe “double-bind” dilemma: being warm vs. being decisiveWhy noticing feels like a leadership burden—and how to distribute itHow rescuing becomes reactive leadership disguised as delegationThe importance of identity work, not just strategy, to break burnout cyclesHow to create rhythms, boundaries, and systems that protect your warmthSimple journaling prompts to rethink your leadership postureKey Insights1. Emotional Labor HurtsWomen in school leadership hold not only logistical responsibility but also the emotional pulse of the building—staff, parents, students. This leads to heightened emotional exhaustion compared to male counterparts.2. Warming Doesn’t Mean WeaknessHormonal responses like “tend-and-befriend” push women to soothe and rescue rather than set boundaries and enforce standards. Warmth is powerful… until it becomes draining without structure.3. Rescue ≠ DelegationBringing in supplies or stepping in during a lesson might feel supportive—but if not shared, it’s rescuing. True leadership distributes responsibility and builds capacity.4. “Noticing” Is the Hidden LoadYou see the trash that won't get emptied, the subtle shift in energy… and you carry it. That invisible “20%” needs leadership, not martyrdom. Build systems so teams learn to see.5. Boundaries Honor the MissionWarmth becomes weaponized when it’s the only way you’ve learned to lead. When boundaries are in place, you're not being cold—you’re protecting your mission from burnout.6. Identity Shifts MatterYour strategy is useless if your identity isn’t aligned. If “rescue leader” stays in your identity, you’ll recreate burnout cycles—even with perfect systems.Memorable Quotes“You were meant to build a school that holds you.” – Chanie Wilschanski“Excellence is built through rhythm, not martyrdom.” – Chanie WilschanskiWhy It Matters for School LeadersReclaim your authority and energyBuild team culture around shared responsibility, not dependencePrevent burnout through healthy boundaries and accountability systemsShift mental load so your presence enhances, not depletes, the communityResources & Lead MagnetExplore Leadership HQ coaching for ongoing support - schoolsofexcellence.com/consultSubscribe for future episodes on leadership rhythms, emotional clarity, and strategic systemsAbout Chanie Wilschanski & Schools of ExcellenceChanie Wilschanski leads Schools of Excellence with a passion for cultivating soulful, effective leadership through intentional rhythms. Through podcasting and coaching, she empowers directors and owners to thrive with grace, clarity, and sustainable systems—never at the expense of their well-being.If you found this episode valuable, please rate, subscribe, and share it with a fellow school leader who’s ready to stop over-carrying and start leading with radiant, sustainable rhythms of joy.

“Tough conversations aren’t about fixing everything immediately — they’re about understanding each other enough to keep moving forward.”What does it really mean to be present in a tough conversation? In this episode, we explore how presence—not just words or timing—shapes the quality and outcome of difficult conversations in leadership and relationships.Key takeaways:Why fully showing up physically and emotionally is the first act of care in a tough conversationHow presence helps shift from reactive responses to genuine listening and connectionThe importance of preparing not just your message but the timing and emotional space for dialogueWhy tough conversations are rarely “one and done” — they require patience and ongoing managementHow managing expectations about resolution can reduce pressure and open space for understandingTune in to explore how practicing presence and patience in tough conversations can transform leadership and deepen connection in all your relationships. Ready to transition from managing to truly growing your center? Learn more at https://schoolsofexcellence.com/profit/Connect with Gene at https://genehammett.com/

“When enrollment is low, you don’t hire a marketing agency. You examine your identity.”What do you do when your enrollment numbers drop—but you know you're running a powerful, heart-centered program? In this episode, we unpack what it takes to rebuild enrollment without defaulting to expensive ad agencies or slick marketing campaigns.Key TakeawaysWhy throwing money at marketing is rarely the first step when enrollment declinesHow the “parent ambassador” framework sparked organic growth through personal connectionThe leadership resistance that often hides behind “let’s hire someone”What it looks like to take baby steps instead of big leaps—and still see momentumHow cold calling, coattail marketing, and local fairs became high-impact strategiesWhat if the real reason people aren’t buying… has nothing to do with your offer? Tune in to hear what’s actually driving your slow sales. Ready to unlock your center's hidden potential? schedule your strategy session today at https://schoolsofexcellence.com/profit/

 “If you don’t decide or name the intention, the season will decide for you.”How do you move from chaotic, catch-up summers to ones that genuinely renew your family and your leadership? In this behind-the-scenes episode, Chanie shares the intentional framework her family uses to plan summers that serve as a map for the year ahead—grounding their values, relationships, and rhythms. Key Takeaways:Why summer can’t just be a break—it needs to be a blueprint.Treating summer as a time to reset isn’t enough. When planned with intention, it becomes a map that shapes your family and leadership for the rest of the year.The I-R-E-R method: Intention, Reflection, Experience, Rhythm.Anchors over goals: the power of seasonal rituals.Planning for joy—on purpose.How memory-making experiences build generational impact.Tune in to explore this reframe and how you can design your summer with intention, reflection, and rhythm—so your leadership starts at home, not on the calendar. Want to discuss what’s next in your leadership journey? Visit: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/profit/

“Essentials are not what’s in your handbook. They’re what you do under pressure.”What do you protect when you're overwhelmed—not in a crisis, but in the daily fog of leadership? In this episode, Chanie explores the crucial distinction between what's urgent and what's truly essential—and why many leaders are still swirling in chaos, despite their experience and commitment.Key Takeaways:When we believe our circumstances dictate our behavior, we lose sight of our agency—and our team feels that erosion too.If your leadership rhythms fall apart in hard seasons, they were never essential to begin with.Defining what matters most allows you to act from purpose, not panic, even when the fog rolls in.Who you are as a leader is not defined by your plans, but by your clarity when those plans are interrupted.Tune in to explore this reframe—and begin uncovering the true essentials that will anchor your leadership, no matter the storm. Curious about the next step in your leadership journey? Let’s explore it together: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/profit/

“We don’t light candles because we’re ready. We light them because it’s time.”What if energy isn’t something you wait for—but something you create?In this episode, Chanie opens up about walking through profound personal grief while still leading a team, running a business, and showing up for others. She explores the surprising shift that helped her lead from a place of clarity, even when she felt completely depleted—and why great leadership is anchored not in energy reserves, but in energy rituals.Key takeaways:Why energy is something you cultivate, not just conserveThe difference between building systems and building rituals that restore your capacityHow leadership becomes unsustainable when it's only powered by your mood or mental “tank”What rituals actually do for your nervous system—and why they matter more than you thinkWhy consistency—not spontaneity—is what builds trust, safety, and longevity in your leadership🎧 Tune in to explore this reframe and how you can apply it to your leadership today. Want to discuss what’s next in your leadership journey? Visit: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/profit/

“You can delegate work, but you cannot delegate trust.”You’ve done everything right—checklists created, SOPs in place, team hired and trained. So why does it still feel like you’re the glue holding everything together? This episode is for the leader who has mastered structure but is still shouldering the soul of the school. We’re unpacking the hidden weight leaders carry, why systems alone aren’t enough, and the critical role that rhythms and rituals play in sustainable culture and freedom.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why systems don’t create ownership—and what actually doesHow to shift from being the “rhythm” of your school to building sustainable drumbeatsThe truth about trust, delegation, and emotional loadWhy leadership rituals—not vibes—are the foundation of real cultureWhat immature vs. mature leadership actually looks like (and how to lead like a grown-up)How one client’s ritual of daily gratitude transformed her team culture and emotional energyReady to stop being the glue and start leading a self-sustaining team? Join our School Leadership HQ where we walk leaders through the Leadership Operating System, cultural drumbeats, and rituals that build legacy. Visit: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/profit/

How do you keep leading when life knocks you down?Grief, loss, and hardship don’t pause for leadership responsibilities—and yet, as school owners and leaders, we’re expected to keep showing up, making decisions, and guiding our teams, even in the midst of personal pain.In this deeply moving and powerful episode, I sit down with Evelyn Knight—TEDx speaker, childcare business coach, and center owner—who has walked through profound loss and emerged with an unshakable commitment to faith, leadership, and emotional maturity.Inside This Episode, We Dive Into:The Emotional Weight of Leadership – How to lead with intention when life feels overwhelmingNavigating Grief While Running a Business – The reality of holding space for both personal loss and professional responsibilitiesEmotional Maturity at Work – How to create a workplace culture where people can grow through life’s challengesThe Role of Faith in Leadership – Why spirituality, in whatever form it takes, can be a powerful anchor for leaders How to Lead a Team with Compassion & Strength – Creating a team culture that recognizes the human experience behind the workThis conversation is raw, real, and rich with wisdom for leaders who are balancing the weight of leadership with the complexities of life. Whether you’re navigating your own struggles or supporting a team member through theirs, this episode will give you perspective, tools, and the reassurance that you’re not alone.Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow school leader who needs to hear this today. And if this conversation resonated with you, leave a review—it helps us continue bringing you conversations that matter.

You’ve checked the boxes.✅ Built the center.✅ Hired the team.✅ Filled the classrooms✅ Hit the revenue goals.On paper, everything looks like a dream.So why does it still feel… heavy?In today’s conversation, I sit down with school owner Bri McCarty for a powerful and honest look at the evolution of leadership—from proving and performing to leading with peace, clarity, and purpose.We explore what happens when you stop building from hustle and start building from alignment. When you stop being the hero and start creating a team that shares the vision. When you stop solving everyone’s problems and finally let yourself lead.This episode is for the leader who’s done chasing worth through more enrollment, more expansion, more doing. You’ve built the dream. Now it’s time to build the life inside of it.this conversation is your reminder that excellence doesn't require doing more... it asks you to become more.

What if the biggest difference between stress and stability wasn’t strategy—but emotional maturity?In this powerful episode, we explore how emotionally mature leaders rise above chaos, drama, and second-guessing to lead with confidence and clarity. From gossip and manipulation to inconsistent behavior and reactive decisions, emotionally immature environments drain energy and sabotage growth.But it doesn’t have to be that way. Through real stories and practical insights, you’ll learn how to embody emotional maturity and lead a culture of trust, discernment, and accountability.What you’ll learn:✅ The 5 behaviors that signal drama in your culture—and how to stop them at the root ✅ How emotional maturity allows leaders to regulate, reflect, and respond instead of react ✅ Why gossip, victimhood, and manipulation destroy teams—and how to replace them with trust ✅ The 10 defining traits of drama-free leadership (and how to develop them in yourself and others) ✅ How to shift from inconsistent, reactive leadership to clear, intentional decision-makingThis episode is your guide to becoming the kind of leader who builds not just a better team—but a better version of yourself.Download your 5 Gears Diagnostic here! It only takes 10 minutes and will show you exactly which gear you need to focus on to create momentum across your entire school. https://hub.schoolsofexcellence.com/fivegears

If drama keeps showing up in your school—it’s not a people problem, it’s a design problem. In this episode, Chanie unpacks how school leaders can move from managing chaos to designing a culture where drama simply can’t survive.Using real (anonymized) stories from our work with school leaders, Chanie breaks down five signs of drama-fueled leadership—like gossip, victimhood, and constant complaining—and how they drain emotional and mental energy from your team.Then, she offers clear tools to shift out of drama and into drama-free leadership that is grounded in emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and values-driven culture design.💡 What You’ll Learn:Why gossip, complaining, and victimhood are not just annoying—but culture-damagingHow your personal habits around gossip and blame directly impact your school cultureWhat it really takes to shift from reactive leadership to intentional designThe secret to changing team behavior: start with your ownDrama-free leadership isn’t about control—it’s about clarity.Let’s build a school culture where trust, ownership, and excellence are the norm.Download your free 5 Gears Diagnostic to pinpoint exactly where drama is showing up—and where to start transforming your culture. https://hub.schoolsofexcellence.com/fivegears

What if you had a Culture Decoder — a way to see exactly why your school feels stuck in constant chaos?Every day, you're bombarded with decisions, interruptions, and team confusion. It's not just exhausting — it's cultural. The truth is, your school culture runs on hidden systems. And when those systems are reactive and unclear, maintenance becomes a drain instead of a strength.In the fourth episode of the 5 Gears series, we unlock the Culture Decoder hidden inside the Maintenance Gear.What you’ll learn:How your daily operations reveal your real culture — and what it’s trying to tell youThe difference between reactive maintenance and culture-building systemsHow to identify which tasks you shouldn’t be doing anymoreThe mindset shift that allows leaders to stop operating from urgencyWhy decoding your maintenance practices gives you a blueprint for sustainable growthThis episode is your guide to becoming the kind of leader who doesn’t just maintain — but transforms.Download your 5 Gears Diagnostic here! It only takes 10 minutes and will show you exactly which gear you need to focus on to create momentum across your entire school. https://hub.schoolsofexcellence.com/fivegears

The sixth and final episode in the 5 Gears series, today’s episode focuses on the Strategic Growth Gear. This episode looks a little different from others in the series because strategic growth is not just about building other systems or how to optimize other systems — it's about really understanding when and how to expand your impact.You’ll learn the four distinct paths of growth:Internal – Strengthening what you already have. This can look like creating leadership pipelines or enhancing your current programs. External – Your traditional market expansion. It includes opening up new locations, expanding to new neighborhoods, and creating pop-up programs.Vertical – Increasing your depth of impact. This is about adding advanced programs and extending your services.Horizontal – Broadening your impact through new revenue streams. It could be creating new training programs, developing new educational materials, or taking things that you've done and actually writing curriculum books.💡Important → Choosing the wrong path is not just ineffective. It can actually destabilize every single thing that you've built.Book your Profit and Growth Call here to determine which path is right for your strategic growth. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/profitDownload your 5 Gears Diagnostic here! It only takes 10 minutes and will show you exactly which gear you need to focus on to create momentum across your entire school. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/gearsquiz

Imagine if parents didn't just receive updates — they became your biggest champions.Let me tell you a story. For years, schools have been playing an exhausting game of "communicate and hope." Newsletters flying into inboxes. Random app notifications. Sporadic event invites. Parents scrolling, sighing, deleting.But what if there was a different way? A way where parents lean IN instead of tune OUT?The fifth in the 5 Gears series, this episode explores the Parent Engagement Gear.What you’ll learn:Engagement requires two-way communication, not just one-way updates.Your communication strategy should be a comprehensive system that ensures that every family feels connected to your school.Parent engagement is a skill that can be taught and learned.This isn't about more communication. It's about meaningful connection.This is for bold leaders ready to transform parent engagement.The best part? This doesn't require superhuman effort. Just a shift in approach.Download your 5 Gears Diagnostic here! It only takes 10 minutes and will show you exactly which gear you need to focus on to create momentum across your entire school. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/gearsquiz

The fourth in the 5 Gears series, this episode dives deep into the Staff Culture Gear. Here’s a surprising truth about staff culture: It's not just about having great benefits or competitive pay. A comprehensive retention ecosystem goes beyond the basics. Using Schools of Excellence’s Retention Intelligence Framework, we examine how school leaders can build an environment where staff can thrive and grow.What you’ll learn:Why creating a retention ecosystem is crucial for long-term staff success.How fostering a positive school culture and strong peer relationships can significantly improve teacher retention.Actionable strategies school leaders can implement to enhance retention and create a thriving educational environment.Don’t miss these powerful insights that will help you build a school culture where teachers want to stay and grow.Download your 5 Gears Diagnostic here! It only takes 10 minutes and will show you exactly which gear you need to focus on to create momentum across your entire school. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/gearsquiz

Why do some schools effortlessly attract families while others struggle — despite offering the same features, pricing, and programs?The secret isn’t more Facebook ads or another website refresh. It’s identity.In this game-changing episode of the Schools of Excellence podcast, I sit down with marketing expert Veronica Romney, author of Identity Marketing, to break down why schools that market with identity — not just benefits — win the enrollment game.🔥 What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ The "Be This" vs. "Buy This" Marketing Shift – Why features and tuition rates don’t drive decisions (and what does)✅ The Emotional Sale That Every School Must Master – What parents are really thinking when they say, "We love it, but we can’t afford it."✅ The Two Identities at Play in Every Enrollment Decision – And how to speak to both (without sounding generic)✅ Why Competing on Price Will Sink Your School – And how to make parents feel like choosing you is the best parenting decision they’ve ever made✅ The One Marketing Exercise Every School Owner Should Do Right Now – To shift from fighting for enrollments to filling waitlistsThis conversation will completely transform how you think about marketing and messaging for your school. If you're tired of competing on price and want parents to see your school as the only choice, this episode is a must-listen.🎧 Listen now and start marketing with identity, not just features.📖 Want to go deeper? Grab Veronica’s book, Identity Marketing, and unlock the full framework for marketing that creates deep, lasting connections with families.🔁 Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow school owner and leave a review — it helps more leaders transform their schools with powerful marketing strategies!

Warren Buffett famously said: “Only when the tide goes out do you discover who has been swimming naked.”Right now, the financial tide is going out. And many school leaders are about to be exposed.MYTH: As long as your school is mostly full, you're financially healthy.Many school leaders believe that high enrollment equals financial success. When your classrooms are full and parents seem happy, you might think you're doing great. This myth persists because enrollment numbers are tangible, visible, and feel like an immediate measure of success.But here's the brutal truth: Enrollment doesn't equal profitability.Why This Myth Will Destroy Your SchoolMeet Jen, a school owner who thought she was doing just fine. From the outside, her school looked perfect. Full classrooms. Happy parents. But beneath the surface, a financial disaster was brewing.When we first met Jen, she was running 11 school locations and thought she was doing everything right. Her revenue looked solid on paper. She was expanding. But beneath the surface, she was bleeding money in ways she couldn't see.Her day started at 4:37 AM, fueled by desperation and coffee. Despite managing multiple locations, she was working harder, not smarter. Her operational costs were eating through potential profits. She was spending $30,000 monthly on management that could have been streamlined to $15,000. Her inefficient leadership structure meant she was personally handling tasks that could be delegated, costing her time and money.Her financial strategy wasn't just about numbers. It was about reclaiming her life.Here's something I want you to really hear: Profit isn't a dirty word. It's your mission's oxygen.Profit means:Paying your incredible teachers what they're TRULY worthCreating mind-blowing learning experiences for kidsBuilding something that goes way beyond “just getting by”Your vision isn't just a dream. It's a calling that needs financial fuel.That’s why I encourage you to take our 6 Money Leaks Diagnostic now! Visit: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/moneyleaks/In just 10 minutes, you'll uncover:The hidden money leaks bleeding your potentialOpportunities you didn't even know existedThe heartbreaking truth is 27% of private schools close within five years. Not because they're bad schools. Because no one showed them how to play the financial rules. You're different. You're listening to this because you know there's more.

When was the last time you looked at your enrollment numbers and thought, “This is fine?” Many school leaders mistake “not terrible” for “optimal” — and it's costing them more than they realize.One of our clients, Missy, thought her multi-location program was doing “fine” too. Her center wasn't full, but that was just the nature of that location ... or so she thought.After implementing three specific systems, that same center enrolled 80 new families for the upcoming school year and five new immediate enrollments — all within 30 days.The most surprising part? None of these changes required working longer hours.What Missy discovered is something most school leaders don't realize: There's a profound difference between enrollment activity and enrollment results.Most centers focus on what I call “red activities” — things that feel productive but don't actually drive enrollment. Meanwhile, the “green activities” — those closest to generating revenue — get pushed aside.Is your school truly optimized for enrollment, or are you settling for “good enough?”The truth is, most school leaders don't even realize how much potential revenue they're missing. That's why I created a 2-minute assessment that reveals exactly where your hidden enrollment opportunities lie.Take the Five Gears Diagnostic Now! Visit: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/gearsquizIn just 120 seconds, you'll discover:If you're focusing on the right enrollment activities (most schools aren't)Which of your current practices are actually costing you enrollmentsYour exact score compared to schools that consistently maintain 95+% capacityThe difference between 75% and 95% enrollment isn't just a few extra children; it's tens of thousands in additional revenue and the freedom to focus on excellence rather than survival.

We know the feeling of trying to juggle everything at once and feeling overwhelmed when we aren’t able to.That’s why this episode introduces a Schools of Excellence proven framework that will revolutionize your school’s operating system. It’s called the 5 Gears, and it explores the idea that it’s impossible to work on everything at once.  Today we’re kicking off a 6-part series during which Chanie will break down each of the gears: enrollment, staff retention, parent engagement, financial health, and strategic growth.In this first episode, you’ll learnFocused improvement leads to better outcomes than juggling multiple objectives.Strategic maintenance is crucial while working on active improvement.Every gear requires multiple people working at different levels.Identifying the priority gear is essential for effective leadership.Remember: long-lasting change happens when you focus on just 2 gears at a time while the rest are in strategic maintenance mode.Download your 5 Gears Diagnostic here! It only takes 10 minutes and will show you exactly which gear you need to focus on to create momentum across your entire school. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/gearsquiz

This episode looks a little different. Chanie was recently joined by school leaders wanting to fill their programs without spending a dollar on marketing. During this exclusive roundtable replay, three education leaders will share:How one school enrolled 27 new students using only their enrollment systemThe calendar structure that helped another secure 15 new enrollmentsThe exact process that led to 7 premium enrollments through strategic time blockingThe secret to their success isn’t about fancy marketing tactics or complex sales funnels. It’s about having the right system that does the heavy lifting for you.Ready to implement the system behind these 49 enrollments? Check out our NEW Enrollment Engine now! https://schoolsofexcellence.com/enrollment-engine/

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Every school leader we talk to is feeling the same crushing pressure:Enrollment numbers are droppingMarketing costs are skyrocketingParents are becoming more selective than everSchools of Excellence has studied hundreds of schools who broke through the enrollment ceiling. They are not spending more money on marketing, a fancy website, or desperate discounts and panic pivots. They have done a complete system overhaul of intentional growth. This episode, Chanie walks you through the strategic shifts that you can make today to revamp your enrollment ecosystem.It all starts with three principles for success:Mindset before mechanics.Systems before tacticsCalendar before marketingThese changes can be made without spending a dollar on marketing and without putting in extra hours.Tune in now!If you're looking for how to actually manage your leads, do parent follow-up, create a parent referral system, and turn all of your staff into enrollment champions, check out our Enrollment Engine here! YOUR PATH TO 25% GROWTH STARTS TODAY https://schoolsofexcellence.com/enrollment-engine

Millennial and Gen Z parents are engaged in what feels like an academic arms race — treating their children's education like a life or death strategic operation — and for good reason.On average, these parents will spend a quarter of a million dollars on their child’s education, not to mention the emotional energy and strategic planning they dedicate.The enrollment pressure compounds as families look for the perfect school and center owners and directors seek to convince them theirs is the right choice. Let’s simplify this picture a bit. What if we said all Millennial and Gen Z parents fall into one of three categories?Today’s episode explores Millennial and Gen Z parent archetypes:Value SeekersCommunity SeekersMission-aligned FamiliesThink about your parent roster, we can guarantee all your families fit into one of these archetypes. Inside our new Enrollment Engine Program, we teach you how to identify your dominant parent avatars; craft messaging that feels like connection, not a sales pitch; and build trust through radical authenticity and accountability. Ready to transform your enrollment? RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW! https://schoolsofexcellence.com/enrollment-advantage/

We see how hard you’re working as you continue to lose money to free pre-k programs. We see you losing sleep over next month’s enrollment. We see you struggling to maintain your rates while spots remain empty. Now, we want you to pause and answer this question: What are you doing to drive enrollment?Unfortunately, most school leaders are prioritizing activities that are farthest from the cash. Instead of changing the answering machine, try personally calling inquiry families. Instead of rearranging the front desk, try conducting another tour. Instead of updating your website colors, try creating a meaningful connection.These changes are just the beginning. This episode breaks down “The Enrollment Formula” that has worked for hundreds of schools. You’ll learn four valuable and actionable frameworks to actually increase enrollment:Enrollment Protection BlocksSystematic Follow-UpProactive Engagement StrategyTeam Alignment and TrainingWant access to these frameworks and more? They’re part of our Enrollment Engine — a comprehensive transformation on how you approach school growth.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR ENROLLMENT APPROACH! Visit: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/enrollment-engine

This episode looks a little different. Chanie was recently joined by school leaders, just like yourself, who are ready to join the top schools that are growing enrollment by 25% without cutting rates or compromising quality.What you’ll learn in this workshop replay:Profit Messaging™: How to clearly communicate your center's unique valueProfit Calendar™: Creating a systematic approach to enrollment activitiesProfit Pipeline™: Managing and converting potential families effectivelyYou can turn potential into profit.Ready to create such compelling value that families can’t help but become a part of your story? Check out our NEW Enrollment Engine now! https://schoolsofexcellence.com/enrollment-engine/

We know there’s a lot of hesitancy around financial conversations, but let’s overcome that discomfort to acknowledge this truth: enrollment and finances are two sides of the same coin. When we’re content with “fine but could be better” enrollment numbers, we are leaving money on the table. Let's say you have two open spots in your Pre-K classroom. It doesn't sound like a lot, but if we do the math, those two spots add up to $2,500 in loss revenue every single month. That's $30,000 a year you could be making. We call this a profit blind spot. In this episode, you’ll learn about the four profit blind spots that could be costing you thousands of dollars each month in revenue:The comfort zone trapInvisible money leaksThe role of educators in showcasing valueThe pitfalls of reactive schedulingYou CAN turn these blind spots into opportunities.Master the three-tier Profit Pipeline™ that converts leads faster. Join us for the Daily Profit Plan Workshop, Wednesday, Feb. 5th at 2 PM EST. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/enrollment/Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/membership/

There is an educational extinction event happening right now. You're not just losing students. You are witnessing the systemic dismantling of traditional education.In the last three years alone, 37 % of private schools have seen enrollment drop by over 20%. And the numbers continue to worsen. But you don’t have to continue fighting just to survive. In this episode, you’ll learn how to become irreplaceable by:converting inquiries into enrolled familiesmaximizing every opportunity in your profit and growth journeytransforming how parents perceive your valueRemember: You can find your way out of enrollment desperation and back to a reliable, predictable enrollment system that delivers consistent results regardless of the season.Learn how to command your school's value without cutting rates. Join our Daily Profit Plan Workshop, Feb 5th at 2 PM EST. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/enrollment/Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/membership/

When we struggle with enrollment, we say things like:“Free pre-K is killing us.”“We lost our grant funding.”“Our city keeps changing the rules.”“The minimum wage keeps increasing. It's destroying our margins.” “Parents only care about price right now.”Schools of Excellence hears you, but we’re going to flip this narrative…These are not your real problems. These are symptoms.In today’s episode, you will learn the three fundamental barriers actually preventing schools from enrolling families right now:Reactive versus intentional enrollmentIneffective messagingThe lack of an enrollment ecosystemThe good news: You can overcome these barriers and build an enrollment approach so powerful that all the excuses you give become footnotes in your success story.If you’re ready to find your way back to enrolling with ease, a natural family referral flow, and a waiting list of families, Schools of Excellence is hosting an interactive workshop — The Daily Profit Plan: Your Hidden Enrollment Engine — Wednesday, February 5th at 2 PM EST. Register now to walk away with your growth plan. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/enrollment

Whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet suburban area, the educational landscape is shifting. Schools can no longer depend on default systems or traditional approaches. Can you feel it? We’re in the midst of a Great School Enrollment Awakening.The old enrollment approach feels hollow and artificial. Parents are no longer looking for an institution; they’re seeking a community — one that honors their values and values them as members.As we react to this shift as leaders, we fall into one of three categories:The Sophistication SeekersThe Inactive ImplementersThe Intuitive TransformersIf you know that your team's enrollment efforts aren't showing results like they used to and are ready to change that, join me for a free, interactive workshop — The Daily Profit Plan: Your Hidden Enrollment Engine — Wednesday, February 5th 22 at 2 PM EST. Register here! https://schoolsofexcellence.com/enrollment

Chanie was recently joined by women multi-site owners for a CEO Power Hour to uncover the money leaks in their operations. You cannot listen to this without saving some money. We promise!In this episode you will learn:Space Optimization GapsPayment System LeaksSchedule Efficiency GapsFood Control LeaksSupply Management GapsAdministrative & Technical SystemsDiscover the breakthrough approach used by the elite 1% of women multi-site owners.To create your 2025 growth plan, hop on a profit finding session with the Schools of Excellence team. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/money-leaks/

High-achieving leaders understand how to align their goals and actions to drive meaningful progress in their centers.In this episode, Chanie shares why the schools that will win in 2025 challenge conventional wisdom and embrace discomfort.Chanie’s five powerful truths that will propel your leadership:More is the enemy of high performanceEmbrace the discomfort of pressureIt is not your effort, it is your environment that matters mostTake an unapologetic approach to marketing and messagingThe 30 to 60 day rule of goal settingTo explore how to join the Schools of Excellence community with leaders just like you, start here with our free consult call. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/consultMentioned in the episode: Watch the New School Playbook Workshop. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/families

Important reminder for every school leader who’s reading this: You’re not just getting by or just managing a school; you’re transforming lives in your center one decision at a time. In this episode, Chanie reconnects you to the heart of your mission and why you do what you do by walking through some celebration prompts for what you’ve achieved in 2024.Need some inspiration to remember?Creative solutions you found for your budgetThe moments you got it right with your staffThe most courageous decision you made this yearTreat yourself to the goodness of this episode.  Soak it in.  You deserve it.Need this reminder more often?  It happens everyday in our members community.  Learn more by talking to one of our team members:  SchoolsofExcellence.com/consult 

This episode is for every school leader out there who feels there is no one in their life who “gets” the challenges of being the leader.In this episode, Chanie is joined by Amy Retchless, an ECE owner from Frederick, Colorado. Like all leaders, Amy has experienced various seasons as a school leader. In both the times she’s crushing it and when she needs a little more support, she’s found comfort in the Schools of Excellence community.What you will learn:The importance of setting work-life boundariesHow practicing meditation enhances you as a leaderThe power of a supportive networkTo explore how to join the Schools of Excellence community with leaders just like you, start here with our free consult call.  SchoolsofExcellence.com/consult

Ashley Perron-Knutson, a fellow ECE leader, found herself at a crossroads with her center. She had to decide whether to continue struggling or commit to becoming the best leader she could be.  In this episode, Chanie and Ashley discuss how she regained clarity and organization with the frameworks she received as a Schools of Excellence member:What you will learn:How revamping your calendar rhythms reduces anxietyWhat essential, effective foundational systems to buildBalancing your administrative duties while mentoring your teamCan you relate to Ashley and want to know how these frameworks can bring organization and calm to your day as a school director or owner? Get on a strategy call with the Schools of Excellence team. http://schoolsofexcellence.com/consult

This episode looks a little different than others. November 14th, Chanie was joined by school leaders for an interactive workshop that tackled the complexity of attracting, engaging, and retaining families in 2024.Are you ready to stop guessing what your families want and start knowing exactly how to connect with every family in your school? In this episode, you will learn how to implement 5 power plays:Know Your Families: Learn the exact data points that predict family satisfaction and longevity.Speak Their Language: Master the art of creating parent avatars, a proven template that’s revolutionized communication for hundreds of schools.Be Where They Are: Discover the channels and messages that resonate with modern families. (Stop wasting time on platforms your families don’t use!)Train The Troops: Transform your team and teachers into family engagement experts, including our “quick-win” scripts for common scenarios.Sync Your Calendars: Build a communication calendar that keeps families engaged and referring new ones!As you listen, fill out this Power Play Action Plan worksheet. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/New-School-Playbook-Workshop-Worksheet-1-1.pdfThen, book a call with our team to discuss how to customize this strategy for your school! https://schoolsofexcellence.com/consultWatch the workshop replay on video here. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/workshop-new-school-playbook-replay/

Need more enrollment? Learn this simple framework.If you’re over generic solutions that don’t move the needle, and are ready for something tangible that can consistently attract, engage, and retain your families, listen in and register for the New School Playbook Workshop.Design your new enrollment playbook in only 1 hour with our live interactive workshop - November 14th To attend live or get the replay, you need to register at schoolsofexcellence.com/familiesReady to move faster? Directors:  Join  the Director’s Inner CircleOwners:  Join the Owner’s HQ.It starts with a free consult.  Schedule your session now.  

Whether it be election-related stress, end of the year hecticness, or just a busy season of your life, we can all benefit from creating moments of tranquility. Our bodies literally hold this stress inside us. It’s imperative we understand this for our long-term health.Our mental state deeply impacts our physical state and the other way around. When our brains and bodies feel overwhelmed, it’s especially important to pause, to reset, and to lead from a place of calm and clarity.What do you do when everything around you feels outside of your control? How do you take care of yourself?In this episode, Chanie gets real about stress and how she’s helped herself and her own children not carry this around. She gives 3 immediate action steps to regain your balance amid the chaos of this time. Mentioned in the episode: Chanie’s meditation for school leadersDesign your new enrollment playbook in only 1 hour with our live interactive workshop — November 14th Register or learn more at schoolsofexcellence.com/familiesReady to move faster? Directors:  Join  the Director’s Inner CircleOwners:  Join the Owner’s HQ.It starts with a free consult.  Schedule your session now.

The Playbook for enrolling new families in your school has changed. The old rules of building a website, sending a postcard and holding an open house just don’t work like they used to. In previous episodes, Chanie emphasized taking action by knowing your families, speaking their language, being where they are, and training the troops.Now it’s time to make it happen! Develop a weekly, monthly, and quarterly schedule to strategically adapt to your evolving school families.In the fifth and final part of the New School Playbook series, Chanie shares what must happen so your whole team puts this plan into action: Sync Your Calendars.Key Topics Discussed: Start small with check-ins and team huddles to keep everyone on the same page, sharing insights from throughout the week about different families.Avatars aren’t a “one and done” tool. Regularly update avatar profiles and strategies to best serve your families as they evolve.Do a communication audit once a month, where you're ensuring that all outgoing messages align with the avatar preferences.How can you create consistent rhythms to up-level your effectiveness as a staff? Listen in for action steps you can take today.Design your new enrollment playbook in only 1 hour with our live interactive workshop - November 14th Register or learn more at schoolsofexcellence.com/familiesReady to move faster? Directors:  Join  the Director’s Inner CircleOwners:  Join the Owner’s HQ.It starts with a free consult.  Schedule your session now.  

The Playbook for enrolling new families in your school has changed. The old rules of building a website, sending a postcard, and holding an open house just don’t work like they used to. In today’s episode, the fourth part of the New School Playbook Series, Chanie breaks down how to Train Your Troops.We’ve all had awkward social interactions — accidentally bumping into someone, forgetting someone’s name, or even realizing that we had a stain on our shirt after running into someone we haven’t seen in years. Afterward, we’re left wishing everything went smoother.As school leaders and staff, we’re interacting with a diverse collection of families daily, so it’s extra important that we all understand how to best conduct ourselves in a professional, yet still friendly and helpful, manner. Key Topics Discussed: Generational differences in communication skills. Some staff members excel at in-person interactions, and others at digital interactions, but we need them to be successful at both.Being sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of our families. When we learn how to cultivate more cultural sensitivity, we learn how to be more accepting of other people and break down social barriers.Educating staff on the different parent avatars (see episode 201!) What makes one family feel respected and heard doesn’t work for everyone. Once your staff understands the parent avatars at your center, they can cater their interactions to the appropriate style for every family.What training do your troops need? Tune in for action steps you can take today!Design your new enrollment playbook in only 1 hour with our live interactive workshop - November 14th Register or learn more at schoolsofexcellence.com/familiesReady to move faster? Directors:  Join  the Director’s Inner CircleOwners:  Join the Owner’s HQ.It starts with a free consult.  Schedule your session now.  

The Playbook for enrolling new families in your school has changed. The old rules of building a website, sending a postcard and holding an open house just don’t work like they used to. How many different ways are you sending out information to your families? Maybe it’s just one email. Or maybe it’s seven emails, 4 texts and a printed flyer. When you step back and examine your different parent avatars (listen to the previous episode to learn how to build yours), you can start to understand when to send text or email and easily personalize that to best suit all of your families.In part three of the New School Playbook series, Chanie shares how to Be Where They Are:Key Topics Discussed: Your messages become invisible to a large portion of your community if you’re not sending them to what they check (i.e. are they text or email people?)In-person events will always create the best lasting impression. When a parent has a positive interaction with your school at an event, they will tell an average of nine other people. How do you make these kind of events?How do you know if your messages are even being read? Learn how to audit your current communication methods and see how many people are actually opening and viewing them. Mentioned in this episode: If you need to increase enrollment right away, check out episode 191Design your new enrollment playbook in only 1 hour with our live interactive workshop — November 14th Register or learn more at: schoolsofexcellence.com/familiesReady to move faster? Directors: Join the Director’s Inner CircleOwners: Join the Owner’s HQIt starts with a free consult. Schedule your session now. 

The Playbook for enrolling new families in your school has changed.  The old rules of building a website, sending a postcard and holding an open house just don’t work like they used to. Think about how good it feels when someone notices something that’s uniquely you  and engages with that in mind… You’re a person who matters to them. When you can achieve this with your families, you create a connection that makes a big difference in your school’s success.In part two of the New School Playbook series, Chanie shares how to reach families when you: Speak Their Language.Key Topics Discussed: Adjusting your communication and involvement expectations to the diversity of your parent demographics and community - single parent families, large families, first generation, both parents working - you see where I’m going?  They all have different needs - and you as a director don’t need to overwork yourself trying to meet them.  (Keep reading!) Creating key avatars of your families that speak to their needs in words they relate to is possible and not only simplifies the challenge for you, but allows each family to be truly heard and seen.Chanie’s quick action step: Start with simple exercises like a communication audit of last week’s emails, tweak the language to be more inclusive and connective to more of your family dynamics.  Then press send and test it out!This is the second in the series to help you develop a NEW playbook for your school enrollment and retention strategies. Listen and be prepared for some practical action steps for implementing these new tactics that work!Design your new enrollment playbook in only 1 hour with our free, interactive workshop — November 14th Register or learn more at: schoolsofexcellence.com/familiesReady to move faster? Directors: Join the Director’s Inner CircleOwners: Join the Owner’s HQ.It starts with a free consult. Schedule your session now.

The Playbook for enrolling new families in your school has changed.  The old rules of building a website, sending a postcard and holding an open house just don’t work like they used to. In part one of this series, Chanie will be sharing the 5 new power plays to attract, engage, and retain families. The first is: Know Your Families.Key Ideas: We know you want to know your families and think that you do, but there are new family dynamics to understand and adapt to.Traditional methods of surveys and parent-teacher conferences need an uplevel.What keeps families around for long term retention is no longer - flexible schedules, fun events and general communication.  Learn what keeps your families happy now. This is first in a series to help you develop a NEW playbook for your school enrollment and retention strategies. Listen and get ready to take notes on these new tactics that work for today’s families.Design your new enrollment playbook in only 1 hour with our live interactive workshop - November 14th  Register or learn more at:Schoolsofexcellence.com/familiesReady to move faster? Directors:  Join  the Director’s Inner CircleOwners:  Join the Owner’s HQ.It starts with a free consult.  Schedule your session now.   

How can mentor relationships stabilize and strengthen the core of your organization and have an impact on your life? In this episode Chanie talks with Todd Herman, renowned leadership coach and author of "The Alter Ego Effect," and her mentor of 9 years. He shares personal stories and strategies that have helped him successfully mentor high achievers, Olympians, and entrepreneurs, offering valuable lessons that can be applied in educational settings.Key Topics:The Power of Questions: Discover how asking the right questions can transform coaching and leadership, and learn Todd Herman’s categories of questions that can deepen understanding and communication.Mentorship vs. Coaching: Understand the distinct roles of mentors and coaches, and why it's an important to know the difference.Empathy and Adaptability: Learn how empathy and adaptability can enhance your leadership and create a supportive environment for both students and staff.Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/membership/ Todd can be found here:https://toddherman.me/Linked In toddherman1Facebook @toddherman1Instagram @Todd_HermanX todd_herman His Books: The Alter Ego, My Super MeMore about the show:If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life. Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.

Picture this–you’re walking through your school, juggling urgent emails, staff questions, and never-ending paperwork. The days blur together as you tackle one crisis after another. But what if there was a way to break free from this chaos?In this week’s episode, Chanie addresses a critical challenge faced by school leaders: being trapped in the day-to-day operations. Chanie explains how creating a “Work Smarter” calendar can revolutionize your leadership approach, allowing you to move from reactive management to proactive, strategic leadership. With practical insights into time blocking, delegation, and the importance of regular review sessions, Chanie guides early education leaders, school teachers, and administrators through the steps to regain control of their time and focus on what truly matters–leading their schools to success. Key Topics Discussed: How being stuck in daily tasks prevents school leaders from focusing on strategic growth and long-term planning. How to design a calendar that includes time for personal wellness, team development, and high-level tasks, creating boundaries to ensure work-life balance. The key to delegating effectively and empowering your team to take ownership of tasks while freeing up your time for leadership activities. The mindset shift required to treat your calendar like a muscle–consistently exercising strategic time management to build a thriving school. So, are you ready to unveil the secrets to escaping the day-to-day grind and becoming the visionary leader your school needs? Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/membership/  More about the show:If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life.  Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.

In the journey of life, we often encounter moments that challenge our resilience and redefine our understanding of joy. Join Chanie, as she courageously shares her deeply personal experience with pregnancy loss, revealing the unexpected lessons that emerged from her heartache and healing. In this week’s episode of Schools of Excellence, Chanie opens up about her emotional journey following a pregnancy loss. From the initial joy of discovering her pregnancy to the profound heartache that followed, she explores how this experience reshaped her perspective on healing, resilience, and the importance of community support. Chanie emphasizes the significance of self-care and acknowledges the full range of emotions that accompany grief, Through heartfelt reflections, she highlights the importance of embracing vulnerability and finding ways to honor losses while navigating the complexities of personal and professional life. Key Topics Discussed:The distinction between being okay and getting over a loss. The importance of celebrating progress in the healing process. Personal stories of community and mentorship provide essential support. Ways couples can reconnect and support each other through shared experiences. Strategies for integrating gratitude and relaxation into daily life. Chanie’s story serves as a powerful reminder that healing is a journey filled with ups and downs. By sharing our experiences, we can collectively navigate the complexities of grief and joy. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/membership/  More about the show:If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life.  Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.

What does it take to move from survival mode to true leadership?In this week’s episode, Chanie interviews Mel Elridge, a director at an early education lab school, who shares her powerful transformation since joining the Schools of Excellence program in 2020. Together, they explore how Mel built stronger connections within her team, shifted her mindset from chaos to growth, and implemented practical systems that foster a healthier work-life balance. Key Topics Discussed: The vitality of cultivating social connection within school staff for creating a healthy, supportive environment. How leadership development rooted in mindset shifts and strong foundational values is essential for sustainable growth. Practical time management systems, like time-blocking, allow leaders to balance professional responsibilities and personal well-being. The importance of trusting the value of your program and investing in its growth and its effects on effective advocacy for school resources. Embracing difficult conversations as an opportunity for growth strengthens school leadership and relationships. Mel’s journey offers valuable lessons for any early education leader seeking sustainable growth and a thriving school culture. We support ECE leaders like you to grow their enrollment, retain their staff, and create freedom! To learn more about how to work with us, apply here for a call!https://airtable.com/app35MKA8diZnD2WQ/shrse1exQfLyrXszSLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/membership/  More about the show:If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life.  Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.