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

Take a moment to remember why you became a school leader.If you’re anything like me and the leaders in my programs, you’re interested in leaving a legacy in your community.You want to positively impact the next generation of children and the community you serve.To leave a lasting legacy, you have to play the long game. The concept of legacy is one we’ll be exploring during this final episode of our five-part series of the Pyramid of Excellence. This week, we’re at the top of the Pyramid of Excellence: Aligned and Legacy Stages.In the Aligned Stage, you’re introducing new initiatives and levels of programming to carry your center forward, while the Legacy Stage is all about your long-term vision and creating sustainability beyond your own tenure.It’s time to go beyond the leadership development of the previous Integrated Stage and identify the people I call “lifers.” These are the “ride-or-die” individuals who will link with you to ensure the ongoing, long-term success of your center.Join me for a conversation about:Developing a succession plan for your center with those most equipped to carry the torchEvaluating and refining the long-term sustainability of your centerWhat it looks like to work in the Aligned vs. the Legacy stageManaging your stress, attitude, and capacity for discomfortThe emotional journey of stepping into a new, legacy roleLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  In the Schools of Excellence Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership program, we’re used to complicated emotions. By joining our community, you'll get tools, resources, and coaching to help you flourish, even in the face of complexity.At the Aligned and Legacy Stages of your business, you’re also learning to hand over some of the responsibilities you’ve clung to. In the Delegate to Elevate Workshop, you’ll learn how to approach delegation in a way that will allow you to truly set yourself up for a legacy role. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegateMore 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.

Many of the school leaders I meet are in the midst of growing their centers, and they all share one common challenge.Balancing expansion with the quality of education.Can you relate?Striking this balance is no small feat, and it requires complete trust in your team. More than that—it’s crucial work for the long-term development of your center. The good news is you have the Pyramid of Excellence as a guide to help you think about how to expand your center while ensuring the quality of your programming.It’s the primary focus of the next stage of the Pyramid of Excellence: Integrated.To navigate this stage, you must get strategic, clarify roles and responsibilities, and hold yourself accountable.Feeling comfortable within this stage is so important, because this is where most center leaders spend the vast majority of their career. We’ll explore the Integrated Stage in this week's podcast episode—the fourth in our five-part series about the Pyramid of Excellence. If you missed any of the previous episodes on Survival or Disordered, make sure you give them a listen first!Then, join me for a conversation about:Practical tips and insights for navigating the complex Integrated stageAligning your center’s team with the values of the companyHow to navigate this stage in a healthy, balanced wayDeveloping a strategic plan for the next stage in the PyramidLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic   At the Integrated Stage, it’s so important to find a support system. Within the Schools of Excellence Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs, you’ll have access to a community of other owners and directors who are actively working through the Pyramid of Excellence, along with tools, resources, and coaching that will help you move forward with confidence.Another important aspect of the Integrated Stage is delegation. You have a team and now it’s time to trust them! With our on-demand Delegate to Elevate Workshop, you can learn how to hand off responsibilities, free up more of your time, and enhance your quality of life. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegateMore 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.

Does any of this sound familiar?You know you need a strong team, but you don’t feel like you have the infrastructure to support itConstant questions are coming your way, pulling you in every directionWork-life balance has become a thing of the past, and your personal life is feeling the strainIf any of the above are true for you, your center might be in the Disordered Stage of the Pyramid of Excellence.This is where you need to build communication and trust… but are also dealing with a lot of overwhelm. Everyone is busy, and slowing down feels impossible.Fortunately, there’s some good news buried within that stress. For one, if you’ve recently entered the Disordered Stage, it means you’re growing. That’s something to celebrate!More importantly, there are clear steps for moving forward.In this week's podcast episode, we're continuing our deep dive into the Pyramid of Excellence by exploring the second phase of your center's journey through the pyramid: the Disordered Stage. Join me for a conversation about:How to build trust, communication, and transparency within your teamThe impact of the Disordered Stage on self-care, personal relationships, and work-life balanceWhat to do to stabilize operations in a sustainable way that allows you to avoid burnout and maintain school cultureSteps to move to the next stage in the PyramidLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  Feeling like you’ve lost any sense of harmony between your center and your home is a challenging place to be. Finding this balance is a frequent topic in the Schools of Excellence Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you'll gain ongoing access to tools, resources, coaching, and a community that will help you find the equilibrium you're looking for so you can continue building a school of excellence.You can also learn how to create more space for your personal life through our on-demand Delegate to Elevate Workshop. In this 90-minute online workshop, I'll show you how to delegate effectively so you can better respond to your team’s needs, manage your schedule, and decrease your workload. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegateMore 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.

Everyone starts somewhere.You may have just opened a new center. Or maybe you’re coming through the other end of a crisis.Either way, this major phase of transition has placed you in the first stage of the Pyramid of Excellence: Survival.Survival isn’t inherently bad. In fact, it can be connected to beautiful moments of surrender, opportunity, and hope.It’s also finite: Most centers only exist in Survival for a few months. During that time, there are a lot of questions and decisions to make.In this week's podcast episode, we’re diving deep into this busy period of a center’s life to help you better understand what it looks like and what you can do to move through it as gracefully as possible.Join me for a conversation about:What causes a center to hit Survival, even if they’ve been around for a whileThe different characteristics of a center at the Survival stageSpecific steps for getting out of Survival and moving to the next stageLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic   If you’re feeling the pressure, this is a wonderful time to join our Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs. No matter which stage your center is at, we can help you get the tools you need to thrive.Or, if you’re looking for resources you can implement quickly, consider enrolling in our on-demand Delegate to Elevate Workshop. This 90-minute workshop will help you learn what to hand off, so you can start to calm the chaos. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegateMore 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.

For years, I've been developing, cultivating, and nurturing the mindset and skills of owners and directors in early childhood education so they can build and sustain schools of excellence.But it wasn't until somewhat recently that I started to take a hard look at the processes I was using to help leaders. I wanted to distill them down into a repeatable, consistent framework that allowed leaders to better understand where they were at and what they needed to work on next. That’s how the Pyramid of Excellence was born.It’s a trademarked system that allows you to see exactly where you are on your journey so you can lay the proper foundation for building a school of excellence.In this week's podcast episode, I'm kicking off a 5-part series about the Pyramid of Excellence where I'll break down each part of the pyramid to give you deeper insight into what each stage looks like, as well as what you can do to move forward.Join me for a conversation about:The 5 stages of the Pyramid of Excellence: Survival, Disordered, Integrated, and Aligned, and LegacyWhat each stage looks like from the outside and the insideHow to gauge which stage you’re in along your journey to building a school of excellenceWhat you can do to transition from one stage in the Pyramid to the nextLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  Moving through the Pyramid of Excellence is no small feat. Every step of the way comes with unique challenges and opportunities. If you’re looking for support along the way,  join our Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you'll gain ongoing access to tools, resources, coaching, and community that will help you build and sustain a school of excellence. 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.

Let me ask you a couple of questions:When you're looking at making a big-ticket purchase to update the infrastructure of your school, how long does it take you to pull out the credit card?What about when you're looking at investing in the professional development of your leadership team?I'm willing to bet there's a pretty large discrepancy between your first answer and your second, and it's worth asking yourself why.When you look at everything through a financial lens, it's much easier to measure the ROI of a new carpet in the toddler classroom than leadership training for your education director. But here's the thing: Humans aren't cash registers.They have feelings, families, and goals—things that don't cleanly factor into mathematical calculations. And that means that "profitability" in the traditional sense isn't an adequate way of measuring ROI when it comes to your team.In this week's podcast episode, I'm exploring the shortcomings of traditional ROI in education and leadership development and how school leaders need to change their perspective for the benefit of their teams and centers.Join me for a conversation about:Why traditional ROI doesn’t work in the education fieldRethinking ROI in a way that doesn’t solely encompass financialsHow to make more aligned ROI decisionsOnce you stop using traditional measures of ROI to make every decision, you can start investing more in your team, which will not only help with retention but also the overall success of your center. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  If you're looking for long-term support, join our Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you'll gain ongoing access to tools, resources, coaching, and community that will help you build a school of excellence. One investment that can make a huge difference for your center is enrolling in our on-demand Delegate to Elevate Workshop. During the 90-minute workshop, you'll learn how to delegate effectively so you can reclaim your time, improve your quality of life, and lead a high-performing team. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegateMore 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.

For the first time in history, we have 5 different generations in the workplace: the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.And it's causing a whole lot of tension across various industries, including early childhood education.But the source of this tension isn't the fact that there are 5 generations working alongside each other. Instead, the issue stems from the way we're choosing to address this unique time in history.Whenever you bring different people together in one space, there are bound to be contrasting opinions, varying perspectives, and distinct ways of doing things.What comes to mind as the perfect example is Passover—children, parents, grandparents (and even great-grandparents!) all in one room, coming together to commemorate a story that each generation experiences differently.But do those differences prevent us from telling that story and celebrating together as a family?Of course not! Quite the opposite, in fact. It's our differences that add nuance and develop  a deeper understanding of our heritage.The same can be said within the context of the workplace.Instead of seeing generational differences as something you need to overcome, manage, or fix, you should look at them as an opportunity to create a more inclusive environment that encourages personal and professional growth.How you go about shaping that environment is what I'm exploring on this week's podcast. I'll take you through a detailed comparison of the 5 generations and discuss how you as a leader can navigate those differences within your center.Join me for a conversation about:The 5 generations in our modern workforceThe core characteristics of each generation based on their unique experiencesHow each generation compares in terms of communication styles and motivationStrategies for navigating generational differences to create an inclusive environmentLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  If you're looking for support in navigating generational differences that you can rely on long-term, join our Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you'll gain ongoing access to tools, resources, coaching, and community that will help you level up your leadership, transform your culture, and build a school of excellence. One issue that comes up frequently with regard to generational differences is delegation, as different generations tend to prefer different management styles. If this resonates with you, I encourage you to attend our on-demand Delegate to Elevate Workshop. During this 90-minute online workshop, you'll learn how to delegate effectively so you can manage a high-performing team that will help you achieve your goals. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegateMore 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.

Do you know the difference between equality and equity?It's a distinction that could be at the heart of some of the issues you're facing at your center. Equality is all about fairness. It's about treating each and every person exactly the same way. And while that may seem great in theory, in practice, it ultimately harms your center's culture and prevents you from maximizing your team's potential.Let me give you a real-life example from a school leader who I'll call Lisa.Lisa was leading a group of 30 teachers, and she was struggling with team accountability—specifically punctuality.One of the teachers that was failing to show up on time was a single mom. Without any help at home, she couldn't find a way to get her kids to school and come to work on time.Being the empathetic leader she is, Lisa could see that the issue was largely outside of the teacher's control. Plus, the teacher was otherwise very reliable and wonderful at her job.So, to solve the problem, Lisa was willing to create a flexible schedule that would allow the teacher to stay late to make up for the missed time in the morning.Except for one problem: fairness.Even though she had come up with a reasonable solution, Lisa was afraid to implement it out of fear of being unfair to the other teachers.The thing is, life isn't fair. Nor should it be!Why? Because every single person is different. And by ignoring that fact, you risk denying what makes them unique and alienating them rather than lifting them up.The solution, then, is to treat your team equitably rather than equally.Unlike equality, which views everyone through the lens of sameness, equity is about seeing people's differences and providing them with what they need to succeed.By recognizing that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, you can create a stronger and more cohesive team.And isn't that the ultimate goal?In this week's podcast episode, I'm exploring what I like to call "the fairness game," or the idea that treating people equally is the mark of good leadership. As you'll learn in the episode, this is far from the truth and can actually harm your center.Join me for a conversation about:Why treating all employees fairly, or equally, is a bad ideaThe important difference between equality and equityHow to create an equitable environment at your centerReplacing fairness-based leadership with values-based leadershipLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic    If you're looking for long-term support in creating a healthier school environment, join our Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you'll gain ongoing access to tools, resources, coaching, and community that will help you become a stronger leader for your center.In addition to creating a more equitable environment, you can learn to maximize your team's potential by attending our on-demand Delegate to Elevate Workshop. During the 90-minute online workshop, you'll learn how to delegate effectively so you can develop a high-performing team that can support you as you work toward building a school of excellence. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegateMore 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.

As a leader, you're responsible for a lot of people.But what does that responsibility really mean?Is it about taking on the problems of your team and staff? Or is it about helping them become the best professionals and individuals they can be? You see something I often see when working with owners and directors is their tendency to take responsibility for issues that don't belong to them.They see a teacher struggling to manage their classroom or come to school on time, and their first reaction is to step in.Why? Because seeing people in discomfort is uncomfortable, and we think that by taking on their pain, we're helping them in the best way possible.But the truth is that when you intervene, you're actually taking away from their human experience and eliminating the opportunity for them to learn and grow.The best thing you can do as a leader is learn to sit with the discomfort of watching others struggle, so you can support them to make their own decisions.How? That's what I'm discussing on this week's podcast episode. Join me as I sit down with author, speaker, podcast host, and leadership coach Heather Chauvin for an enlightening conversation about emotional discomfort and how changing your perspective on it can help you become a stronger leader.We'll be talking about:What Heather's learned from her journey through motherhood & cancer treatmentCompassion fatigue and how it impacts leadersWhat practices you can use to learn to sit with discomfortHow to help your team & staff learn to manage their own emotionsPractical tips to help you take action toward developing stronger leadershipLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  If you'd like to learn more about Heather and her journey, you can check out:Emotionally Uncomfortable Podcast: https://heatherchauvin.com/podcastTEDx talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/heather_chauvin_dying_to_be_a_good_mother/detailsDying to be a Good Mother book: https://heatherchauvin.com/book-orderFree resources from Heather: http://heatherchauvin.com/freegiftsYou can also attend our on-demand Delegate to Elevate Workshop to learn how to set healthier boundaries around your time. During the 90-minute online workshop, I'll show you how to delegate effectively so you can better manage your schedule, decrease your workload, and develop a high-performing team that can help you build a school of excellence. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegateMore 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.

Let me know if this sounds familiar:You're emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted on a daily basisYou feel disconnected from your work, your team, and your staffYou're doing only what needs to be done to keep your center afloatIf you identify with these statements, you're not alone.Exhaustion, disconnect, and reduced performance are the three core signs of burnout, and they're running rampant in early childhood education. But what's perhaps even more common than burnout itself is the denial about how to address it.While not a medical condition, burnout is not something you can fix with pedicures, bath bombs, or weekend getaways.Think about it—you didn't become burned out overnight. It's the result of ongoing, damaging behaviors like overworking yourself, failing to set boundaries, and prioritizing success over all else.So, how can you expect to overcome it in just a couple of weeks?The truth is that recovering from burnout takes years of intentional self-work.It's a long and difficult process that requires a strong commitment to yourself, your team, and your staff.But the end result is not only a stronger leader, but a stronger center.In this week's podcast episode, I'm exploring the topic of burnout: what it is, why it happens, and how leaders can overcome it so they can create healthier cultures in their schools.Join me for a conversation about:The primary signs of burnoutThe four pillars of burnout & burnout recoveryHow leaders in particular reach the point of burnoutStrategies to work through burnout (HINT: They don't include taking a vacation)Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  If you're looking for long-term support in burnout recovery, join our Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you'll gain ongoing access to tools, resources, coaching, and community that will help you become a stronger and more grounded leader for your center.One of the primary reasons leaders reach a state of burnout is because they try to take on too much on their own. You can work on combating this issue by attending our on-demand Delegate to Elevate Workshop. During the 90-minute workshop, you'll learn how to delegate effectively so you can reclaim your time and improve your quality of life. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegateMore 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.

I hear a lot of leaders say they'd love to provide advancement opportunities for their staff, but no one's interested in taking on more responsibility.They insist that even with the promise of higher pay, staff members turn down the offer.Why do you think that is?The mainstream answer is that not everyone wants to be promoted—some people just want to show up, do their job, and go home.While that may seem true on the surface, the reality extends far deeper.At their core, people want to level up—they just lack the confidence to accept the opportunities that come their way.Your job as a leader is to not only create opportunities for your staff to grow, but also give them the resources to be successful.In this week's podcast episode, I'm closing out our multipart series on building a culture of retention within your center by focusing on promotion and how you can help everyone on your team and staff reach their full potential.Join me for a conversation about:Why people don't "want" to be promotedThe different types of growth opportunities availableStrategies for building a culture of promotionHow to know whether someone is ready to be promotedI hope you've found this deep dive into building a culture of retention valuable. My hope is that by combining the strategies you've learned throughout the series, you start to see a difference in your center's retention and can create a team that's just as committed to building a school of excellence as you are.Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  If you're looking for more intensive support than a workshop can provide, I encourage you to join our Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you'll gain ongoing access to tools, resources, coaching, and community that will help you become a stronger leader for your staff. 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.

A while back, I was working with a school that was having trouble with one of their new teachers. She was relatively new to her role, and although she was gentle and loving to the children, she was struggling with classroom management and transitions.The owner and director of the center knew they needed to discuss the issue with the teacher, but they were afraid of initiating such a difficult conversation. In particular, they feared that if they tried to provide feedback, the teacher would leave her job.If this situation sounds familiar, I'm not surprised. It comes up again and again among the leaders I work with.One of the hardest parts of having difficult conversations is holding people accountable for their actions. We think that when we push people toward accountability, they'll leave and never come back.But holding people accountable isn't about pushing people away—it's about creating stability, safety, and continuity inside your center, which are all things that significantly contribute to retention.In this week's podcast episode, I'm continuing our multipart series on building a culture of retention within your center. This time, I'll be focusing on accountability and how you as a leader can better hold your staff—and yourself—accountable and increase retention.Join me for a conversation about:Accountability and why we fear itHow accountability is foundational to relationshipsThe difference between a culture of blame and a culture of accountabilityHow to create a culture of accountability within your centerLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  if you're looking for support that you can rely on long-term, join our Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you'll gain ongoing access to tools, resources, coaching, and community that will help you as you build a school of excellence.Get the Difficult Conversations Template here: https://discovered.thrivecart.com/difficult-conversations-template/Get the Scripts Workbook here: https://discovered.thrivecart.com/script-workbook/ 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.

One of our core needs as human beings is a sense of service which prompts us to help and support others. Put differently, we have an innate need to want to contribute in a meaningful way.Yet the pattern I see in a lot of centers is that their culture is built around obligation rather than contribution.In a culture of obligation, people see obstacles as burdens, changing demands as reasons to give up, and unclear directions as an excuse to wait to be told what to do. It's a type of environment where people are there because they feel they have to be.On the other hand, in a culture of contribution, people view obstacles as situations to step up, changing demands as chances to collaborate, and unclear directions as opportunities to become a leader. In this culture, people aren't there because they feel they have to be—they're there because they want to be. They stick around because they want to contribute to something greater than themselves.But that sort of environment isn't created out of nothing. It takes careful reflection on your part as a leader to cultivate a space where your team and staff want to show up in meaningful ways.In this week's podcast episode, I'm continuing our multipart series on building a culture of retention within your center. This time, I'll be focusing on contribution and how cultivating this type of environment can create long-term benefits for your center. Join me for a conversation about:The difference between a culture of contribution and a culture of obligationContribution and why it has a place among the 6 core human needsWhy few people have contribution as part of their retention strategy7 questions to consider when cultivating a culture of contribution in your centerThis episode requires a lot of reflection, so you may want to listen more than once or save it for a moment when you can sit down and focus. But rest assured that the effort you dedicate to self-reflection now will help you immensely as you start to make changes within your center.Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  Looking for support as you work on developing a mindset of contribution among your team and staff? Our Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs provide the perfect space to validate your struggles, learn from other leaders, and brainstorm solutions. Plus, you'll also get access to other tools, resources, and coaching that will help you on your journey to building a school of excellence.  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.

Do you remember when the only people on-call 24/7 were emergency workers?Back then, there was a much clearer divide between work and life. Once you left the "office," you could focus your attention on whatever was happening at home until you returned to work.These days, it's far less simple. We live in a world of instant gratification, where smart phones and watches and other devices ping and ding at all hours, programming us to always be on-call.This has blurred the separation between our personal and professional lives, leading to enormous amounts of stress, emotional exhaustion, and burnout within our centers.But contrary to popular rhetoric, the answer isn't to return to a complete separation.In fact, I don't think there was ever a real separation between work and home. So much of what we do professionally impacts our personal lives and vice versa.What we need is to find harmony between the two worlds.By creating space for your staff to enrich their lives through activities and experiences that exist beyond their professional lives, the more likely they are to feel fulfilled in their work and want to stick around.In this week's podcast episode, I'm continuing our multipart series on building a culture of retention within your center. This time, we're focusing on quality of life and how it impacts your staff's performance, wellbeing, and willingness to stay.Join me for a conversation about:The impact of instant gratification on our ability to create a work-life balanceWhy we need harmony rather than separation between work and homeHow to create that harmony within your centerSpecific strategies to encourage work-life harmony and integrationLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic   Quality of life is an ongoing topic of conversation within our Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs. If you're looking to get support and solutions from other leaders who are on the same journey, I encourage you to fill out an application. In addition to an incredible community, members also gain access to tools, resources, and coaching that can help them build schools of excellence. 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 feel like when you belong?It's not always easy to put into words, but when you know, you know.Think about what it's like to go to the mall. Each of its stores has a unique environment and style that appeal to different types of people—you won't find the same crowd in Abercrombie & Fitch as you would in Old Navy.The reason for that has to do with belonging.Even if you can't explain why, you feel drawn to certain stores over others because in some way, they make you feel like part of a community—one that welcomes you in without judgment.It's an experience that many leaders have had at our Summit of Excellence, including Sheila Smozynski. At last year's event, Sheila was deeply moved by the connection she felt with other owners and directors:"This room is a safe space. I feel so supported! People shared hard things at the table, and there were tears. I feel I can relate, and most importantly, I belong here! I can share my story because no one will judge me. Chanie created an energy in the room where we all just want to connect and build relationships." Feeling like you belong is a powerful experience. It has the potential to make or break the way you feel about an entire community of people.And that's exactly why it's so important that you nourish a sense of belonging among your staff.Creating a culture of community in your center not only supports the health and well-being of your staff, but it also makes them want to stay—which is what so many owners and directors need during a time when staffing is such a hot topic within the early childhood education space.In this week's podcast episode, I'm diving into the first of a multipart series on building a culture of retention within your center. To begin, I'm focusing on the role of gratitude and community in creating an environment that your staff are excited to be a part of.Join me for a conversation about:Why retention continues to be a struggle for early childhood education programsCommunity and what it means to design a culture of belongingWhy the way you were raised affects your mindset toward communityHow the gratitude matrix can make staff feel valued and appreciated Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  I love doing these deep dive series together, but in truth, there's so much more to explore than I could ever put in a podcast. If you want to go even deeper in building a culture of retention and challenge yourself as a leader, our Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs are the perfect space for you. You'll have the opportunity to grow alongside other leaders through a combination of tools, resources, and coaching that will help you build a school of excellence and leave behind a legacy. 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.

Within the early childhood education space, many owners have dreams of growing their centers but are hesitant about taking on investors. Oftentimes, their skepticism stems from the fear of their vision being compromised by a loss of control and misaligned values.And while this is a valid concern, it's also misplaced.Taking on an investor isn't like hiring a boss. It's not about handing over the power to the person with the most capital.Instead, working with an investor is like building a partnership. The goal is to find a person who understands your vision and shares your values, so they can help you build your legacy.In this week's podcast episode, I'm sitting down with my long-time collaborator and friend, Scott Wayman of Kangarootime, to chat about how to change the narrative surrounding investors and funding in the early childhood education space.Join us for a conversation about:Scott's journey in building his business as someone from a modest backgroundHis experience finding Kangarootime's first investorWhat you should look for in an investorHow to prepare your business for seeking out capital fundingThe latest exciting updates from KangarootimeLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  Capital funding and investment partnerships are just one aspect of building your legacy. Through our Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs, you can join other leaders who are working toward creating schools of excellence and gain access to tools, resources, community, and coaching that will help you achieve your goals. Speaking of partnerships, this year I'm collaborating with Kangarootime by participating as a speaker at their annual Bounce conference for childcare owners and leaders. I'll be one of many experts and business owners presenting on topics related to the industry. You can find out more about the conference and grab your ticket here: https://www.bounceconference.com/registrationMore 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.

​We all have limits to what we can tolerate… and what we can't.Once, I was working with a director who went into a tailspin if the grapes at snack time weren't sliced. Whenever she saw that a staff member had forgotten to slice them, she would react with panic and anger. While un-sliced grapes may not bother everyone to such a degree, they pushed this director to her limits.Whether it's fruit that's not cut or showing up late to meetings, everyone has different limits and triggers, and it's important to be aware of what they are—not just for your own sake but for the sake of your team and center.Your triggers can cause you to react harshly out of the blue, pushing your team and staff into a state of hypervigilance. And once they've entered that state, they're more likely to make mistakes with the important tasks you delegate. This can lead you to think they're not fit for the role when, in reality, they just might need more patience and guidance to be successful.So, how do you know when it's really time to fire someone?This week's podcast episode is the final in a three-part series exploring the Delegation Dip and how you as a leader can respond—rather than react—to this phenomenon. This week, I'm talking about how your triggers may be causing you to fire quality team members too early and what you can do about it.Join me for a conversation about:How the "hire slow, fire fast" paradigm lacks the nuance of realityUnderstanding the triggers that may cause you to overreact to performanceHow to know if you're firing too quicklyThe difference between standards and expectationsIt's tempting to want to look at firing in a black-and-white way. But the reality is far less simple. Deciding when to retain a team member (or when to let them go) requires that you lead with discernment—a skill that you'll continue to build as you grow in your leadership.Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  Discernment is just one of the skills we work on in the Schools of Excellence Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs. If you're looking to gain access to tools, resources, community, and coaching that will help you take your leadership to the next level, I encourage you to apply today.As a member, you'll also be able to take advantage of our new partnership with BetterHelp, the world's largest online counseling provider. We've partnered with BetterHelp because we value the mental health and emotional wellbeing of our leaders. So, together we're giving our members (plus their leadership teams and staff) one FREE month of counseling, as well as 15% off for all future sessions.  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 if I told you that training a new team member wasn't much different from coaching an Olympian?Bear with me for a second.When you coach your son's Little League baseball team, you're likely giving him and all his teammates one of their first introductions to the sport. That means you have to teach them every aspect of the game—from their batting technique to how to lose gracefully.That's going to be very different from the experience of a coach who's training an Olympian, someone who's already the best of the best at what they do.And yet… Olympians still need to be coached.The difference between coaching Little League and coaching Olympians (aside from the obvious age and size difference) lies in what the athletes need to be coached on.The same can be said within the context of your center. Do you see where I'm going with this? If not, keep reading.Of course, every school leader wants to hire an "Olympian"—the team member who can hold their own and exceed expectations.But hiring a top-notch employee doesn't mean that person doesn't need any training at all. In fact, falling into the trap of thinking you can leave them to their own devices is an example of neglect, and it happens all too often.This week's podcast episode is the second in a three-part series exploring the Delegation Dip and how you as a leader can respond—rather than react—to this phenomenon. This week, I'm talking about neglect, which is the sneakiest reaction to the Delegation Dip.Join me for a conversation about:What neglect is and why it happensThe signs of neglect and how it develops over timeIts effect on relationships in the workplaceHow to course correct once you've identified itTo be successful, every team member—whether closer to the Olympian or Little League end of the spectrum—needs loving guidance and support, no matter how capable they are. As a leader, it's up to you to ensure that no one gets left behind.Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic   At Schools of Excellence we're committed to supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of our leaders. That's why we've partnered with BetterHelp, the world's largest online counseling provider, to give our members (plus their leadership teams and staff) one FREE month of counseling, as well as 15% off for all future sessions. If you aren't currently a member but would like to benefit from our partnership with BetterHelp, you can fill out an application for our Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you'll not only have the chance to invest in your mental health but also gain access to tools, resources, community, and coaching that will support you on your journey to building a school of excellence.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.

Discernment is a topic I address here often, and for good reason: It's a key ingredient to many aspects of strong leadership.One of the areas in which discernment is especially important is delegation.Whether at home with your family or at school with your team, there are times to delegate and there are times to maintain ownership of tasks. Just as you wouldn't delegate the responsibility of driving your car to your 12-year-old son, you wouldn't delegate a high-level, mission-critical task to someone who's new to the school or their role.And when you do decide it's appropriate to delegate a task, it's important that you keep in mind what I call the "Delegation Dip."The Delegation Dip is a 3–6 month period where the one who's newly responsible for a task is still learning the ropes. During this time, no matter how qualified the person may be, they're likely to underperform as they learn how to meet (and exceed) expectations.It can be extremely difficult for leaders to be patient during the Delegation Dip—usually because they care so deeply about the overall outcome. And that can lead to three different negative behaviors: micromanaging, neglecting, and hiring too soon.This week's podcast episode is the first in a three-part series exploring the Delegation Dip and how you as a leader can respond—rather than react—to this phenomenon. Today, I'm discussing micromanaging, the first of the three most common negative reactions to the Delegation Dip.Join me for a conversation about:The process of deciding when to delegateThe Delegation Dip and the three most common ways leaders react to itWhat micromanaging looks likeHow you can avoid micromanaging during the Delegation DipLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  As excited as I am about this podcast series, I'm really only able to scratch the surface of the Delegation Dip and the role it may be playing in your center. If you want to dive deeper into this and other aspects of leadership, you should apply to join our Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs, where you'll gain access to tools, resources, community, and coaching that will help you build a school of excellence.In addition, as a member, you'll also have a chance to take advantage of our new partnership with BetterHelp, the world's largest online counseling provider. As part of our commitment to supporting the mental and emotional wellbeing of our leaders, we're working with BetterHelp to give our members (plus their leadership teams and staff) one FREE month of counseling, as well as 15% off for all future sessions.  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.

When you go to a restaurant, the quality of the food is critical to whether or not you like the restaurant and want to go back. But food isn't the only thing that matters, is it? There are a lot of other aspects of the experience that are just as important, if not more so. The service, atmosphere, and cost are just a few things that come to mind.Well, the same can be said about early childhood education. Just like the food at a restaurant, the children are the highest priority at your school. Their health, safety, and education are at the center of everything you do.But the parent experience is also absolutely critical to a child's success, which means that they, too, deserve careful attention.In this week's podcast episode, I'm sitting down with Ron Spreeuwenberg, the Co-Founder & CEO of HiMama, a software company that helps early childhood education centers manage their schools, engage parents, and support their staff.During the episode, Ron and I chat about why the parent experience is so important to early childhood education centers and what you and your team can be doing to make it more of a priority this year.Join us for a conversation about:The story and values behind HiMamaWhy parent communication and engagement is so criticalHow to better address the concerns of today's parentsWhat early childhood education leaders need to be thinking about for 2023Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic   At Schools of Excellence we value the mental health and emotional well being of our leaders. That's why we've partnered with BetterHelp, the world's largest online counseling provider, to give our members (plus their leadership teams and staff) one FREE month of counseling, as well as 15% off for all future sessions. If you aren't currently a member but would like to benefit from our partnership with BetterHelp, you can fill out an application for our Owner's Only HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you'll not only have the chance to invest in your mental health but also gain access to tools, resources, community, and coaching that will support you on your journey to building a school of excellence.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.

Raising tuition can be a touchy subject for owners. It's something you know you have to do—something you have the right to do—and yet you feel the need to justify it every time.This was also true for Courtney Greiner, owner of Mini Mos Child Care and Preschool.In the early years of running her school, Courtney struggled to find a balance between the desire to improve her center and the very real costs of running her business.After exhausting every other possibility, Courtney finally came to the conclusion that she had to implement a tuition increase. It was the only way to keep the school running at the high standard her community deserved and set goals for future improvements.At first, she felt beyond guilty. She knew many parents were struggling financially and didn't want to create more of a burden for them.But eventually, Courtney realized that the parents were getting so much value for the tuition they were paying. Her teachers were incredible, the curriculum was exceptional, and the children were provided with all kinds of additional opportunities for enrichment.Her center deserved to be well-funded.In the end, it turned out that Courtney's anxiety was for nothing. After she raised the tuition, she saw that the parents didn't complain about the increase at all. Just as she had recognized the quality of the education her center was providing, so did the parents.The only real obstacle that entire time was Courtney's own mindset.In this week's podcast episode, I sit down with Courtney Greiner to talk not only about money mindset, but also the many other takeaways she has gleaned during her 5-year membership in our Owner's Only HQ program.Join Courtney and I as we chat about:The state of her center before joining the membershipHow her personal relationships have changed since becoming a memberHer journey to shifting her money mindsetHow the culture of her center has evolvedWhy you should bet on yourself and consider joining the membership tooLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic   Courtney was hesitant to bet on herself at first, but once she did, she realized that an investment in herself was really an investment in her center. If you're ready to take an important step toward creating your own school of excellence, I invite you to fill out an application for our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs. 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.

You already know that feedback is an important part of growth. All of us need to be given the chance to view our work critically so we can find the areas that need improvement.This is especially true of you as a leader. To build a school of excellence, you need to be able to receive honest feedback from trusted members of your team.But feedback—as its name suggests—is focused on the past. As a result, it often focuses too much on the mistakes that were made, and this understandably causes people to get defensive or shut down.A different approach is to provide feedforward. In contrast to feedback, feedforward focuses on the future, pointing out opportunities for growth rather than mistakes.This change in perspective not only reduces feelings of judgment, but also reinforces positive interpersonal relationships that make it easier to break through barriers and progress toward excellence.In this week's podcast episode, I'm closing out our series on Decoding Your Culture by discussing how to use feedforward to drive growth among you and your team.Join me for a conversation about:The difference between feedback and feedforwardWhat feedforward looks like in conversationWhat to keep in mind when giving and receiving feedforwardHow to manage emotions when receiving feedforwardHow to discern from whom you should seek out feedforwardLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic   In addition to reaching out to us with your questions and suggestions, you can continue your education and growth by joining our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle. As a member, you'll gain access to tools, resources, community, and coaching that will help you grow in ways you never imagined. 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.

Last week, I talked about drama and the toll it can take on the culture of your center. We started to identify the different symptoms of drama to look out for, including complaining about the small things, gossip, and playing the victim.Another sign that drama has infiltrated your school culture is inconsistent actions and behaviors among your team. In other words, when someone goes from one extreme behavior to another—extremely forgiving to hyper-critical or exceptionally kind to highly rude.These inconsistencies are difficult to spot because they require you to pay attention over a long period of time.What's more, inconsistent actions and behaviors are also one of the most toxic patterns of drama, because they cause your team and staff to become hypervigilant—walking on eggshells in fear of unpredictable treatment and standards.Without exaggeration, it can destroy your school's culture from the inside out.So, how do you combat this insidious form of drama? By becoming an emotionally mature leader.In this week's podcast episode, we'll continue our Decoding Your Culture series by furthering our exploration of the different types of drama and talking about how to combat it through emotionally mature leadership. Join me for a conversation about:Inconsistent actions and behaviors and what they can look likeManipulation and the widespread damage it causesReal-life examples of these types of drama in actionWhat drama-free, emotionally mature leadership looks likeLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic   If you want to achieve the level of emotionally mature leadership described in this episode, you should join our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs. These programs are designed to provide you with the tools, resources, community, and coaching you need to grow into the type of leader you've always wanted to be.As a member, you'll also have the opportunity to attend this year's Summit of Excellence (February 28–March 2),  which centers on building legacy through values-based leadership. The topics we discuss during the event will help you deepen your understanding of how to lead your school to excellence. I hope to see you there! Learn More: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summitMore 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.

Gossip is a normal part of the human experience—I mean, who doesn't perk up their ears when they hear a juicy piece of information?We all engage in at least some of the time because it plays an important role in our ability to connect with others. But… some individuals gossip significantly more than others. (I'm sure we can all name people in our lives who jump on gossip like hungry wolves devouring their next meal.)And that craving for gossip is one of the telltale signs of drama, including within your center.Drama is something you should be paying attention to in your school. It takes up the bandwidth of owners and directors and prevents the growth of a healthy culture.Where there's drama, there's a misalignment of values. It’s only through shared values that you can build a school of excellence.So, aside from gossip, what other signs of drama should you be looking out for?In this week's podcast episode, I begin to explore that question in the second part of our Decoding Your Culture series.Join me as I talk about:Drama and its impact on you as a leaderWhy gossip is one of the single most destructive forces in human relationshipsThe compounding nature of complaining about the small things How playing the victim affects the people around youLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  If the stories from today's episode resonate with you, I encourage you to fill out an application to join our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you'll not only gain access to tools, resources, community, and coaching that can help you improve the culture of your school, but you'll also have the opportunity to attend this year's Summit of Excellence (February 28–March 2), which centers on building legacy through values-based leadership. It's a truly transformational experience you won't want to miss! Learn more: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summit 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.

When I talk about school culture, I'm not talking about Secret Santa gift exchanges, karaoke night, or the pingpong table in the breakroom.Instead, culture is about the conversation that happens around the ping pong table. It's the set of shared core values and practices that define the day-to-day interactions and decisions in your center.A healthy culture is essential to building a school of excellence, so keeping a finger on the pulse of your center's culture is something you should prioritize.But how can you evaluate the state of your current culture if it's not about the gift cards and the pizza parties? How do you actually identify whether your team and staff are united under a set of shared core values and practices?The best way to determine the health of your culture is by looking at the emotional behaviors happening in your center each and every day—and more specifically—your emotional behaviors.Where's the focus of your stress? Your frustration? Your anger?Emotions are data points that help you understand where there's tension and a mismatch of values. With that information in hand, you can evaluate the state of your culture and decide what you can do to pivot in the right direction.Because starting with you is how you create the ripple effect that will inspire change in everyone else.In this week's podcast episode, I'm diving into a new series called Decoding Your Culture. In the first episode, I'm looking at what culture is and how to evaluate what's going on in your own center.Join me for a conversation about:What school culture is (and isn't)The easiest way to evaluate your center's cultureHow to understand the emotional behaviors involved in your school culture right nowThe importance of staying connected to the people you serveLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic   Culture is going to be a huge topic at this year's Summit of Excellence (February 28–March 2), which centers on building legacy through values-based leadership. If you're interested in diving deeper into culture and how you can create a healthier environment in your center, I encourage you to join us! Learn more here: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summitWhile the event is limited to members, non-members can still attend by filling out an application to join our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs today. As a member, you'll also gain access to tools, resources, community, and coaching that will help you build a school of excellence. 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.

If you had to be brutally honest with yourself right now, where are you focusing the majority of your attention? On yourself? On your family? Or are you primarily focusing on your center?If that's you, you're definitely not alone. Many of the owners and directors I work with have been in your shoes, including Aliyah Johnson-Roberts.Back in 2020, Aliyah found herself so focused on her center that she was obliging herself to stay at school, even when she wasn't needed. Day after day, she found herself sitting at her desk well past 5pm instead of spending time at home.It was not only affecting her well-being, but also her family's.Then, in June of that year, Aliyah decided that enough was enough. She decided to join the Owner’s Only HQ with the hope that it could help her bring more balance into her life.With the support of fellow owners, Aliyah started to realize that her mindset was at the root of her struggle. She recognized that while she had always looked at her students and staff as her responsibility, that wasn't true of her family. Once she came to that realization and learned to shift her mindset, she found the balance she was looking for. It not only improved her and her family's well-being, but also created a healthier school culture and the center’s most profitable year ever.In this week's podcast episode, I invite you to examine your own mindset as I sit down with Aliyah to talk about her experience in our Schools of Excellence membership program. Join Aliyah and I for a conversation about:The status of her center before she became a memberHow she shifted the mindset that was keeping her anchored to her deskHow the community she's found among other members has enriched her lifeThe ROI her center has experienced since joining the programThe goals she has for her center moving forwardLearn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  If Aliyah's story resonates with you, I highly encourage you to apply for our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you'll not only experience the support of a like-minded community  of members just like Aliyah, but also gain access to tools, resources, and coaching that will help you on your journey to building a school of excellence.As a member, you'll also be eligible to attend our 2023 Summit of Excellence. This year's members-only event focuses on building legacy through values-based leadership and includes a variety of special activities and experiences that you won't find anywhere else. You won't want to miss it! Learn more here: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summit 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 midst of the pandemic, there were days when I wondered whether we'd ever return to attending in-person events. As helpful as Zoom was during that time, there was a silent collective agreement that virtual events could never compare to the energy and connection we experience when interacting with others face-to-face.Fortunately, we've since gone back to in-person events, and it's been a welcome respite from the years of isolation.But I've also noticed that the return to these events has impacted the way we see them. Post-pandemic, we view our time as more valuable, so we're more intentional about how and where we spend it.And that means being particular about the events we choose to take part in.The thing is, not all events are created equal. They all have different purposes and qualities that can impact your decision to attend, like cost, location, and networking opportunities.So, how do you tease apart these differences to ensure you're spending your precious time wisely?In this week's podcast episode, I dig into the different types of events and how to discern which ones to invest in based on your personal needs and goals.Join me for a conversation about:The four most common types of events What sets these events apart from one anotherWhich factors to consider when deciding which events to attendWhy our Summit of Excellence should be at the top of your list (HINT: It's one-of-a-kind!)The most important takeaway from this episode is that while there are many valuable events out there, only YOU can determine which ones are best for you, your team, and the goals you have for your center. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  You can start practicing your discernment skills by choosing whether to attend our 2023 Summit of Excellence, which focuses on how to build legacy through values-based leadership. Learn more here: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summitTo make this year's event a truly special experience, we've limited attendance to members of our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle programs. However, it's not too late for non-members to get tickets! All you have to do is fill out a membership application. By becoming a member, you'll not only get the chance to attend the event, but also take advantage of the tools, resources, community, and coaching that our programs have to offer. I hope to see you there! 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.

It's the beginning of 2023, which means the promise of a whole new year of possibilities!As a visionary, you're likely especially anxious about getting started on tackling your new goals for your center.But as a visionary, you also need to ensure you stay grounded in reality—and that means recognizing that not every new opportunity is of real value to your center.Because you want the very best for your school, you can be particularly susceptible to what's called "shiny object syndrome."Shiny object syndrome is the continual state of distraction brought on by the ongoing belief that there’s always something new worth pursuing. In early childhood education, this can look like a new software, curriculum, or even the latest teaching technique.With so many potential opportunities, it's easy to let your imagination run wild. But if you're always focused on the possibilities, you become distracted from the present and the goals you're working on right now.So, how do you know what's truly an opportunity worth pursuing and what's simply a distraction from the big picture?In this week's podcast episode, I'm digging into shiny object syndrome and how you can tease apart opportunities from distractions.Join me for a conversation about:The sneaky "shiny object syndrome" trap The different types of shiny objectsHow to avoid falling into the trapHow to undo any damage that's already been doneWays to better prepare ourselves and our teams for shiny object syndromeYour excitement about new opportunities may sometimes be a weakness, but it can also be your greatest strength. As long as you keep your sights focused on what matters, you can use your visionary power to steer your ship toward the legacy you want to build for your center.Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  Speaking of building a legacy, we'll be diving into how to build legacy through values-based leadership at our 2023 Summit of Excellence. While this year’s summit is limited to members only, it’s not too late for non-members to participate. Just fill out an application for our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs today. learn more here: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summitAs a member, you’ll not only have the chance to attend the Summit of Excellence, but you’ll also benefit from tools, resources, community, and coaching that will produce real results and help you build a school of excellence. 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.

One struggle that seems to come up again and again for school leaders is onboarding. Year after year, I see owners and directors stressing over this consistent and necessary aspect of running a school—almost as if they didn't see it coming.If you fall into the same boat, I want you to pause and consider why that might be.If onboarding is such a repetitive process, why does it continue to be so difficult for you and your team?Chances are it's because you're stuck in the automatic mode of reacting to what's happening each time you onboard a new staff member. This causes you to repeat things you don't need to, miss things that are absolutely essential, and make the same mistakes over and over.So, how can you shift out of reaction mode?In this week's podcast episode, I sit down with my friend Beth Cannon from the early childcare space to answer this question plus others about setting up functional systems in your center.Join Beth and I for a conversation about:How to shift from reacting to planning Ways to make time to create essential systems for your schoolWhy modules are better than manuals for training staffThe benefits of establishing a teacher–mentor programIf you like what you heard from Beth in today's episode, you can find links to further connect with her on our show notes page.Like onboarding, so many problems can be solved by taking the time to establish strategies and systems for your school.  In doing so, you not only reduce your stress levels, but also make space to focus on the projects that are going to drive your school toward excellence.I've never heard of a better win–win.Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic   If you're looking for more strategies to apply at your center, I encourage you to attend a free virtual event hosted by The Leader's Lounge from January 13–16, 2023. There, you'll hear from me and other leaders in the early childhood education space as we discuss topics like how to create an accountable team (led by me), how to hire and retain A-players, and how to create a culture of community. Learn more about The Leader's Lounge event here: https://leaderslounge.solutions/speakers/Connect further with Beth Cannon here: https://bethcannonspeaks.com/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.

When you're caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of running your school, planning for the future can become the last thing on your mind.But thinking about what comes next for your center is essential to setting goals that will help you build a school of excellence and a legacy you can be proud of.And oftentimes, those goals involve raising funds to make those big-picture projects a reality.If the mere mention of building an investment portfolio raises your heart rate, you're not alone. After all, most of us don't get into the early childhood education business because we have a love for finance.Fortunately, there are things you can start doing today to begin familiarizing yourself with investing and open your mind to the possibility of raising capital for your center.As part of a special bonus podcast series, I invited Scott Wayman from Kangarootime to chat with me about how to strategically plan for the future of your school.Join Scott and I for a conversation about:Why raising funds is an important and timely topic for ownersHow we can initiate the conversation around funding in early childhood educationHow to plan for the future when you're trying to cover regular expensesWhat to consider when looking to raise funds for your schoolWhile the thought of raising funds can be daunting, you are more than capable of taking on the challenge. What's more,  by investing in your center, you'll be working to ensure that the impact on your community extends years into the future.Connect further with Kangarootime here: https://kangarootime.com/Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic   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.

Whether we like it or not, the unexpected is bound to happen.Injuries on the playground, accidents in the classroom, and even instances of verbal or physical abuse by your own staff members can and will disrupt your school.As much as we wish we could avoid these types of incidents, there's only so much that's within our control. All you can do is take the proper steps to plan for them.One of the most important actions you can take is ensuring that your center is properly insured by an agency that specializes in childcare.As part of a special bonus podcast series, I sat down with Samantha Phillips and Chris Myers of Comploy—a Human Capital Management company—to talk about insurance and other aspects of running an early childcare business.Join Samantha, Chris, and I for a conversation about:Why insurance for your early childcare business is importantWhich milestones should trigger a re-evaluation of your insurance policyThe difference between simplifying and streamlining your businessHow to cope when you're in a state of overwhelmTaking steps to streamline your processes and insure your business will help you prepare for the inevitable obstacles that arise in your center. That way, you'll have space to focus on your role as a visionary leader.Connect with Comploy further here: https://www.comployhr.com/Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic   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.

One time, I had an owner ask me whether there's a universal set of values that all centers should have.My answer was no, actually, there's not.Confused? Let me explain.The truth is that while there are many common values we think we should prioritize, at the end of the day, the values we actually prioritize are the ones that drive our decision making.Here's an example: Oftentimes, I hear owners say that they value intention in their center. But when I ask whether they would be willing to forego growth for the sake of acting with more intention, the answer is no.What that tells me is that intention isn't truly a value for them.And that's okay! Every center has a set of unique values that authentically serves as the foundation for everything they do. What's important is learning to stand by your values—whatever they may be—and create policies within your center that align with them.That's the mark of a strong leader.As part of a special bonus podcast series, I invited my friend Summer Picha, creator of the  Conscious Classroom Model, to talk about the insights she's developed throughout her career in early childhood education.Join Summer and I for a conversation about:Her early experience running her Montessori schoolThe ways her leadership changed over timeHow she decided which values to put in place in her centerThe importance of learning to enjoy the leadership journeyWe can learn a lot from people who have gone through similar journeys. I hope you find some useful nuggets of wisdom in my conversation with Summer and spend some time reflecting on how you can apply them to your own experience as a leader.Connect further with Conscious Classroom here: https://www.consciousclassroommodel.com/Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic   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.

We need to address the elephant in the room. After coming out of a multi-year pandemic, we’re possibly headed into a global recession.With what seems like global threat after global threat, it can be hard not to feel like everything is all doom and gloom.Will there be a recession? How severe will it be? How long will it last? How will it affect the ECE industry? How will it affect my center? How will it affect my family?Let’s all pause and take a deep breath.As much as the current state of the world can make us want to return to how things were before, the truth is that the future is coming whether we like it or not.Before you get into a panic, I encourage you to turn to the data. Knowledge is power, and it’s the best tool we have to prepare for what’s coming—good or bad.So, what do the ECE experts say?A lot of good things!Despite the threat of a recession, industry experts are optimistic about the future and how ECE centers can turn a difficult situation into incredible opportunities.It all comes down to being prepared and using your discernment to make smart decisions. By taking the right steps and maintaining a growth mindset, you can still work toward the goals you have for your center—recession or not.In this week’s podcast episode, we’re finishing up our deep dive on the 2023 ECE forecast. This time, I’m chatting with seven more industry experts:Rachel SupallaVernon MasonLori BuxtonBeth CannonThad JoinerBrandy WoodsBrian & Carol DupreyWe talk about their predictions surrounding leadership, culture, and branding in 2023.Join us for a conversation about:The trends they’ve been seeing within ECE centers (like the rise of “quiet quitting”)Their predictions for 2023, including the potential impact of the recessionTheir recommendations for how you can pursue your center’s goals no matter what 2023 holds If there’s anything I want you to take away from this episode, it’s that you always have power over your choices. While you can’t control what’s happening in the world, you can control the decisions you make for your center. And with the right preparation, those decisions can lead to excellent outcomes.Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  There’s a lot to think about for 2023, but there’s one decision I hope will be straightforward for you: attending the 2023 Summit of Excellence! This year, the event centers on building legacy through values-based leadership, which is a great continuation of our conversation about preparing for the future. Learn more here: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summitThis year’s Summit is limited to members only, but that doesn’t mean you can’t join us! All you have to do is apply for our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you’ll not only benefit from the chance to attend the event, but also the support of like-minded leaders and invaluable resources you can use as you work toward building a school of excellence. 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.

As a leader, it’s your job to see the forest through the trees. While your staff are involved in the details of the day-to-day, you’re the one that keeps an eye on how everything fits into the bigger picture.And that means you’ve likely noticed some things:You’ve had to raise your tuition rates.Your occupancy has fallen due to staff shortages.You’ve felt pressured to increase your pay rate to try to attract quality staff.Supply costs are higher than ever.If any of this hits home for you, it’s because these trends are widespread across the ECE industry. They’re not in your head, and they’re happening everywhere.How do I know? Because industry experts have confirmed that these things are really happening based on data they’ve been collecting through years of research.Taken at face value, these trends can generate anxiety about what’s to come and what that will mean for you and your center.But I’ve got some good news. While experts have confirmed these worrying trends, they’re also pretty optimistic about 2023 and the level of opportunities that could be available to centers who are ready to take advantage of them.And I’m going to give you the inside scoop on everything you need to know.This week’s podcast episode is the first in a two-part deep dive on the 2023 ECE forecast. I talk seven industry experts about their predictions surrounding operations, financials, and marketing in 2023 and what leaders like you can do to maximize your center’s opportunities.Join us for a conversation about:The trends that experts have been seeing in ECE dataTheir predictions for 2023 (Don’t worry—it’s not all doom and gloom!)What actions you should take to prepare for and capitalize on what’s to comeI’ve always said that seeking wise counsel is the trait of a good leader, and this is a perfect example of that in action. By listening to what the experts have to say, you can get prepared and start making strategic decisions for 2023 that will benefit your center.Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  Speaking of looking ahead to 2023, we still have space for you to join us at the 2023 Summit of Excellence, which centers on building legacy through values-based leadership. While the event is limited to members only, non-members can still secure their spot by applying to join our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs. Visit: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summitBy becoming a member, you’ll not only gain access to the event, but also invaluable tools, blueprints, strategies, and support you can leverage to continue building a culture of excellence in your school. 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.

Throughout my career coaching leaders in early childhood education, I’ve worked with owners and directors at various points in their journey. So, I have firsthand knowledge of what that journey can look like and how challenging it can be. I know that right now, you may be feeling stressed, overworked, and exhausted. Maybe you’re sick of putting out fires and dealing with staff turnover. Maybe—just maybe—you’re even thinking about throwing in the towel. If that’s you, I hear you. Leadership is not for the faint of heart, and you’re not alone in your struggles. Erin Owens used to be right where you are. After almost a decade as the director of Little Lambs Daycare Ministry, Erin had reached her breaking point. She was so distraught that, on most nights, she would cry herself to sleep. What’s more, she was even starting to consider a different career entirely. But everything changed when Erin joined our Director’s Inner Circle program. The community she found through Schools of Excellence helped her better utilize the skills and tools she already had and changed the way she showed up as a leader. As a result, Erin has built a stronger community that makes her staff want to stick around, prioritized self-care and quality time with her family, and set ambitious goals for the future of her center. She now feels happy and fulfilled in her role—something that once seemed unattainable. In this week’s episode of the Schools of Excellence podcast, we’re spotlighting Erin Owens and her journey from a director at her breaking point to a calm and confident leader. Listen to my VP of Operations Michelena and Erin as they talk about: Erin’s challenges before joining Director’s Inner Circle Why the resources she tried before weren’t working How her mindset has impacted the culture of her center The joy she’s felt building a community with like-minded leaders Her biggest win since joining the program Her “earth-shaking” experience at the Summit of Excellence Her goals for the next five years (and how SOE can help her get there) Despite how you may feel at times, fulfillment and legacy are within reach. All it takes is learning to leverage the skills you already have with the support of a community that’s eager to see you succeed. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic Erin’s experience at the Summit of Excellence was nothing short of life-changing, and it could be for you too! Our next event in 2023 will center on building legacy through values-based leadership, covering topics like storytelling, role modeling, experiences, and the importance of routines and rituals. Although the 2023 Summit of Excellence is limited to members only, you can participate by applying for our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you’ll not only have the chance to attend the Summit of Excellence, but you’ll also benefit from the community, high-level coaching, and mentorship that our programs offer. Learn more about the Summit of Excellence here: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summit 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.

Having closed out a month of Jewish holiday celebrations in October, I find myself reflecting on how holidays do such a good job of highlighting the importance of routines, rituals, and experiences. Each of them serves a unique role in our daily lives. A routine is a consistent, repeated action we take that helps set expectations and provide structure. For my family during the holidays, that looks like sitting down to have breakfast as a family before my husband goes to synagogue. It keeps us connected during an overwhelming time. A ritual—while similar to a routine—is a meaningful practice that gives an action a greater sense of purpose and helps ground you in your values, such as my family gathering to light the candles on the menorah during Hanukkah. This ritual anchors us to the holiday’s values of connection and family. Experiences are a bit different. Although routines and rituals are types of experiences, what I really mean are the formative experiences that shape who you are. They’re a way for us to connect with those around us on a deeper level, in a way that no material item can replicate—which is why this past Hanukkah, my husband and I decided to give our kids experiences rather than gifts. What routines, rituals, and experiences have in common is the opportunity they give us to ground ourselves in the present moment. And when we’re present, we have the chance to zero in on our values. You can leverage this power within your center. By considering how you can anchor your routines, rituals, and experiences to the values of your school, you can nourish the connections among your team and transform the culture of your center. In this week’s episode, I’m talking about how to utilize routines, rituals, and experiences in integrating values into the culture of your school. It’s the final part in our 3-part series on values-based leadership. Join me for a conversation about: The difference between routines, rituals, and experiences Why rituals are critical for building culture and teaching values How experiences can help you nourish connections among your team How to choose rituals and create experiences that anchor you to your values As we head into the final months of the year, take the time to reflect on how you can leverage the power of routines, rituals, and experiences in weaving your company values into the fibers of your school culture. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic I’ll be going into even more depth about routines, rituals, and experiences at the 2023 Summit of Excellence, which is all about building legacy through values-based leadership. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summit Although the event is limited to members only, non-members still have time to join! If you’re interested in attending the event but aren’t yet part of our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs, fill out an application today. As a member, you’ll be able to join us at the Summit of Excellence while also benefiting from the leadership support from like-minded peers who are walking the same path. 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.

We’ve all had role models throughout our lives, whether parents, teachers, friends, or the people we look up to from afar (like astronauts or Olympic athletes). These people serve as examples of who we want to become, and so we absorb their behaviors and values in an effort to replicate their actions and accomplishments. Whether they intend to or not, our role models have the power to influence us in profound ways. They can affect our mindset, our choices, and even the people we surround ourselves with. In short, role modeling is a powerful tool for change, including in your school. In the same way that our childhood role models once influenced us, you can influence your team and your center’s culture by using your position as a leader to model the kinds of behaviors and values you want to see. And while this may already be something you’re doing, that doesn’t necessarily mean your team members are getting the hint. Being a good role model yourself is only half the battle. You also need to understand how to translate this skill to your team so they can be good role models, too. In this week’s episode, I’m diving into the topic of role modeling, the second part in our 3-part series on values-based leadership. Join me as I talk about: The 6 qualities of a good role model The responsibilities of being a leader How you can become a better role model How to translate these qualities to your team When you understand how to model company values through your day-to-day decisions and interactions and can translate that effectively to your team, you’ll be amazed at the cultural transformation that follows. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic This podcast reveals one of my most effective tips for helping your team become better role models, and I’ll be sharing even more strategies at the 2023 Summit of Excellence. This year, the event centers on building legacy through values-based leadership. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summit Although the 2023 Summit of Excellence is limited to members only, it’s not too late for non-members to participate! If you’re interested in attending the event but aren’t yet part of our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs, fill out an application today. As a member, you’ll not only gain access to the event, but also the supportive community, high-level coaching, and valuable mentorship that our programs have to offer. 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.

Many of us have those “special” family stories—you know, the ones you’ve heard a million times that have been passed down from generation to generation. For me, the one that always comes to mind is when my grandfather traveled to New York and met the Rebbe, one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century. My grandfather was born in Russia during the communist regime, and in 1979, he and his wife fled to Israel. There, he worked three jobs just so that he could save extra money and one day go to New York to meet the Rebbe, who was instrumental in helping them escape. After months of hard work, my grandfather had finally saved enough money and traveled to New York during the High Holidays that year. When it finally came time for my grandfather to meet the Rebbe, the Rebbe asked him if he had bought his wife a gift. Dejectedly, my grandfather replied that he had spent all his savings to come to New York and couldn’t possibly afford to bring anything home. Without pause, the Rebbe gave my grandfather the name of a jeweler where he could buy a gift—and when the Rebbe tells you to do something, you listen. When he returned to Israel, my grandfather gifted my grandmother a set of precious pearls he had bought from the jeweler the Rebbe had recommended. She wore those pearls proudly until her very last day, and after she died, they were passed down to my mother. When I was a kid, the tale of my grandfather’s journey to New York was just a story, like the ones I read in books. At the time, the only special meaning it held was that it was about my family. It wasn’t until I became an adult that I came to realize the value in the story and why my family chose to repeat it again and again: showing love and appreciation for the ones we care for. You see, storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to influence, teach, and inspire—not just in your family, but also your school. When you understand how to leverage the power of storytelling, you can use the stories that happen within your school as anchors to teach values so they become woven into the fabric of your center. This will create a ripple effect that extends beyond you and your team. It’s a tool that has the potential to impact both the culture of your center and your community in a profound way—one that no amount of training ever could. That’s why in this week’s episode, I’m diving into storytelling and how you can leverage it in values-based leadership. It’s the first of a 3-episode series that explores how values are taught in homes and schools and how they help you build a legacy. Join me for a conversation about: What makes storytelling such a powerful tool in shifting your culture Why values play a key role at home and school Translating values into decision-making The transition into leading from your values (HINT: It’s messy) Each one of us has stories that paint a picture of who we are, where we come from, and where we’re going. Learn to use your school’s stories to shift the culture of your center and create a lasting impact on your community. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic We’ll be diving even deeper into the power of storytelling at the 2023 Summit of Excellence, which centers on building legacy through values-based leadership. Although this year’s summit is limited to members only, it’s not too late for non-members to participate! https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summit If you’re interested in attending the event but aren’t yet part of our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs, fill out an application today. As a member, you’ll not only have the chance to attend the Summit of Excellence, but you’ll also benefit from the community, high-level coaching, and mentorship that our programs offer. 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.

When it comes to the holidays, I think we’re all a little guilty of overcommitting ourselves without checking our calendars. After all, it’s hard to stay grounded in realism when you’re enveloped in the warmth and thrill of the holiday season. Leaders, though, are especially susceptible to overcommitting. As natural visionaries and care-takers, we easily fall into the trap of thinking we can—and should—do it all. But when you try to do it all, you end up overwhelmed and exhausted, unable to actually enjoy the holidays and all the opportunities they bring for memories, experiences, and traditions. The truth is that time is finite. This means when you say yes to one thing, you’re simultaneously saying no to a handful of others, whether they be events, quality time with family, or self-care—which is especially important during the holidays. The answer to making the most of the holiday season lies in planning ahead and setting boundaries around your finite and valuable time. When you do this, you not only maintain your capacity to stay focused and attentive to the people around you, but also give yourself the space to enjoy the culture-building opportunity that the holiday season presents us. This week’s podcast episode centers on how you can set boundaries that will prevent you from overcommitting yourself during the holiday season. Join me for a conversation about: Planning ahead and prioritizing your non-negotiables Maintaining a balance between your work and personal task loads Keeping up with your self-care rituals (seriously, don’t even THINK about skipping them) Setting expectations and communicating them to the people that matter Practicing discernment during the holiday season The holidays only come around once a year. By setting better boundaries, you’ll not only get to actually enjoy what you’ve put on the calendar, but also be present for your team, staff, and family when they need your leadership most. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic Overcommitting and overworking often go hand in hand. But just as you can take steps to prevent yourself from committing to too many plans, you can take actions that will allow you to achieve your goals while still making time for yourself and your family. Through our Ideal Week for High Achieving School Leaders workshop, you’ll learn how to clarify your priorities, set boundaries, and make a practical plan, so that you can finally make your ideal week a reality. Learn more about the Ideal Week Workshop here: https://discovered.thrivecart.com/ideal-week/ Learn more about the Time Management Bundle here: https://discovered.thrivecart.com/accountability-bundle/ 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.

As a leader, you’re well aware that being in your position can feel extremely isolating. At times, it can feel like you’re stranded in the middle of the ocean on an island—alone, left to your own devices, and with no one to talk to for support and guidance. That was Sheila Smozynski’s experience as the owner of two early childhood education centers when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. COVID turned operations at Sheila’s centers upside down and inside out. Staff morale began to slip, equipment shortages threatened quality instruction in her classrooms, and she and her team were struggling to do the bare minimum just to get by. And through it all, Sheila felt like she had no one to rely on but herself. But everything changed when she stumbled across our Schools of Excellence podcast and learned about our Owner’s Only HQ membership program. After spending so much time in isolation, she finally felt like she had found her people. The community Sheila found through Owner’s Only HQ not only helped her become a better leader at her centers, but also a better mom and wife at home. What began as a personal growth experience became a new way of life as the ripple effect extended to her staff, her centers, and her family. In this week’s episode of the Schools of Excellence podcast, we’re spotlighting Sheila Smozynski and her journey from isolated leader to visionary role model. Listen to my VP of Operations Michelina and Sheila as they talk about: Sheila’s struggles before joining Owner’s Only HQ Her experience finding a community of like-minded leaders What she’s learned in the program and how it’s affected her centers’ culture The impact of the program on both her professional and personal life Her goals for her centers moving forward Why Sheila believes you should join the program without hesitation You don’t have to do it alone. No matter how isolating leadership may seem at times, there are people just like you who are ready and willing to support you. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic Finding community as a leader and achieving the dreams you have for your center don’t have to be far-off possibilities. Just like Sheila, you can transform your school with the help of a like-minded community that will have your back every step of the way. In the words of Sheila, don’t hesitate! Apply now for our Owner’s Only HQ or Director’s Inner Circle membership programs. 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.

There’s a subtle but important difference between high standards and high expectations. Contrary to how it may feel, you can maintain high standards while still having developmentally appropriate expectations for the meeting of those standards. Let me give you an example to show you what I mean. When it comes to cleanliness standards in your center, you likely expect teachers to keep their classrooms relatively organized and sanitary for the health and safety of the children. But if you walk into a classroom of 2-year-olds and are surprised to see toilet paper on the floor, you better check your expectations! Maintaining high standards that align with your center’s values is important, but what’s even more essential is having appropriate expectations about how those standards will be met. In a situation like this, you have a choice: you can either penalize the teacher for something outside of her control and risk damaging your relationship, or you can accept that making messes is young children’s M.O. and trust that she’ll clean things up when she’s able to. When you learn to lead from this perspective, you can cultivate a healthier culture within your school, keep your teachers and staff happy, and reach new levels of excellence. For this week’s podcast, I’m sharing a recording of an interview I was part of, where we talk about how to create culture and community in early childhood education centers. During the interview, we touch on a variety of topics, including: How to set appropriate expectations for staff while maintaining high standards Shifting the focus from taking care of others to taking care of yourself Identifying what grounds you so that you make better decisions for your center What it’s like to work with me and Schools of Excellence When you learn to maintain high standards that align with your center’s values while also managing your expectations, you nourish a healthy sense of community that keeps your staff happy and pushes your school toward new levels of excellence. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic Have you considered learning how to cultivate your school’s community within a community of other leaders just like you? As part of our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs, you’ll receive exclusive training, tools, and resources among a supportive group of owners and directors who are on similar journeys. 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.

There’s only so much time in the year, and most of it is already accounted for. After you add up necessary activities like eating, sleeping, and showering, you’re left with just 2,400 hours—that’s 2,400 hours that must cover everything from work projects to family time to enjoying life’s small pleasures. So, you have to ask yourself: What are you going to do with those 2,400 hours? To make the most of the limited hours you have and prioritize what matters most, you need to plan out how you’re going to spend your time—just like a budget. In the same way you budget your finances, you can learn to budget your time so that every hour you spend is intentional and surprises are few and far between. Take flu season, for example. Despite the fact that it happens each and every year, many of us are still taken by surprise and forced to dip into our margin time to make up for it. And that makes us feel as if we don’t have enough time and energy to focus on the things that actually move us forward, like legacy projects and one-on-one time with teachers. Learning to budget your time is a game changer, and it’s a topic I cover often in our membership programs, Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle. That’s why for this week’s podcast, I’ve chosen to share a recording from one of our live calls with members. During the call, I walked them through how to strategically plan for the upcoming school year. You’ll hear us talk about concepts like: Tracking how you spend your time Taking inventory of your commitments in and outside of school Choosing what to prioritize and what to delegate Mapping out the school year on your calendar My hope is that by sharing this call with you, you’ll not only pick up some valuable strategic planning tools, but also get a glimpse into what our membership programs look like in action. Through calls just like these, we provide owners and directors with exclusive training and coaching, as well as a powerful community of support, that guide them through every stage of growth and development as they build and sustain schools of excellence. If after listening to the podcast, you’re interested in getting this kind of support, I encourage you to apply to our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle programs I’m confident this episode will offer you new insights, a fresh perspective on planning, and the confidence to head into the new school year knowing that you’ve got everything under control. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic Learning how to role model these skills for your staff is no easy task, but it’s well worth the effort. Join our Owner’s Only HQ or Director’s Inner Circle programs to get support and strategies from like-minded leaders like you who are experiencing the same challenges. Their stores and insights can guide you as you work toward building a school of excellence. While strategic planning is a valuable strategy, it’s just one of many tools you can learn to implement that will elevate your capacity and skills as a leader. For additional resources related to having difficult conversations, managing to-do lists, dealing with parent-teacher conferences, and more, check out: School Leadership Toolkit https://discovered.thrivecart.com/school-leadership-tool-kit/ Ultimate Teacher Training Vault https://discovered.thrivecart.com/the-ultimate-teacher-training-vault/ 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.

This is a special live-recorded episode to celebrate our 100th episode! Being a leader is hard. It requires you to exercise new skills, make tough decisions, and have difficult conversations on a daily basis. Periods of transition can be especially difficult. Whether it’s starting a new school year, training new teachers, or implementing a new routine, some days can feel—quite literally—painful. And in these times of great discomfort, it’s not easy to remain consistent in working toward your goals. Exhaustion sets in, motivation wanes, and you find yourself questioning if all this effort is really worth it. But there’s some good news and it’s important to keep in mind. It’s all temporary. “Nothing lasts forever” may be a cliché, but it’s valuable wisdom that growth-minded leaders know to be true. They know at their core that the discomfort and pain that come with learning a new skill or making a difficult decision are temporary. That said, developing this growth mindset takes a lot of practice and guidance. On this episode, I chat with you about what I call the 3 M’s: Maintenance, Motivation, and Mindset. These three factors are not only essential to your success as a leader, but also the stability and security of your team. By mastering the 3 M’s, you’ll never have to worry about being thrown completely off course. No matter what difficulties you encounter, you’ll be able to weather the storm and lead your team to safety. Join me for a conversation about: Focusing on maintenance and a growth mindset to reach your goals Setting very specific goals Dealing with waning motivation Maintaining the right anchors and habits to stay focused and consistent Understanding your mental capacity and timing (also, finding out if your timing is off) Ensuring your “why” is big enough Join our private Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolsofexcellencelounge Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic Learning how to role model these skills for your staff is no easy task, but it’s well worth the effort. Join our Owner’s Only HQ or Director’s Inner Circle programs to get support and strategies from like-minded leaders like you who are experiencing the same challenges. Their stores and insights can guide you as you work toward building a school of excellence. 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.

Everyone experiences a variety of emotions throughout the day. Whether it’s anxiety before a dentist appointment, excitement when we find $20 in our pocket, or disappointment when our favorite coffee cup breaks, emotions come and go—and it’s entirely normal. There’s no such thing as a good or bad emotion. They’re just feelings that come and go like clouds passing in the sky. But for some people, emotions aren’t always just clouds—they’re storms that ravage the land, causing destruction in their wake. When people experience emotions more intensely and frequently than normal, to the detriment of their relationships with others, it means they struggle with what’s called emotional regulation. Emotional regulation is the ability to control your emotional state. It’s understanding that emotions impact behavior and then taking the appropriate action to alter the intensity of your emotional experience. So, when a teacher shows up late, someone who practices good emotional regulation would recognize the anger that arises and let it pass before it negatively affects the way they respond. On the other hand, someone who struggles with emotional regulation might become consumed by the anger and take their emotions out on the teacher, potentially damaging the goodwill between them. As a leader, you’ve probably seen your fair share of instances like these. And maybe you’ve felt frustrated by someone’s inability to keep their emotions in check and simply follow the protocol. The problem is, an SOP can’t change the way a person’s nervous system has been trained to react in tense situations. So, what can you do to help your staff better regulate their emotions and transform your center’s culture? In this week’s podcast episode, we’ll explore the answer to that very question. The final part of my B.R.I.D.G.E. series focuses on the skills and strategies you need to help your staff master emotional regulation. Join me for a conversation about: What emotional regulation is Why people lose control of their emotions How emotional regulation impacts performance and work culture The 5 skills for mastering emotional regulation How to identify and reduce triggers With lots of practice and proper modeling, you can show your staff how to control their own emotional state, improve the culture of your center, and create generational impact and legacy. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic Learning how to role model these skills for your staff is no easy task, but it’s well worth the effort. Join our Owner’s Only HQ or Director’s Inner Circle programs to get support and strategies from like-minded leaders like you who are experiencing the same challenges. Their stores and insights can guide you as you work toward building a school of excellence. 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 mean to be generous? Oftentimes the first thing people think of is financial generosity. They believe that to be a generous leader, they need to focus on philanthropy. But while financial generosity is a type of generosity, it’s certainly not the only one. Sharing your knowledge, time, and resources is generous too, and the things you choose to share say a lot about who you are. Unfortunately, though, our education system teaches people that the way to get ahead is to leave others behind. Instead of pooling our assets to benefit the community, we’re taught to work in stingy isolation to climb the ladder of success. This sets a precedent that leaves leaders wary of generosity before they even step into the role. They unknowingly shut down their capacity for generosity, become overly critical of themselves and others, and have a hard time forgiving mistakes. While this mindset can bring you some success, it’s not the most effective way to move forward—let alone build a legacy. To be the type of leader who sustains a school of excellence, you need to build a culture of generosity at your center. So, what exactly does that look like? Let me explain using a parenting example (because they so often lend themselves to matters of school leadership). Let’s say that you buy your child that Nintendo (That’s a thing, right?) they’ve been going on and on about. You bring it home, set it up in the living room, and leave him or her to play alone. Is that what would happen in your household? Consider this for a moment: What would happen if it didn’t stop there? What if by giving some of your time, you used it as an opportunity to connect on a deeper level and strengthen your relationship by playing together? That is generosity. And by cultivating a culture of generosity at your center, you can experience the same kind of beneficial connection between you and your staff. This week’s podcast, the fifth of my B.R.I.D.G.E. series about developing critical meta-skills as a 21st century leader, will explore how to practice generosity in your center. Join me as we talk about: The benefits of generosity How to be a more generous leader The “generous silence” and resisting the temptation to fix The difference between generosity and neglect Questions you can use to reflect on your own generosity Let me leave you with one of my favorite quotes by the late designer Zeev Aram: “I’ve never found that my own light has been dimmed by lighting someone else’s candle.” In other words, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by becoming a more generous leader. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic If you’re looking for inspiration in practicing your own generosity, I encourage you to check out our Owner's Only HQ or Director's Inner Circle programs. These groups are made up of leaders just like you who see the value in sharing their insight, advice, and feedback with others. 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.

One of the most important skills I help owners and directors develop is discernment. But…what exactly does that mean? Let me give you an example: Two different patients go to the doctor with a headache. One of the patients is suffering from a hangover, and the other has a brain aneurysm. How does the doctor properly diagnose and treat each patient? Discernment! Discernment is all about getting to the heart of the matter and understanding what lies below the surface so that you can come up with the right solution. To diagnose their patients, doctors accumulate years of practice, learn from their mistakes, and avoid black-and-white thinking. You and your staff can do the same. When a situation arises in your center—like a teacher quitting on the spot—it can be easy to flounder in the chaos that ensues. Where’s the SOP for that? But when you know how to ask the right questions, see past the surface, and consider the big picture, you can be an effective leader regardless of the scenario. Discernment is like a muscle—to make it stronger, you need to use it! And the more you practice discernment, the smoother decision-making in your center will become. This week, we’re diving into the fourth component of my B.R.I.D.G.E series on the six meta-skills you need as a 21st century leader: discernment. Join me for a conversation about: What makes a discerning leader What questions you should ask to become a more discerning leader How to grow your discernment muscle (HINT: It’s something kids do) I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: You can’t SOP your way out of everything. No matter how great your systems and processes are, you’ll still have conflict and issues. But if you focus on training your discernment muscle, you’ll be prepared to make informed and wise decisions—no matter the situation. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic As you’ll learn in the podcast episode, one important part of becoming a discerning leader is knowing when and where to seek wise counsel. By joining our Owner's Only HQ or Director's Inner Circle programs, you’ll have access to a welcoming community of peer school leaders who can share their real-world experience and advice, whenever you need. 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.

Some of my biggest coaching Aha! moments happen when I talk to my kids. Earlier this summer, my son came to my husband with a question that was bothering him. His friend hadn’t been accepted into summer camp, and he wanted to understand why. My husband answered that, unfortunately, our son’s friend didn’t have anyone to advocate for him. “What does it mean to ‘advocate’ for someone?” he asked. My husband explained that advocating for someone helps them get the things they need, usually because they’re unable to do so on their own. It can look like talking to a teacher about homework, buying supplies for a school project, or—in the case of my son’s friend—applying for summer camp. Without intending to, my husband had provided a crystal clear example of how children differ from adults when it comes to advocacy. When kids are still growing and learning, they need parents or other adults to advocate for them. Without this support, they can’t get what they need, because they don’t yet have the tools to do so on their own. But adults are different. Although they may still be growing and learning, adults are capable of accessing the skills and resources necessary to advocate for themselves and others…even if it takes some practice. That goes for your staff, too. When you’re running around giving your time and energy to solving all the problems throughout your center, it may feel like you’re doing a good thing—after all, you’ve got the answers and want to keep people happy! But the reality is that this causes two major issues: Leader burnout: Giving 100% of yourself with the expectation that it will make everyone happy and keep them at your center isn’t generosity—it’s emotional horse trading, and it’s exhausting. Hindered development: Solving others’ problems for them robs them of the opportunity for self-development, which prevents growth in your center. In this week’s episode, which is the third of my B.R.I.D.G.E. series about developing critical meta-skills as a 21st century leader, we’re talking all about individual advocacy and how it can transform your center. By practicing your own advocacy skills and modeling them for your staff, you’ll help them learn to communicate their own needs, solve problems on their own, and develop stronger relationships amongst themselves. This is a conversation about: What individual advocacy looks like Why it’s an important meta-skill The benefits of helping your staff learn to self-advocate At the end of the day, YOU are your greatest advocate. With individual advocacy skills, both you and your staff will be more self-aware, balanced, and able to handle whatever life throws at you—whether there’s an SOP in place or not. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic Take your first step in practicing self-advocacy by joining our Owner’s Only HQ or Director’s Inner Circle programs. There, you’ll connect with a community of fellow school leaders who have valuable stories, insights, advice, and feedback to offer you as you build your school of excellence. 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.

One of the hallmarks of a great leader is how you understand and respond to emotions, and, then in turn, how that understanding helps you cultivate relationships. Have you ever encountered these kinds of scenarios with your leadership team after staff meetings and retreats? Someone on your leadership team was too afraid to mention something they didn’t agree with. Some members had questions but felt too intimidated to ask them. Someone with a dissenting opinion buried it because they didn't want to “rock the boat.” If so, you’re not alone. These are common and challenging scenarios. I know because I’m coaching members in my Owner's HQ or Director's Inner Circle programs who are facing them right now. And I’m sure you’ve experienced at least one with your own leadership team. When your team reacts with feelings of fear, intimidation, and withdrawal, there’s a larger issue going on. It usually means your team doesn’t feel enough trust or connection with you and the rest of the team to say what’s really on their minds. As the school leader, improving this begins with practicing a meta-skill I call relational intelligence. Relational intelligence refers to your ability to connect with others, understand their emotions, and ultimately form relationships. Relationally intelligent people recognize body language, have the ability to be vulnerable, and are unafraid of difficult conversations. In the stressful, emotionally-charged environments within early childhood centers, relational intelligence is an incredibly important meta-skill for you to have and to model for your team. It’s the second meta-skill of the six I’m introducing in my latest podcast series on the B.R.I.D.G.E. Concept. You’ll want to make time for this week’s podcast episode if you’re looking to initiate productive conversations with your leadership team, break down silos, and encourage effective teamwork. Join me for a conversation about: The importance of reflecting on your own relational intelligence skills Creating a leadership team based on trust, connection, and vulnerability Questions to ask your team to get them to open up and be honest with you The difference between professional relationships and dysfunctional codependency You’ll get clear on how to use relational intelligence to encourage your leadership team to share information freely, experiment with new ideas, and think outside the box. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic As a school leader, you must first be in tune with yourself before your leadership team can be in tune with their own emotions, feelings, and needs. This kind of inner work is challenging, and you’ll likely have questions along the way. Right now there’s a group of like-minded school leaders grappling with this very same meta-skill. You can connect with them and find support inside our Owner's HQ or Director's Inner Circle programs. Together, you’ll work on relational intelligence as well as the other five meta-skills you need to build and sustain your school of excellence. 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.

Starting off the new school year on the right note will set up your school for excellence. As a school leader, the last thing you’d want is overloading your staff with content, hence the reason why you need to break it down into segments. And the segments are divided based on how the brain processes information. In today’s episode, I share a segment of training that took place inside our Director’s Inner Circle & Owner's HQ flagship program. I created this training to teach our members how they can lead and prepare for their first staff meeting. And as our amazing podcast listeners, we are sharing this section as a special gift to you! Tune in to learn more about: How to lead your first staff meeting. What to talk about during your first staff meeting. How to divide the time blocks during your meeting. Some of the exercises to do and the questions to ask your teams. Staff meeting headline ideas and tips for choosing them. How to tell if you and your team are getting results and growing your mindset Why you should be specific about the kind of results you are after as the school leader. Ideas for helping your staff lean on each other. And how to wrap up your staff meeting. Sign up for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner's HQ chanie.me/jointhedic 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 that impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.

Recently, I was reflecting on my parenting style and how it’s evolved over time. As much as we think we’ll parent in our own unique way once we have little ones, we often do things just like our parents. Can you relate? There was a time, as a new mother, when I used blame and shame just as my parents had to set boundaries with me and my siblings. I used their approach on my own children because I had weak boundaries at that time. This approach is effective for controlling little ones, but it doesn’t produce responsible, happy children with high self-esteem. Eventually two things happened: I became more self-aware of my boundary setting style, and I learned healthier boundaries. Eventually, I replaced blame and shame with peace and confidence to set healthy boundaries. This has made all the difference with my children, improving my relationship with each of them. It’s also helped me professionally as an executive director who was responsible for a leadership team. If you’ve been struggling with setting clear boundaries inside your center—with other leaders, teachers, or even parents, this is the podcast episode for you. It’s the second episode in my new B.R.I.D.G.E. series that’s all about helping you gain the critical meta-skills you need as a 21st-century school leader. This week’s focus is on raising awareness of boundary setting styles in order to help you develop healthy boundaries within your center. Join me for a conversation about: How and why you need to overcome rigid black-and-white thinking The different types of boundary setting styles and why yours may not be working Trading ineffective boundary setting styles for ones that are both assertive and respectful It’s your turn to stop setting boundaries from a place of anger, blame, excuses, or apologies and start practicing them from a place of calm, confidence, peace, and serenity. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic The truth is, you’ll never fully master boundaries. No one ever does, especially because boundaries can change depending on the season of your life. But here’s the good news: Schools of Excellence can help you strengthen your boundary-setting muscles. I invite you to take a closer look at our Owner's HQ or Director's Inner Circle programs, where you’ll connect with a welcoming community of peer school leaders who can share their real-world experience with setting boundaries in their early childcare center and so much more. 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.