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

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.

As a school leader, you’re likely a pro at creating systems, processes, and checklists. You’ve trained your leadership team on them so things run more smoothly at your center—both inside and outside of the classroom. With these resources in place, you’re prepared for the school year and your team has what they need to handle issues that arise with students, parents, and co-teachers. Or so you think. But it’s actually more complicated than that. Yes, systems, processes, and checklists are all important and necessary, but they aren’t the be-all and end-all in your center. They don’t guarantee that things will run smoothly day in and day out. No matter how detailed your operational resources are—and I’m sure yours are very thorough, {{ subscriber.first_name }}!—there will always be confusing, ambiguous, or uncomfortable moments at your center that weren't covered in your training. What will your team do then? How will they respond? In order to handle confusion, ambiguity, and discomfort, you and your leadership team need a special set of 6 meta-skills. They’re actually SUPER skills to help you lean into uncomfortable situations and make decisions more calmly and with greater confidence. The 6 meta-skills I’m teaching over the next 6 weeks form an acronym, B.R.I.D.G.E., and they include: Boundaries Relational Intelligence Individual Advocacy Discernment Generosity Emotional Regulation In many ways, these meta-skills are more important to running a center than technical skills. And, as the school leader, you must develop and practice these skills. They’re required to build and sustain your own school of excellence. This week on the podcast, you’ll get a special introduction to the 6 meta-skills that make up the B.R.I.D.G.E. They’re the same skills I’m teaching in my members-only Owner’s HQ and Director’s Inner Circle programs. There’s so much to explore around these meta-skills that I’ve also decided to dedicate an entire podcast episode to each one. I want to help you gain the skills that I believe are absolutely essential for 21st-century school leaders like you. Join me as I introduce the B.R.I.D.G.E. concept and break down how you can: Examine and start to overcome your own all-or-nothing thinking Connect more effectively and establish trust with your team (Hint: It’s not the same thing as emotional intelligence) Overcome feelings of stress and overwhelm to reach your goals Learn to anticipate what’s coming next and make wise decisions Resist the temptation to step in and fix things at your center (This one’s the hardest!) Respond to stressful events in a rational, regulated way It’s time to put your systems, processes, and checklists down for a moment and focus on how you can be more intentional about how you show up and approach school leadership. I’ll be here every step of the way to support you on that journey. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic Communicating with parents can be challenging, but you can still find joy and celebration in your work. If you’re ready to learn more, this might be the right time to join our Owner's HQ Program or Director's Inner Circle. Inside you’ll find the support you need to do hard things and a community of like-minded school leaders to share in your wins along the way. Other Resources: School leadership is always demanding—even more so at the start of the school year. You’re challenged to give extra support to your team, your staff, and your school community. Now it’s time that you received the support you need. We’ve compiled a series of resources to help you as a school leader. Learn more about our School Leadership Tool Kit here. 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 week I'm sharing a new 3-episode podcast series, How to Prepare for the New School Year, to give you strategies for navigating the first few weeks and months of the academic year. You'll learn how to take better care of yourself, your team, and your school community. We'll explore the importance of prioritizing your daily routines to stay grounded and finding greater peace during the chaos of the new school year. We'll also take a look at the special kinds of activities that require everyone's full attention this time of year. One of the greatest joys of working with children is watching their precious faces light up as they grow and learn with their peers. But it's not always discoveries, breakthroughs, and camaraderie. Each September, as the new school year kicks off, your staff doesn't need a new checklist from you. Instead, they need you present both mentally and emotionally. And they need to see you modeling how to ride the waves of discomfort, chaos, and uncertainty that inevitably rise up. And it doesn't stop there. As a leader at the start of the school year, you must manage your own emotions and use discernment to handle each new situation—each parent question, each new hire training, each crying child. The good news, is you don't have to do it alone. Join me for a 3-part conversation about: - Practicing and cherishing the meaningful daily habits, or "anchors," in your life - Overcoming perfectionism to find greater creativity and innovation - Relaxing expectations and appreciating what's "good enough" for this time of year - Supporting staff and admin at the start of the new school year (Hint: It has nothing to do with creating another checklist!) - Re-assessing when to turn your attention back to other projects at your school This series will remind you of the importance of self-care, offer up proven leadership strategies, and help you prioritize what matters most in September. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic Communicating with parents can be challenging, but you can still find joy and celebration in your work. If you’re ready to learn more, this might be the right time to join our Owner's HQ Program or Director's Inner Circle. Inside you’ll find the support you need to do hard things and a community of like-minded school leaders to share in your wins along the way. Other Resources: School leadership is always demanding—even more so at the start of the school year. You’re challenged to give extra support to your team, your staff, and your school community. Now it’s time that you received the support you need. We’ve compiled a series of resources to help you as a school leader. Learn more about our School Leadership Tool Kit here. 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 week I'm sharing a new 3-episode podcast series, How to Prepare for the New School Year, to give you strategies for navigating the first few weeks and months of the academic year. You'll learn how to take better care of yourself, your team, and your school community. We'll explore the importance of prioritizing your daily routines to stay grounded and finding greater peace during the chaos of the new school year. We'll also take a look at the special kinds of activities that require everyone's full attention this time of year. One of the greatest joys of working with children is watching their precious faces light up as they grow and learn with their peers. But it's not always discoveries, breakthroughs, and camaraderie. Each September, as the new school year kicks off, your staff doesn't need a new checklist from you. Instead, they need you present both mentally and emotionally. And they need to see you modeling how to ride the waves of discomfort, chaos, and uncertainty that inevitably rise up. And it doesn't stop there. As a leader at the start of the school year, you must manage your own emotions and use discernment to handle each new situation—each parent question, each new hire training, each crying child. The good news, is you don't have to do it alone. Join me for a 3-part conversation about: - Practicing and cherishing the meaningful daily habits, or "anchors," in your life - Overcoming perfectionism to find greater creativity and innovation - Relaxing expectations and appreciating what's "good enough" for this time of year - Supporting staff and admin at the start of the new school year (Hint: It has nothing to do with creating another checklist!) - Re-assessing when to turn your attention back to other projects at your school This series will remind you of the importance of self-care, offer up proven leadership strategies, and help you prioritize what matters most in September. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic Communicating with parents can be challenging, but you can still find joy and celebration in your work. If you’re ready to learn more, this might be the right time to join our Owner's HQ Program or Director's Inner Circle. Inside you’ll find the support you need to do hard things and a community of like-minded school leaders to share in your wins along the way. Other Resources: School leadership is always demanding—even more so at the start of the school year. You’re challenged to give extra support to your team, your staff, and your school community. Now it’s time that you received the support you need. We’ve compiled a series of resources to help you as a school leader. Learn more about our School Leadership Tool Kit here. 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 week I'm sharing a new 3-episode podcast series, How to Prepare for the New School Year, to give you strategies for navigating the first few weeks and months of the academic year. You'll learn how to take better care of yourself, your team, and your school community. We'll explore the importance of prioritizing your daily routines to stay grounded and finding greater peace during the chaos of the new school year. We'll also take a look at the special kinds of activities that require everyone's full attention this time of year. One of the greatest joys of working with children is watching their precious faces light up as they grow and learn with their peers. But it's not always discoveries, breakthroughs, and camaraderie. Each September, as the new school year kicks off, your staff doesn't need a new checklist from you. Instead, they need you present both mentally and emotionally. And they need to see you modeling how to ride the waves of discomfort, chaos, and uncertainty that inevitably rise up. And it doesn't stop there. As a leader at the start of the school year, you must manage your own emotions and use discernment to handle each new situation—each parent question, each new hire training, each crying child. The good news, is you don't have to do it alone. Join me for a 3-part conversation about: - Practicing and cherishing the meaningful daily habits, or "anchors," in your life - Overcoming perfectionism to find greater creativity and innovation - Relaxing expectations and appreciating what's "good enough" for this time of year - Supporting staff and admin at the start of the new school year (Hint: It has nothing to do with creating another checklist!) - Re-assessing when to turn your attention back to other projects at your school This series will remind you of the importance of self-care, offer up proven leadership strategies, and help you prioritize what matters most in September. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic Communicating with parents can be challenging, but you can still find joy and celebration in your work. If you’re ready to learn more, this might be the right time to join our Owner's HQ Program or Director's Inner Circle. Inside you’ll find the support you need to do hard things and a community of like-minded school leaders to share in your wins along the way. Other Resources: School leadership is always demanding—even more so at the start of the school year. You’re challenged to give extra support to your team, your staff, and your school community. Now it’s time that you received the support you need. We’ve compiled a series of resources to help you as a school leader. Learn more about our School Leadership Tool Kit here. 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 week on the podcast, I talk with Dr. Sherry Walling about how to find wholeness after loss and the ways you can support your team to overcome grief. You’ll learn how to offer connection and provide a glimmer of hope in the midst of sadness. With Rosh Hashanah right around the corner, I’ve been thinking about some of my family’s cherished High Holiday rituals. We light candles while reciting meaningful prayers. We savor challah bread dipped in honey. We try out new activities. These treasured rituals bring us together to celebrate the New Year and create a special sense of connection among my family. Rituals have the power to ground us during holiday celebrations. But rituals aren’t just for celebration. They can also serve us when we’re experiencing grief and loss. Rituals are a powerful tool that can bring you peace and help you navigate a loss—either a personal one or a collective loss experienced by your school community. Whether it’s the death of a colleague or saying goodbye to a favorite family who’s leaving your school, you can create a special ritual to honor them and acknowledge that they will no longer be present at your center. It’s so important to acknowledge any loss because avoiding it will only cause more shame and suffering for everyone. As the school leader, you play a key role in helping your staff navigate the inevitable ups and downs of your center. And I want to support you in that journey. We’ll also take a look at the importance of understanding your own capacity to listen. You’ll learn when and how to defer a conversation to another time when you can be completely present and listen fully. Join us for a conversation about: Understanding why avoiding the loss is worse than confronting it Recognizing the importance of rituals and traditions in overcoming grief Redefining what it means to be present when you’re grappling with a loss Knowing when and how to share access to mental health resources If you need ideas for creating a safe space that will invite your school community to share their stories of loss, you won’t want to miss this episode. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic School leaders like you will always be challenged to model healthy behaviors for your staff. It’s not easy, but it's possible—especially when you have a community of like-minded leaders and directors to lean on. If you’re ready to connect with a community of your peers who know what it’s like to lead early childcare centers, this might be the right time to join our Owner's HQ or Director's Inner Circle programs. Inside you’ll find the support and guidance you need to grow as a school leader. Resources and links mentioned in this episode: Connect further with Dr. Sherry Walling at: Website: www.touchingtwoworlds.com Instagram and Twitter: @sherrywalling 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.

Are you prioritizing your mental wellbeing? If you’re anything like the many directors and owners I’ve worked with, your answer probably depends entirely on the season. Student enrollment? Staff hiring? “Forget about it, Chanie.” I know—I understand how it goes. When we’re caught up in a constant state of hypervigilance, we find it diffucult to slow down, rest, and take in life’s little pleasures. For me, I experience this struggle more than ever when I’m out in nature with my family. Instead of taking in the sights, breathing the fresh air, and appreciating the small moment of peace, I’m worrying about which of my kids needs to eat and whether I packed the sunscreen. But as I’m sure you realize, it’s when you’re busiest that you need to focus the most on your mental wellbeing. This week’s podcast dives into the topic of learning how to prioritize your mental wellbeing. In this special bonus episode, I sit down with members of our Director's Inner Circle & Owner's HQ to find out where they’re struggling and offer strategies for bringing more mindfulness into their lives. We talk about: The connection between fear and control How trauma affects your present reactions Avenues for regaining composure under high anxiety and stress …and more! When you learn to prioritize your own mental wellbeing, the benefits don’t stop with you. By changing the way you operate during stressful seasons, you transform the way you show up for your staff and your school. This creates a positive ripple effect throughout your school culture, impacting not only the commitment, accountability, and loyalty of your teachers and staff, but also the quality of your partnerships with parents. Resources and links mentioned in this episode: Creating a school of excellence starts with you. To support you on this journey, we’ve compiled a series of resources aimed at helping you be the most effective leader you can be. Learn more about our School Leadership Tool Kit here: https://discovered.thrivecart.com/school-leadership-tool-kit/ The Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ is the #1 community & training program specifically designed for early childhood school leaders and owners who are committed to building schools of excellence. You get 24/7 access to exclusive templates & training to help you motivate your staff and build a collaborative culture that positively impacts the lives of children. Plus the support & accountability you need to create massive momentum. 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.

Has a difficult conversation with someone at your school ever left you feeling guilty? Me too. I can recall times when the guilt was so intense that I just couldn’t shake it. As a school leader, you can’t avoid difficult conversations. Whether it’s with teachers who aren’t getting along, admin staff falling short of their performance goals, or something else, avoiding the problem is worse than confronting it. When those conversations get uncomfortable or don’t go well, it’s so easy to take it personally and feel isolated—as if you’re the only school leader out there who can’t hold your staff accountable and handle difficult situations. That’s when guilt creeps in, with shame and self-criticism following right behind. These feelings will only drain you emotionally, lead to burnout, and stifle your ability to navigate through the kinds of challenges you’re bound to face. That’s not what I want for you. You deserve support to let go of those feelings. It will take time, but it's possible—especially when you have a community to lean on. With the power of community, you will be supported by a powerful grounding force. An aligned community can relate to your challenges, elevate your mindset, and show you grace when you fail. With the right community, you can trade isolation for belonging and anxiety for peace. You’ll be able to handle the challenges and tolerate the discomfort that inevitably comes with school leadership. You’ll become a more resilient and empathetic leader, too. This week I’m opening up a conversation about how to overcome the challenges of leading a team with three incredible school directors and owners—all of whom are members of our Owner's HQ or Director's Inner Circle programs. In the third and final episode of my podcast series, You Are Not the Only One, we’ll explore how being part of a like-minded community can help you show up differently as a leader and transform the culture of your center. This is a conversation about: Navigating tough situations with the staff at your school Overcoming perfectionism and the urge to people-please Trading self-reliance for a genuine community of belonging Surrounding yourself with people who can remind you of your greatness This episode is for you if you need help with difficult conversations at your center and are looking for ideas for approaching them more boldly, honestly, and confidently. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic Communicating with parents can be challenging, but you can still find joy and celebration in your work. If you’re ready to learn more, this might be the right time to join our Owner's HQ Program or Director's Inner Circle. Inside you’ll find the support you need to do hard things and a community of like-minded school leaders to share in your wins along the way. 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 mom of four, it often feels like I’m supposed to have all the answers. Whether it’s a homework problem, an argument with a friend, or making the monster under the bed go away, my kids trust that I’ll know exactly what to do. When people look to you as a leader, it’s easy to put pressure on yourself to get it right every time. You may even fear that getting it wrong could have disastrous consequences. But in reality, decision-making is a skill that you build over time. And that means two things: The first is that you’re going to make mistakes. Trust me, I know—I make them all the time! But the second is that, like any skill, there are things you can do to become a better decision maker and show up for your team in a more impactful way. In this week’s bonus podcast episode, I explore different ways you can learn to make better decisions, so you can continue building a school of excellence. We’ll talk about: How the way you frame problems affects your decisions Why you shouldn’t rush into decisions The power of reflecting on your choices The benefit of seeking wise counsel Becoming a better decision maker isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about learning the strategies that will lead you to make more informed decisions. Resources and links mentioned in this episode: Decision-making and other types of mindset development are something that everyone on your team can benefit from. Help teachers think about their work in a new way with our Reflective Questions for Teachers: https://discovered.thrivecart.com/reflective-questions-for-teachers/ The Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ is the #1 community & training program specifically designed for early childhood school leaders and owners who are committed to building schools of excellence. You get 24/7 access to exclusive templates & training to help you motivate your staff and build a collaborative culture that positively impacts the lives of children. Plus the support & accountability you need to create massive momentum. 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.

How do you respond to difficult situations with parents? I know many resourceful school leaders just like you who Google solutions. But this approach is limited by what you can find on your own, and there’s always some trial-and-error involved with going it alone. When I need new ideas and solutions, I prefer to lean into the power of community. Instead of going it alone, I ask, “Who can help me?” It’s not always easy to ask for help, but it’s worth it. Seeking community opens me up to broader support to navigate difficult situations. Plus, I gain insight from wider perspectives—including people who have gone before me. I want you to have community support too. You need it to build a school of excellence. And in this current “cancel culture” society, community is more important than ever. This week I’m opening up a conversation with two school leaders about creating a safe space to talk about anything with parents. In the second episode of my new podcast series, You Are Not the Only One, we’ll explore how you can speak up to guide parents, share your center’s values, and communicate the unique vision you have for your school. This is a conversation about: Overcoming self-criticism and the urge to self-censor Navigating tough situations with parents Leaning on a community of like-minded school leaders If you’re looking for support to navigate tough conversations and uphold your school’s values, you won’t want to miss this episode. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic Communicating with parents can be challenging, but you can still find joy and celebration in your work. If you’re ready to learn more, this might be the right time to join our Owner's HQ Program or Director's Inner Circle. Inside you’ll find the support you need to do hard things and a community of like-minded school leaders to share in your wins along the way. 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 are few things more heartwarming than seeing a child beam with confidence after overcoming a challenge. You can see the shift happen almost instantly—their eyes light up, they smile widely, and they stand just a little bit taller. It’s as if they believe that from that moment forward, they can do anything they set their mind to. Whether a child in the classroom or a staff member on your team, the key to building a person’s confidence is showing them that they’re capable of doing hard things. In this week’s bonus podcast episode, I provide several tips to help you start creating and nurturing a confident team. We’ll talk about: My go-to strategy for encouraging independent decision-making Why you should start talking less (counterintuitive, I know!) The role of gratitude The best confidence shortcuts (HINT: There aren’t any!) It’s time to start nurturing your staff’s confidence, so you can build a team that wants to stick around for the long-term. Resources and links mentioned in this episode: P.S. I dive even further into nurturing confidence in my 90-minute, on-demand Confidence & Resiliency training, which shows school leaders how to support their staff and build cultures of excellence. You can learn more here: https://discovered.thrivecart.com/confidence-resiliency-training/ The Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ is the #1 community & training program specifically designed for early childhood school leaders and owners who are committed to building schools of excellence. You get 24/7 access to exclusive templates & training to help you motivate your staff and build a collaborative culture that positively impacts the lives of children. Plus the support & accountability you need to create massive momentum. 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.

As a leader, you need to learn how to separate yourself from your team. Because if you try to stay at the same level as your teachers or the other staff, your business will implode. In this special three-part series titled You Are Not the Only One, we open the closed doors to real stories of real people so we can start to normalize the struggle, the joy, the grief, and the milestones of what it takes to build a school of excellence. I hope that through this series, you'll be able to release some of the shame and guilt that you have associated with leadership. I hope that you can laugh and connect, and find relevance in some of the similar challenges. Links mentioned: The Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ is the #1 community & training program specifically designed for early childhood school leaders and owners who are committed to building schools of excellence. You get 24/7 access to exclusive templates & training to help you motivate your staff and build a collaborative culture that positively impacts the lives of children. Plus the support & accountability you need to create massive momentum. Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic It’s lonely at the top. PERIOD. But thankfully, you no longer have to go it alone. We’ve compiled a series of resources to shorten the learning curve and support you on your leadership journey. Learn more about our School Leadership Tool Kit here. 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 was the last time you felt truly seen? I’m talking about the type of connection where you feel heard, validated, and unafraid of being judged—where you feel safe enough to be fully vulnerable. For me, it was when I met up with my friend from high school during a conference in Dallas. We rented an Airbnb, ordered takeout, and hung out just like the old days. We spent 18 hours in that Airbnb, but only 5 of them were spent sleeping. For the other 13, we connected on a level that had me opening up about things I hadn’t talked about in more than a decade. Why? Because I trusted that not only could I be honest with her, but she would also be honest with me. Having relationships that are mutually vulnerable is essential to developing self-awareness, which is a core component of building schools of excellence. In this week’s bonus podcast episode, I offer a series of tactical tips for building self-awareness for yourself and your staff. These are the same strategies I use with members inside my Director's Inner Circle & Owner's HQ, where school leaders learn how to support their staff and build cultures of excellence. In addition to the impact of genuine friendships, this episode covers: The importance of knowing your priorities Why you should get comfortable with receiving feedback Self-awareness as a skill (that takes lots and lots of practice!) When you increase your capacity for looking inward, you create a ripple effect of change outward. And that is the mark of an effective school leader. Resources and links mentioned in this episode: While self-awareness is an important aspect of school leadership, it’s not the only one! Check out our Time Management and Accountability Bundle to improve your time management skills and learn how to hold staff and parents accountable. 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.

Today’s episode will help enlighten you on planning the school year with discernment and wise decision-making filters. Because if we don't filter, everything becomes important, we then lack focus, and it's difficult to plan and be prepared. This invites chaos, uncertainty, and a lot of ambiguity into the day or year and doesn't allow us to follow through and be accountable. Understanding your business objectives, setting clear financial goals, investigating the impulse of projects and stress testing the calendar for this upcoming school year will certainly put you in good form throughout the school year. Tune in to learn more about: Understanding the business objectives Setting clear financial goals Auditing your expenses Defining and scoping projects Stress testing the calendar …and so much more! Resources and links mentioned in this episode: Join the conversation in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolsofexcellencelounge To download the worksheet, and PDF to guide you through the whole process of planning the new school year with wise decision-making filters HERE. The Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ is the #1 community & training program specifically designed for early childhood school leaders and owners who are committed to building schools of excellence. You get 24/7 access to exclusive templates & training to help you motivate your staff and build a collaborative culture that positively impacts the lives of children. Plus the support & accountability you need to create massive momentum. 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.

This episode is from a live training where I share with you an interesting topic of the paradox of self-reliance and community. Full schedules are not full lives. As leaders, we have to recognize that no one is coming to check on us or manage our workload. When we are stuck in our stories, our minds are trying to protect us and the ego wants to make our story unique to us; nobody has this level of difficulty. We need to lean on a community and realize that we are not alone, but we also need to know how to rely on ourselves. Schools that stand the test of time are those that can evolve and reinvent themselves, and self-reliance and community are integral pieces to the long-term sustainability of your school. Tune in to learn more about: Thinking independently and embracing your individuality Why self-reliance and community are integral pieces to the sustainability of your school How to create a community of self-reliance with your team Coaching the concept of self-reliance and building community Difference between being needy and asking for support …and so much more! Resources and links mentioned in this episode: Join the conversation in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolsofexcellencelounge I invite all of you interested in leaning into the community to our owner's group, our legacy mastermind for our highest tier of owners: http://chanie.me/jointhedic The Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ is the #1 community & training program specifically designed for early childhood school leaders and owners who are committed to building schools of excellence. You get 24/7 access to exclusive templates & training to help you motivate your staff and build a collaborative culture that positively impacts the lives of children. Plus the support & accountability you need to create massive momentum. 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.

In today's episode, I share a compelling practice of self-love and self-recognition; writing a letter of gratitude to yourself. Writing this letter to yourself is a radical opportunity to pause and appreciate who you are and where you've been while providing inspiration for your next stage of growth. Gratitude is a huge part of the School of Excellence Framework and as a director or owner, it is important that you realize that it is very different from gratitude for others. When we show ourselves gratitude, we give ourselves permission to reflect on and accept everything that we've been through. In a nutshell, I talk about: Why it is important to show gratitude to yourself, for things that you have done or have to do Leaning into your emotions, fully expressing them to get space for other beautiful emotions The 6 incredible steps on how to write a gratitude letter to your former self …and so much more! Resources and links mentioned in this episode: Access the free resource to write your letter of gratitude and appreciation here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IjWtyucqwAyXRGYHy8bLwnsPn9wBoGEv/view?usp=sharing Join the conversation in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/schoolsofexcellencelounge The Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ is the #1 community & training program specifically designed for early childhood school leaders and owners who are committed to building schools of excellence. You get 24/7 access to exclusive templates & training to help you motivate your staff and build a collaborative culture that positively impacts the lives of children. Plus the support & accountability you need to create massive momentum. 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.

In this episode, we dive into how you can help your staff to start thinking of the big picture by understanding the bigger context. Seeing the big picture, getting into the details, seeing the details, and connecting it all back to the bigger picture can be a beautiful dance. Helping teachers to start thinking about the big picture is essential because that is how you create a consistent alignment that is connected with your company’s mission and culture. Tune in to learn more about: Intentional time blocking within staff meetings for the big picture Unshackling yourself from assumptions and biases, and inviting new ideas Strategies to get teachers to start thinking in alignment with the big picture (especially if they're nervous to share their ideas) Why our teams need to start thinking about the big picture and linking it with their daily habits …and so much more! Resources and links mentioned in this episode: Access the free resource to help your staff think big picture here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SHOM_54mOs0_3MIIrnrrUOn080HAgsId/view Want your staff to be more confident? Grab the Confidence and Resiliency Training here: https://discovered.thrivecart.com/confidence-resiliency-training/ Ever wish you knew EXACTLY what to say to a Teacher, Parent, or Admin Team in a Hard Moment? You can now with the Scripts Workbook here: https://discovered.thrivecart.com/script-workbook/ The Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ is the #1 community & training program specifically designed for early childhood school leaders and owners who are committed to building schools of excellence. You get 24/7 access to exclusive templates & training to help you motivate your staff and build a collaborative culture that positively impacts the lives of children. Plus the support & accountability you need to create massive momentum. 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.

May is an incredible time for reflection regardless of whether you run a 10-month or a 12-month academic school year. End-of-year reflections serve two important purposes - a gauge for determining how we can continuously improve on our processes and a reminder of the kind of mistakes we've made so that we can avoid making them in the subsequent years. The only way to have awareness of how far you've come is by being reflective of what you've done in the past academic year. In today's, from the archive, episode, I will take you through how to run an end-of-the-year staff meeting. I share with you some of the critical questions you should ask your staff, and how to use their feedback as a resource for future improvement. If you've been wanting to know how schools of excellence conduct their end-year staff meetings and why these meetings are usually very productive, this episode is for you! Remember, part of being an educator and building a school of excellence is wanting to consistently get better. And understanding how to wrap up the year really well is important in ensuring that your September is set up for success. In a nutshell, I speak about: The 3 reasons why an end-year review is so critical for your staff. The top 5 questions you need to ask at your end-year staff meetings. How to deduce meaningful information from the responses your staff give to the questions you ask. Strategies for helping your teachers own their development, become more accountable and believe that they have what it takes to teach in a school of excellence. ...and so much more! Resources and links mentioned in this episode: Access the End of Year Reflective Questions Workbook for $9 HERE Access the School of Excellence Time Management Bundle for $47 HERE 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 a beautiful quality of life.

This is part 2 of this exclusive inside look at a members-only call on Priorities Reset: Reflect, Restore and Recast. In today's episode, we're digging into the third phase of the priorities reset call, where we recast our commitments into a real calendar and decide what we want to invite back and what we can eliminate. We share insights into the habits that we need to stop doing, besides checking emails, but to stop the thoughts in our minds that are not serving us, that are being toxic for our life, our relationships, and the goals that we want to hit in our life. What do you want to invite back into your life and what will you no longer be doing? What do you want your new priorities to be? What habit do you want to stop doing and what will be the reminders to stop this habit? In a nutshell, we talk about: What you are no longer doing for the next 90 days. An insight on the physical things you need to stop doing and thinking about Choosing what makes sense for you and what makes sense as your next step. The transforming leadership drill of accountability Stress testing your commitments Opening a brand new Google Calendar and then start recasting your school commitments …and so much more! Resources and links mentioned in this episode: The Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ is the #1 community & training program specifically designed for early childhood school leaders and owners who are committed to building schools of excellence. You get 24/7 access to exclusive templates & training to help you motivate your staff and build a collaborative culture that positively impacts the lives of children. Plus the support & accountability you need to create massive momentum. 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.

This episode is an inside look at a members-only call on Priorities Reset. This session is divided into three core parts; reflect, restore and recast. In part 1, we are going to reflect on our last 90 days and then restore ourselves to what our current priorities are. Part 2 will look at the commitments we'll recast in our next 90 days. 20% of your time (and your budget), is your margin. And margins aren't created by default - you have to be honest, give yourself grace and create one. As a school director, it's all about setting the right practices. What story is your calendar telling you? You need to reflect on your commitments, restore yourself in their alignment, and recast into a life that you want for yourself. In a nutshell, we talk about: How you can filter where your time should go Current commitments that you can completely let go off Becoming aware of invisible labor by taking an inventory of your commitment …and so much more! Resources and links mentioned in this episode: The Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ is the #1 community & training program specifically designed for early childhood school leaders and owners who are committed to building schools of excellence. You get 24/7 access to exclusive templates & training to help you motivate your staff and build a collaborative culture that positively impacts the lives of children. Plus the support & accountability you need to create massive momentum. 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.

Welcome to the final part, part 4, of the Build to Last workshop series. From improving our mindsets and inviting calm to learning about theme days, time blocking, and calendar creation to our previous episode: building a culture of excellence, it has been a transformational experience. In today's episode, I share tips on inner team conflicts and understanding how to navigate these conflicts. As directors and owners, we spend an average of 4 hours a day fielding interruptions and navigating conflicts with teachers. How do we understand, show up and navigate conflict while discerning that different types of conflict require different solutions without getting overwhelmed? In a nutshell, we talk about: Types of interchain conflict and understanding how to navigate them How to hold your staff accountable without being overwhelmed Avoiding hints and encouraging the use of direct, clear, and kind approaches to conflict resolution The 6 key performance assessments How to show up in difficult conversations Important strategies for navigating conflicts with confidence and grace More about our flagship programs the Director’s Inner Circle & Owners Only HQ …and so much more! Resources and links mentioned in this episode: Download the workbook here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mzS7qxZksrvGkDlAI7ji58nPwakPEZlk/view?usp=sharing To get 40 other scripts in our scripts workbook: http://chanie.me/scripts The Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ is the #1 community & training program specifically designed for early childhood school leaders and owners who are committed to building schools of excellence. You get 24/7 access to exclusive templates & training to help you motivate your staff and build a collaborative culture that positively impacts the lives of children. Plus the support & accountability you need to create massive momentum. 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.