Let's Talk: The Childcare Conversations Blog

Real conversations. Better decisions. Stronger childcare businesses.

From staffing and enrollment to finances, operations, and the decisions that keep directors up at night, we're talking

about what really happens behind the scenes in early childhood education.

Practical insights, fresh perspectives, and ideas you can actually use. Because children are not widgets.

Latest Conversations

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The $10 lease secret

Mary Hornbeck bought her second childcare center for $10 — and it taught her the negotiating question she still uses today. Real lease lessons for directors.

Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed.
Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed.
14/09/2026

How to Stay Steady When Nothing Goes as Planned

Directors don't need to eliminate the unexpected — they need to get steady again, faster, each time it hits. A preview of the three FrogStreet sessions Kate's bringing this year, on staying grounded when nothing goes as planned.

Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed.
Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed.
29/07/2026
childcare supplies personalizedbest school supply vendor for childcare

Suppliers - Think Before You Buy

childcare supply vendor, personalized school supplies, US-made childcare furniture, The Neighborhood Childcare Conversations, North Star School Supply, childcare director resources, early childhood classroom supplies, childcare budget tips

Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed.
Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed.
22/06/2026
childcare leadershipchildcare systems+3

Insights on Running a Childcare Program

Discover why effort alone isn't enough in childcare leadership. Learn from a study of 620 programs.

Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed.
Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed.
05/05/2026
decision intelligencechildcare management+4

Solving Childcare Visibility Issues with Decision Intelligence

Explore how decision intelligence improves visibility in childcare management, resolving enrollment and payroll tensions.

Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed.
Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed.
28/04/2026
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Sustainable Childcare: Funding, Advocacy & SBA Loans

Explore funding, advocacy, and SBA loans for sustainable childcare. Keep your program thriving and impactful.

Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed.
Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed.
23/04/2026

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Real conversations. Better decisions.

Stronger childcare businesses.

Because children are not widgets.