In this episode, Ms. Amber dives into the crucial topic of "Finding Your Dream Team" for preschool and childcare settings. Whether you’re a preschool owner, daycare provider, director, or parent exploring homeschooling options, this episode is packed with valuable insights on attracting and retaining amazing educators. From prioritizing your team to leveraging referrals, Ms. Amber shares practical tips from her 24 years of experience to help you build a dedicated and passionate team that will make your childcare center thrive.

Key Highlights:

[00:01 - 04:36] Prioritizing Your Team

Emphasize the importance of putting your staff first before clients.

The analogy of "Happy wife, happy life" applied to teachers and school success.

Real-life examples of team-first philosophy leading to long-term thriving childcare centers.

The impact of a unified and dedicated team on the program's overall success.

[04:37 - 07:35] Leveraging Referrals

Asking parents for referrals to find passionate educators.

Offer tuition discounts as incentives for successful referrals.

Success stories of clients turning into amazing teachers.

The value of tapping into nannies, babysitters, and other childcare professionals.

[07:36 - 12:21] Competitive Pay and Benefits

The challenge of salary caps in early childhood education.

Offer substantial vacation time as a compensation strategy.

Adapt school schedules to match local district calendars for additional paid time off.

The significance of flexible work arrangements to accommodate staff needs.

[12:22 - 13:11] Creating a Positive Work Environment

The role of social events and team-building activities in enhancing team cohesion.

The importance of staff meetings and dinners for building a strong team culture.

Treat staff as the top priority to ensure long-term success.

If you liked this episode of The ABC’s Of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“I believe the reality is, you do not have an amazing program, right? Until you have your amazing teachers.” - Ms. Amber

“Finding your dream team is realizing that your priority should be staff first, then clients.” - Ms. Amber

“So when you pay your team, you want to make sure you're paying competitively.” - Ms. Amber

In this episode, Ms. Amber dives into the benefits of fostering independence in young children. Drawing from her extensive experience in early childhood education and personal anecdotes, she shares three key advantages of encouraging independence. Listen in to discover how simple tasks can significantly boost your child's confidence, school skills, and problem-solving abilities. Get ready to learn practical tips on nurturing self-sufficient, confident, and curious children.

Key Highlights:

[00:01 - 07:11] Introduction to Independence

Ms. Amber’s observations on different parenting styles.

The contrast between overly dependent children and naturally independent ones.

The importance of raising confident and self-sufficient individuals.

[07:12 - 10:30] Ms. Amber's Personal Parenting Experience

Ms. Amber reflects on her parenting journey and the independence of her children.

The role of chores and tasks in building independence.

Personal anecdotes about her children's early responsibilities.

The impact of independence on her adult children’s success.

[10:31 - 14:25] Benefits of Independence

Benefit 1: Improving school skills through household tasks.

How chores translate to better performance in school settings.

Benefit 2: Boosting self-esteem and confidence.

Celebrating accomplishments and the role of parental encouragement.

[14:26 - 16:32] Encouraging Curiosity and Problem-Solving

Benefit 3: Developing curiosity and problem-solving skills.

Teaching children to embrace failure as a learning opportunity.

Examples of tasks that promote creativity and exploration.

Research findings on the long-term benefits of early independence.

[16:33 - 18:45] Personal Reflections and Encouragement

Ms. Amber's pride in her children’s independence.

The role of parents as cheerleaders for their kids.

The long-term benefits of fostering independence.

If you liked this episode of The ABC’s Of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“We want our kids to not be scared to fail.” - Ms. Amber

“Our job is to raise wonderful human beings that are go confidently into the world.” - Ms. Amber

“Giving our kids chores or tasks, knowing that they're not gonna be done good, they're not gonna be done great, but it makes them, our children feel good.” - Ms. Amber

“We want to raise our kids that they, too, can be their own cheerleader.” - Ms. Amber

In this episode, Ms. Amber shares essential tips on how to get your little one ready for preschool. As we gear up for the new school year, many of you are preparing to send your little ones off to preschool for the first time. This episode is about making that transition smooth and exciting for you and your child. Join me as Ms. Amber discusses fostering excitement, offering practical shopping advice, and emphasizing the importance of practice drop-offs.

Tune in for a treasure trove of insights to ensure a confident and happy start to your child's preschool journey!

Key Highlights:

[00:01 - 07:28] Building Excitement and Positivity

Importance of showing excitement and positivity about preschool.

How children's emotions mirror their parents'.

Encouraging independence and confidence in your child.

The impact of positive talk on your child's mindset about preschool.

[07:29 - 09:36] The Power of Involvement Through Shopping

Involving your child in shopping for preschool supplies.

Tips on budget-friendly shopping for preschool clothes.

Encouraging ownership by letting your child choose their backpack and lunchbox.

Building excitement through the shopping experience.

[09:37 - 10:31] Using Books to Prepare

The benefits of reading books about preschool.

How books help children understand what to expect.

Recommendations for preschool-themed books.

The role of visual aids in easing the transition.

[10:32 - 15:00] Practicing Drop-offs

The importance of practice drop-offs before preschool starts.

Suggestions for practicing with family and friends.

Gradually increasing the time spent away to build trust.

How practice can lead to a smoother transition on the first day.

If you liked this episode of The ABC’s Of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“If you are nervous, if you're scared, and if you have anxiety about sending your little one to preschool, they're going to have anxiety as well.” - Ms. Amber

“We want our children to be confident. We want them to go into a classroom feeling good, feeling excited, feeling like they forget that you even have to go because We're instilling them an independence and a confidence.” - Ms. Amber

“The quicker the drop-off, the better.” - Ms. Amber

In this episode, Ms. Amber shares her top three tips for preschool, childcare center, and home daycare owners on how to conduct successful tours and close the deal with potential families. Drawing from her 24 years of experience, she emphasizes the importance of connecting on a personal level, adding thoughtful touches, and effective follow-ups. Whether you're new to running tours or looking to improve your current approach, these practical tips will help you build genuine relationships with families and create a welcoming atmosphere that makes them excited to join your preschool community.

Key Highlights:

[00:01 - 08:26] Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere

Connect on a Personal Level. Greet parents and children warmly.

Ask open-ended questions, share stories, and find common ground to build a connection.

Make your childcare center feel like home. Ensure the environment is welcoming and friendly.

Use essential oils or scented candles to create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.

[08:27 - 13:21] Adding Personal Touches

Prepare small goodie bags with snacks, bubbles, and stickers to thank visiting families.

Present information neatly using branded folders and professional documents.

Include an intake form to gather essential family details.

Keep your office clean and organized for a positive first impression.

[13:22 - 14:47] Following Up Effectively

Send a follow-up email the next day to thank the family and keep the connection alive.

Use the follow-up email to address any additional questions they might have.

Express gratitude for considering your childcare center with a heartfelt message.

Let families know they can reach out anytime with further questions.

[14:47 - 17:37] Building Relationships

Focus on building relationships by showing genuine care and interest.

Make the tour enjoyable for the child to ensure their comfort and happiness.

Establish trust by being transparent, attentive, and responsive to the family's needs.

Show your dedication to early childhood education to make families feel confident in your center.

If you liked this episode of The ABC’s Of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“You want to connect with them right away on a personal level. You never want to come across salesy, ever. You want to create a relationship, a trust, quickly.” - Ms. Amber

“A tour is not just for the parents, it is for the child that's there too. You want to connect, you want to greet them, you want to get on their level.” - Ms. Amber

“We want to ask open-ended questions so we can get, not a lot of yes or no, but like we want to get them engaged and we want to get them talking.” - Ms. Amber

“It's all about first impressions. As soon as they walk through your doors, their judgments are all shooting off. And it's how about how you carry yourself?” - Ms. Amber

In this episode, Ms. Amber dives into the crucial topic of burnout, especially for those in leadership roles such as center owners, directors, and busy parents. She shares her journey through burnout and the steps she has taken to reclaim her health and happiness. If you’re feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, this episode is for you. Ms. Amber discusses practical strategies to identify and address burnout, take ownership of your life, and make meaningful changes. Tune in for an honest conversation and actionable advice to help you break free from burnout.

Key Highlights:

[00:01 - 09:37] Understanding Burnout

Defining burnout and its impact on leaders and parents.

Personal stories of burnout and how it manifests physically.

The importance of recognizing burnout and its root causes.

How external validation contributes to burnout.

[09:38 - 16:44] Taking Ownership and Identifying Weaknesses

The first step is acknowledging that we are the drivers of our lives.

Identifying why we overextend ourselves and the need for external validation.

Recognizing our weaknesses and tasks that don’t bring us joy.

The importance of delegating and passing tasks to others.

[16:45 - 18:13] Hiring and Delegating

The benefits of hiring help to reduce burnout.

Working on your business rather than in it.

My personal experience with taking a sabbatical and its positive effects.

How delegating tasks has improved my business and personal life.

[18:14 - 22:56] Prioritizing Self-Care and Scheduling

The importance of self-care and its impact on health.

Strategies for scheduling time for yourself and your loved ones.

The role of sleep and rest in preventing burnout.

Creating a morning routine to start the day right.

If you liked this episode of The ABC’s Of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“We have to admit that we, we are the ones that are driving our life.” - Ms. Amber

“As drivers of our life, we have to be intentional how we want our lives to look.” - Ms. Amber

“Identifying your weaknesses, the things that do not bring you joy so you can pass those off, give them to someone else that loves to do those things. Take them off your plate.” - Ms. Amber

“Work on your business, not in it. Get out of the rat race truly, because once you do, it's life-changing.” - Ms. Amber

“If your life is not the way you want it, change it up.” - Ms. Amber

In this episode, Ms. Amber reflects on the swift passage of time and the importance of prioritizing moments with our children. She shares her personal experiences and offers practical advice for young parents on making time with their kids a priority in our busy, technology-driven lives.

Key Highlights:

[00:01 - 05:42] The Fast Passage of Time

Reflecting on the fast passage of time with the kids.

Challenges of staying present in a tech-driven world.

Importance of cherishing moments with young children.

[05:43 - 09:47] Shifting Roles in Parenting

Parenting involves guiding children to independence.

Parenting role shifts as children grow older.

Time with children is fleeting and precious.

Phones and distractions hinder being present.

[09:48 - 15:27] Practical Tips 1 & 2: Prioritize Family Time

Make conscious efforts to prioritize family moments.

Speak out loud about prioritizing time with your children.

Calendar important events and activities to ensure you don't miss them.

[15:27 - 19:21] Practical Tips 3: Being Present And Creating Lasting Memories

Put down your phone and give your full attention to your children.

Designate family days with minimal phone use.

Spend individual quality time with each child.

Lead by example to show the importance of being present.

If you liked this episode of The ABC’s Of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“Our ultimate job as parents are to train up beautiful, responsible, independent human beings.” - Ms. Amber

“Time is like an ice cube.” - Ms. Amber

“You're not going to regret making time a priority because we never know what comes tomorrow. We never know what's coming around the corner. So calendar it, calendar the important things and work around that schedule.” - Ms. Amber

“The older we get, the things that are going to bother us, we're going to have guilt is all the things that we didn't do right with our kids. So if we can just be intentional, intentional with prioritizing our time with our kids, we will not regret it. And let me tell you, it goes incredibly fast.” - Ms. Amber

In this episode, Ms. Amber shares her thoughts on the power of gratitude and its impact on daily life. She encourages listeners to embrace a spirit of thankfulness, practice positive affirmations, and include children in gratitude rituals to build resilience and perspective.

Key Highlights:

[00:01 - 05:27] Gratitude and Daily Life

Starting the day with gratitude eases the hardships.

Gratitude helps combat self-doubt and negative thoughts.

Implementing a morning routine with gratitude can improve overall well-being.

Practicing gratitude helps manage overwhelming daily responsibilities.

[05:28 - 10:33] Implementing Gratitude and Journaling

Start the day with gratitude to improve your well-being.

Journaling helps put life into perspective and reduce anxiety.

Teach children gratitude to provide them with coping skills.

Reflecting on progress reminds us of our achievements and growth.

[10:34 - 14:41] The Power of Gratitude and Positive Thinking

Struggling with self-doubt and slow progress is normal.

Returning to a morning routine of gratitude helps center the mind.

Speaking positively and believing in your path can manifest change.

Seeking help and acknowledging the power of words is essential.

[14:42 - 18:12] Closing Segment

Speak about what you want to happen in your life.

Include children in gratitude practices to teach them coping skills.

Start and end the day with gratitude to gain perspective.

Make an intentional decision to change negative thought patterns.

If you liked this episode of The ABC’s Of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“We can do great things if gratitude is at our core.” - Ms. Amber

“If we constantly speak the negative, it's in the universe and I am a firm believer, what we speak is what happens.” - Ms. Amber

“Life is beautifully freaking messy. But if we can start our day with gratitude and maybe even end our day in gratitude, even in the dark. I think it could help us all.” - Ms. Amber

“If we just start our day with gratitude, first thing, if we can go into a spirit of thankfulness, gratitude, I think it eases, lessens the hard.” - Ms. Amber

In this episode, Ms. Amber shares her reflections as she transitions from hands-on parenting to supporting her nearly adult children. She discusses strategies for managing the summer with young children, emphasizing the balance between structured activities and free time. Listen as she offers practical tips for creating a memorable and manageable summer, including establishing routines, engaging in thematic activities at her preschool, and setting up creative spaces at home. Ms. Amber provides insights on making summer both fun for kids and relaxing for parents, ensuring everyone enjoys the season to the fullest.

Key Highlights:

[00:01 - 05:12] Embracing the Transition and Preparing for Summer

Reflects on a memorable Mother's Day and the bittersweet feelings as her youngest child approaches adulthood.

She shifts from active parenting to a supportive role for her young adult children.

Challenges in maintaining engaging, structured activities during the less routine summer months.

Expresses her emotional journey towards the end of her intensive parenting phase.

[05:013 - 11:31] Tips for a Fun and Manageable Summer

Establish a Routine: Suggest setting up a simple summer routine that includes daily activities to keep children engaged.

Social and Self-care: Encourages playdate swaps and leveraging family support to balance child care with personal time.

Create a Creative Space: Advocates for setting up a dedicated space at home where kids can safely engage in creative play independently.

[11:31 - 13:14] Closing Segment

The importance of summer preparation with a blend of activities, childcare solutions, and household involvement for kids.

Shares a personal message of encouragement for parents to enjoy the summer while managing expectations and stress.

If you liked this episode of The ABC’s Of Preschool, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe!

You can CONNECT with Ms. Amber:

Website: www.thelovingstartway.com

Instagram: thelovingstartway

Ms. Amber is the author of the ABC's of Preschool the founder of Loving Start Learning Centers. www.lovingstartlearningcenter.com and founder of the Loving Start Way Academy.

Thank you for tuning in!

Tweetable Quotes:

“It's really important to also have a routine. And the routine could be really simple. Maybe you just create a summer calendar and it's not back to back to back activities, but I would suggest that every day, at least one thing you have an activity one time a day.” - Ms. Amber

“It's really important when you are running like just full time with your kiddos to get a little bit of a break and a rest for you so then you can be the best version of a parent that you want to be.” - Ms. Amber

“Come up with some sort of routine. Kids love repetition. They like to know what's coming next.” - Ms. Amber