Free Daily Podcast Summary
Schools of Excellence: The No. 1 ECE & Private School Leadership Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Chanie Wilschanski
If you are an Early Childhood director or childcare 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 kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies - equipping school leaders to improve staff retention, increase teacher motivation, grow parent partnerships, create a collaborative culture, and enjoy a beautiful quality of life. Every week, Chanie shares the truth about childcare and early childhood school leadership for those striving towards excellence. If you are an early childhood or childcare school leader looking for strategies to grow your school, that are working TODAY, The Schools of Excellence Podcast is for you. In addition to weekly solo episodes, she'll also be inviting childcare and early childhood industry leaders to discuss the most pressing issues facing school leaders today.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 days ago29 min
305. Your Calendar Is Your Biggest Profit Problem
You already know your enrollment is down. You already know payroll is eating you alive. You already know two of your best teachers just gave notice. But have you actually looked at your calendar?In this episode, I'm walking you through something I say to our clients until I'm blue in the face: every single problem you're dealing with in your center right now, profit, staff retention, parent retention, enrollment, traces back to your calendar. Not your marketing. Not your staff. Your calendar.This isn't a time management pep talk. This is the actual mechanism behind why some centers grow steadily while others stay stuck putting out the same fires month after month. I walk you through how I run calendar audits with our clients (including multi-site operators running 5, 10, 15+ locations), what the School Leader Scorecard is, and why I said no to a well paid, exciting opportunity that came my way this year, even though it hurt in the moment.If you've ever told yourself "I just don't have time" or blamed a missed goal on a call-out or a licensing visit, this episode is going to challenge that story. Grab a notebook. You're going to want to write some of this down.What You'll Learn:Why your calendar and your bank account are the two most honest indicators of what you actually valueThe difference between working in your business and working on your business, and why both need dedicated timeHow to identify the $10 an hour tasks that are quietly draining your profitWhat the School Leader Scorecard is and how it categorizes your time from $10 an hour to $10,000 an hourWhy "someone called out" is not the real reason you missed your goalsHow to run a calendar audit that actually holds you accountable to your prioritiesWhy saying no to a profitable opportunity was the right call for my business this seasonConnect With Us:Let's Chat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaniewilschanski/Join us on Substack: https://chaniewilschanski.substack.com/
- 4 days ago26 min
304. How to Prepare for the First Staff Meeting
Ever notice how the first staff meeting of the year gets the ironed tablecloths, the good snacks, and the outfit you actually planned in advance... and then somehow still leaves your team overwhelmed instead of inspired?That's the paradox we're unpacking on this episode. As a new school year gets underway, it's tempting to use that first meeting to hand your team everything you think is mission critical, all at once. Handbook. Policies. Vision. Values. Classroom management. Every important thing you've been sitting on, verbally dumped into one meeting because it finally feels like the right moment. And then we wonder why the team walks away foggy instead of focused.In this episode, Chanie breaks down why that approach backfires and walks through a framework for designing a first staff meeting that actually sticks. The core idea: different topics activate different parts of the brain, and a meeting that jumps between all of them without intention is asking your team to do something their brains simply can't do well.What You'll LearnWhy cramming vision, policy, and logistics into one meeting works against you, and the three-part structure to use insteadHow to turn abstract concepts like mission and vision into something your team can actually use when a parent is yelling or a kid needs stitchesThe exact questions to ask your staff so they define, in their own words, how they want to show up when things get hardHow to build a school theme or headline for the year that actually guides decisions about time, money, and energy, instead of getting lost by OctoberA hands-on team activity that gets your whole staff thinking creatively about what your theme looks like in real classroomsWhy investing in people will always outperform investing in another piece of softwareHow to close out the meeting by having each teacher commit to one small, doable habit for the yearConnect With Us:Let's Chat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaniewilschanski/Join us on Substack: https://chaniewilschanski.substack.com/
- 1 weeks ago42 min
303. How Kathy Built Five Centers (And Counting) Without Burning Out
What happens when you've done everything right, built the SOPs, color-coded the calendars, created the checklists, and your business still finds a way to make you sick?That's exactly where this week's guest, Kathy Gray, found herself. Kathy is the owner of Creative Critters, a growing early childhood education company based in Virginia with five centers (and counting). She's been part of the Schools of Excellence community for years, and in this conversation, she gets real about what it actually looked like to lead “with empathy first” and what it cost her.If you've ever felt like being a good leader means being endlessly available, endlessly understanding, and endlessly willing to make an exception for one more person, this episode is going to hit close to home.Kathy and Chanie unpack the difference between leading by example and leading by self-sacrifice. They talk about what happens when a director is too afraid to protect the standards because she's afraid of losing staff (spoiler: you lose the right staff anyway). And they get into one of the most important distinctions in leadership: care is not the same thing as capacity.This episode also digs into how Kathy started using data, specifically staff time-off data, to finally see what her culture was actually telling her. One number she found: at one center, they had a full staff only 35% of the time. That's not a staffing problem. That's a standards problem.By the end of this conversation, you'll understand why the phrase “protecting the standards” matters so much more than “being consistent,” and why the goal isn't to stop caring. It's to stop absorbing everyone else's outcomes as your own.What You'll Learn:Why leading “by example” can quietly turn into leading by self-sacrificeThe critical difference between care and capacity, and why confusing them costs you your best staffHow Kathy used time-off data to uncover what her culture was really telling her (and what she found)Why protecting the standards is different from being “a stickler” or being harshWhat it means to let the company, not the leader, carry the weight of the standardWhy healthy dependence on your team is not weakness, and what's lost when leaders try to do it all aloneKathy's honest reflection on what still isn't where she wants it to be, even after years of growthResources Mentioned:This Can't Be Normal by Chanie Wilschanski: https://thiscantbenormal.com Access Chapter One of This Can’t Be Normal for Free: https://thiscantbenormal.com/chapter-one Connect With Us:Let's Chat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaniewilschanski/Join us on Substack: https://chaniewilschanski.substack.com/ Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the free Delegation Workshop: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegation
- 1 weeks ago1h 9m
302. You're Not Weak, You're Drowning in Invisible Labor
A few weeks ago, I sat down with Jessica Hampton and Katie Dank on Child Care Confidential, and about ten minutes in, Jessica said, "You just described my life." That's usually how these conversations go.We talked about what's in This Can't Be Normal, and specifically about why a bigger team can still leave a leader feeling completely alone. We got into the difference between systems, standards, and rhythms, why "getting buy-in" is often a leader avoiding a hard conversation instead of building real alignment, and why waking up at 2 am with your brain looping isn't a personality flaw. It's a drift, and it's a signal worth listening to.If you've ever felt like the only one actually working while everyone else gets to play pretend until things get hard, this conversation is for you.Why "protecting your energy" is the wrong goal, and what to do insteadThe real difference between systems, standards, and rhythms, and why only rhythms create safetyWhat "performing confusion" looks like when a director avoids holding a standardWhy proximity isn't accountability, and how leaders end up being the business instead of building oneWhy resistance to a new standard is often a sign the standard is a good oneThe three-part definition of a rhythm: pre-decided, mood-proof, and identity-givingResources Mentioned:Download Chapter One of This Can’t Be Normal: https://thiscantbenormal.com/chapter-oneGrab a copy of This Can’t Be Normal: https://thiscantbenormal.com/Connect With Us:Let's Chat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaniewilschanski/Join us on Substack: https://chaniewilschanski.substack.com/Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the free Delegation Workshop: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegation
- 2 weeks ago31 min
301. Are You Neglecting Your Team Without Realizing It?
Earlier in the week, we talked about micromanaging, the first thing that shows up in what I call the delegation dip. Today we're moving into the second thing: neglect.Neglect doesn't look like yelling or control. It looks like handing someone the reins and walking away, especially when they seem competent enough that you assume they don't need guidance. I want to share a story that plays out in schools constantly, where a leader hires someone highly capable, assumes competence means they don't need training, and unintentionally leaves them to fend for themselves.We'll talk about what neglect actually looks like day to day, why it's just as damaging as micromanaging even though it feels like the opposite, and how to give your team the guidance they need without hovering over them.- Why hiring someone capable can accidentally lead to less training, not more- The difference between coaching a beginner and coaching someone already skilled- Why teachers and directors need different mindsets- How unclear direction leads people to fill gaps with self-doubt- Practical ways to guide your team without micromanaging or disappearingTune in for part two of this series, and get ready to look at delegation a little differently.Resources Mentioned:Free Delegation Workshop: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegation Connect With Us:Let's Chat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaniewilschanski/Join us on Substack: https://chaniewilschanski.substack.com/ Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the free Delegation Workshop: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegation
- 2 weeks ago38 min
300. The Delegation Dip Nobody Warns You About
You've probably been told you can't delegate because you're a control freak or a perfectionist. This episode kicks off a new series called the Delegation Dip, and Chanie makes the case that sometimes holding onto a task is wisdom, not fear.- Why delegating a task and delegating an outcome goal are different skills- The difference between a taskmaster and a profit warrior on your team- What the delegation dip is and why efficiency drops after you hand something off- The real, fear based root of micromanagement- Three signs you're micromanaging, and what to do insteadTune in for part one of this series, and get ready to rethink what delegation actually requires.Resources Mentioned:Free Delegation Workshop: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegationConnect With Us:Let's Chat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaniewilschanski/Join us on Substack: https://chaniewilschanski.substack.com/Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the free Delegation Workshop: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegation
- 3 weeks ago30 min
299. Feed Forward: The Culture Tool You're Missing
Ever given a teacher feedback and watched her shut down right in front of you? This week, Chanie breaks down the real difference between feedback and feed forward, and why one keeps your team stuck while the other actually helps them grow.- Why feedback can trigger fight, flight, or freeze in your team- A real coaching story about a curriculum specialist who was hypercritical with one age group- The exact questions that help a teacher see her own blind spots- How often you should be running formal check-ins with your staff- Who you should actually be asking for feedback, and who you shouldn'tTune in for a practical shift you can use in your very next coaching conversation.Resources Mentioned:This Can't Be Normal by Chanie Wilschanski: https://thiscantbenormal.comAccess Chapter One of This Can’t Be Normal for Free: https://thiscantbenormal.com/chapter-oneConnect With Us:Let's Chat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaniewilschanski/Join us on Substack: https://chaniewilschanski.substack.com/Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the free Delegation Workshop: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegation
- 3 weeks ago12 min
298. You Built the System. Then You Broke It.
Why do your school's systems keep breaking, even after you've built the SOPs and invested in outside help? Chanie explains the real pattern behind it, and it isn't a discipline problem.In this episode:- Why even a $2.1 million consulting investment couldn't fix one leader's system- The real reason caretakers break their own rules under pressure- The four-part framework every system needs to actually hold: standard, ownership, rhythm, response- How to start noticing the invisible ways you rescue your team from consequencesTune in for why the fix isn't another template.Resources Mentioned:This Can't Be Normal by Chanie Wilschanski: https://thiscantbenormal.comAccess Chapter One of This Can’t Be Normal for Free: https://thiscantbenormal.com/chapter-oneConnect With Us:Let's Chat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaniewilschanski/Join us on Substack: https://chaniewilschanski.substack.com/Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the free Delegation Workshop: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/delegation
Get Schools of Excellence: The No. 1 ECE & Private School Leadership Podcast summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
De Facto Leaders
Pediatric therapist Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan shares evidence-based strategies for educators and clinicians to support student growth and leadership.
Entrepreneur Parents - Pretty & Punk Podcast | Family Success, Business Tactics, Relationship Goals
Entrepreneur Parents explores how ambitious founders balance thriving businesses with family life, marriage, and personal growth.
The Middle School Mary Poppins Podcast
An educator and therapist offers science-based strategies for parenting middle schoolers through emotional, social, and academic challenges.
Entrepreneur Kids Legacy Show - Family Motivation, Business Boss Babies, Inspirational Speakers and Healthy fun food
Kids learn entrepreneurship, leadership, and life skills through fun conversations and interviews with young achievers and role models.
Impact Podcast, Mentorship with Eddie Wilson
A seasoned entrepreneur shares insights on building businesses, leadership, and living with purpose to create meaningful impact.
Good Inside with Dr. Becky
A clinical psychologist provides practical guidance for handling common parenting challenges and improving parent-child relationships.
Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
Leadership lessons from Craig Groeschel on growing as a leader, managing time, developing teams, and organizing effectively.
The Christy-Faith Show
A podcast offering educational and homeschooling insights for intentional parents.
Calm Parenting Podcast
Practical strategies for managing strong-willed, defiant, or neurodivergent children without power struggles or yelling.
The Balanced, Beautiful and Abundant Show- Rebecca Whitman
A coach helps high-achieving women overcome burnout using a framework centered on spiritual, emotional, physical, and financial well-being.
The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk
Conversations with top leaders across industries exploring how continuous learning drives success.
The School of Greatness
Features interviews with top performers across industries to help listeners develop mindset, health, and habits for personal growth.
About Schools of Excellence: The No. 1 ECE & Private School Leadership Podcast
If you are an Early Childhood director or childcare 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 kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies - equipping school leaders to improve staff retention, increase teacher motivation, grow parent partnerships, create a collaborative culture, and enjoy a beautiful quality of life. Every week, Chanie shares the truth about childcare and early childhood school leadership for those striving towards excellence. If you are an early childhood or childcare school leader looking for strategies to grow your school, that are working TODAY, The Schools of Excellence Podcast is for you. In addition to weekly solo episodes, she'll also be inviting childcare and early childhood industry leaders to discuss the most pressing issues facing school leaders today.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Schools of Excellence: The No. 1 ECE & Private School Leadership Podcast in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Schools of Excellence: The No. 1 ECE & Private School Leadership Podcast daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Schools of Excellence: The No. 1 ECE & Private School Leadership Podcast as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Schools of Excellence: The No. 1 ECE & Private School Leadership Podcast podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Schools of Excellence: The No. 1 ECE & Private School Leadership Podcast product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Chanie Wilschanski.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Schools of Excellence: The No. 1 ECE & Private School Leadership Podcast release new episodes?
Schools of Excellence: The No. 1 ECE & Private School Leadership Podcast publishes 2x weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Schools of Excellence: The No. 1 ECE & Private School Leadership Podcast cover?
Schools of Excellence: The No. 1 ECE & Private School Leadership Podcast covers topics including Education, Business, Management, Parenting, Kids & Family, Family. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Schools of Excellence: The No. 1 ECE & Private School Leadership Podcast summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.