243 - Empowering Educators: Staff Engagement for Growth with Cindy Lehnhoff

In this episode, host Erica Saccoccio interviews Cindy Lehnhoff, the Director of the National Child Care Association. They discuss the importance of continuous improvement and quality in child care programs. They emphasize the need for advocacy and communication to ensure that the voice of private childcare providers is heard at the federal level. They also highlight the benefits of creating a culture of continuous improvement and the role of ongoing training and professional development in fostering quality.

The conversation touches on topics such as accreditation, staff retention, and the importance of involving staff in the improvement process. The conversation focuses on the importance of communication and feedback in childcare centers. It emphasizes the need for open dialogue between staff, parents, and management to improve the quality of care. The conversation also touches on the challenges of managing large programs and multiple locations, as well as the value of involving children in decision-making processes.

The guest highlights the significance of spending time in classrooms and building the confidence and knowledge of teachers. The conversation concludes with the importance of not giving up and seeking support when facing challenges in the industry.

Takeaways

• Advocacy and communication are crucial for the voice of private childcare providers to be heard at the federal level.        
• Creating a culture of continuous improvement is essential for maintaining quality in child care programs.
• Ongoing training and professional development help foster a culture of continuous improvement and support staff in their professional growth.
• Accreditation can be a valuable journey that leads to self-validation and a deeper understanding of quality in early care and education.  
• Involving staff in the improvement process and recognizing their contributions can help retain and motivate them.