This episode features Ashley Varouhas, a young powerhouse, dynamic child care leader, owner, and coach at the Child Care Success Academy. Ashley shares her journey from teacher to owner and administrator, and how she integrates her passion for early childhood education into her two successful centers. They discuss the importance of strong leadership, staff retention, and cultivating a unique school environment that meets the needs of both children and teachers. Ashley also shares some great strategies for business growth, managing multiple centers, and how fostering relationships is key to long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

[2:28 ] Congrats to former guest Beth Davis and her Kindness Initiative! If you want to learn more about Beth, check out her past episode here.

[12:46 ] Ashley’s early career in early childhood education started at KinderCare, sparking her passion for leadership and innovation in the industry.

[15:15 ] After several false starts, Ashley opened her first center in Minnesota in 2022 and is about to open her second location.

[17:29 ] The importance of serving her teachers and maintaining strong leadership to retain staff — only two teachers have left in two years.

[20:49 ] Ashley emphasizes that ensuring a supportive, well-staffed environment reduces stress and turnover, leading to high teacher satisfaction and 100% tour conversion.

[27:26 ] Gardening plays a big role in her program, offering children hands-on learning experiences. Next year, Ashley plans to expand the gardening curriculum.

[37:45 ] Ashley highlights the importance of being present at her centers, whether through daily visits or other ways, to maintain a sense of stability and connection with staff.

[40:45 ] Ashley is currently opening a second center focused on infant care, to address a growing need for more infant and toddler spots in her community.

[46:39 ] She maps out child transitions up to nine months in advance, ensuring smooth transitions and full capacity throughout the year.

[51:07 ] Ashley defines a Childcare Rockstar as someone who puts their all into it every day, and that can look different for everyone!

Quotes:

• “I still get into the classroom because that part of me that loves working with kids will never die.” — Ashley Varuhas [14:16 ]

• “I really feel in my life, like, when things are right and meant to be, it just all clicks, and it all flows really fast.” — Ashley [16:27 ] 

• “I’m proud to say, in almost two years of being open now, we’ve only had two teachers turnover in almost two years.” — Ashley [17:26 ]

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