January 13, 2025
I had the honor of joining Childcare Conversations with Kate and Carrie as their featured guest expert to dive into one of my favorite topics—Secret Shopping in childcare.
Kate and Carrie, the founders of Texas Director and authors of well-regarded resources like From Overwhelmed to Overjoyed and P is for Preschool, have built an incredible platform for directors and owners. Their podcast is a go-to space for meaningful conversations about leadership, operations, and growth in early education.
As a professional preschool secret shopper, childcare business sales specialist, and preschool owner, I was thrilled to bring my expertise to the conversation and share why secret shopping can be a game-changer for schools ready to level up.
Why I Believe in Secret Shopping
When I work with owners preparing to sell or grow their schools, one of the first questions I ask is: “Do you really know how families experience your center?”
Secret shopping pulls back the curtain. It helps owners see what parents see, hear what parents hear, and feel what parents feel when they first connect with your school. That perspective is invaluable, whether your goal is boosting enrollment, improving staff performance, or preparing for a future sale.
Highlights from My Guest Interview
During my conversation with Kate and Carrie, we explored:
✨ First Impressions Matter: Why the parent experience during a tour or phone call often determines enrollment outcomes.
✨ Staff Development: How owners can use secret shopping results to strengthen training and empower teams to shine.
✨ Competitive Edge: What makes your program stand out—and how to highlight it more effectively in the marketplace.
✨ Practical Application: Easy ways to start implementing secret shopping and using the results to create positive change.
Listen to the Episode
This episode is packed with strategies you can apply immediately to your childcare business. I’d love for you to tune in and share your takeaways with me!
🎧 Listen here:
About Childcare Conversations with Kate and Carrie
Hosted by Kate Woods and Carrie Casey, founders of Texas Director, Childcare Conversations is dedicated to helping owners and directors thrive in leadership and business. Their books—From Overwhelmed to Overjoyed and P is for Preschool—are must-reads for anyone in early education leadership.
Final Thoughts
Being a guest expert on this podcast was such a privilege, and I’m grateful to Kate and Carrie for creating a space where childcare leaders can learn, grow, and connect.
