Kris welcomes a special guest, Miss Cindy Lehnhoff, the director of the National Child Care Association. With over four decades of experience in the industry, including various roles within the learning care group, Cindy is passionate about strengthening and professionalizing the field. Cindy and Kris explore the world of advocacy and how to be our own best advocates. They discuss the importance of staying informed about policy changes and share insights on leveraging our political power as business owners or leaders. Cindy addresses misconceptions and fears around advocacy, debunking the notion that it requires an excessive time commitment, along with the vital role of engaging parents and teachers in this journey.
Now also streaming video recorded versions of each episode on YouTube! Visit our channel, The Child Care Success Company, and make sure to subscribe so you never miss a new recording!
Click here to listen to more episodes of Child Care Rockstar Radio™ with Kris Murray!
Here Are the Key Takeaways From This Episode:
[10:48] Cindy’s background in child care and the path that got her into advocacy and the NCCA.
[16:49] Cindy and her high school sweetheart are still married and living in Florida, with three incredible adult children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren!
[18:40] Fun Fact: Cindy didn’t choose a career in child care — it chose her!
[21:02] How early childhood professionals aren’t often comfortable with advocating for themselves, and why it’s important.
[22:34] Advice for people to build up confidence towards advocating for themselves using the three Cs: collaborate, connect, and communicate.
[30:50] The CHIPS Act, and how we can do better with funding and creating a better ecosystem for education.
[37:52] How do we engage more people in our communities?
[39:20] What types of things does the National Child Care Association provide for its members?
[45:38] There’s no industry more essential than child care if we want to get America back to work fully.
[50:52] Options for accreditation, including NECPA.
This is so AMAZING!!! SIGN ME UP. I am on my way to your sight! Cannot wait to see you in Austin in 2024
Cindy continues to lead the way for a brighter future for our children! Bravo 👏