Kris welcomes Shonali Harrison, school owner and director of Eden Prairie Montessori in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Shonali talks about her journey from growing up in Sri Lanka to becoming the director of Eden Prairie in 1991, and what she fell in love with about the Montessori school system. Shonali discusses her leadership style and how she stays present and engaged with her team, leading with an open heart, what has made her the proudest about her time in early childhood, and what she has found challenging. Shonali and Kris highlight the importance of mentorship and marketing your strengths to the right audience. Then, Shonali also lets us in on a fun fact about her party-planning skills, and talks about what’s next for her team in 2023 and beyond.
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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!
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Here Are the Key Takeaways From This Episode:
[7:50] Shonali discusses transforming a KinderCare building into her Montessori school and tells us a little more about Eden Prairie Montessori.
[8:20] Shonali shares what the education system is like in Sri Lanka where she grew up.
[11:31] Fun fact: Shonali is a great party planner and she can whip out an awesome event in a few hours. And… she can hula hoop while at the party!
[12:02] What was Shonali’s journey into purchasing her first school?
[18:37] Shonali discusses some of her program’s unique strengths including no screens, concrete learning, and teacher training.
[23:51] Shanoli and Kriss discuss how to get Montessori teacher and staff the How do the staff the specific Montessori training that is required.
[25:15] Shonali shares what qualities and values that she works to embody as a leader.
[30:53] Kris asks Shonali to share the people have had the biggest impact on her life and ECE journey.
[35:15] Kris asks Shonali to share what the most challenging part of her ECE journey has been.
[36:52] The tools that Shonali uses for success in her school include Brightwheel and Intellikids.
[40:00] It’s a huge skill (and critical for success) to find ways to get along and jive, despite differing personalities.
