Today’s Issue: New Netflix Park; ECE Leadership Insights; Trends in Names; ECE in the News = 3/4 cup of coffee.

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Move Over Disney & Universal!: People save up for the crazy vacations to go to Disney and Universal theme parks. Well, families will now have other options to see all their favorite Netflix characters. Netflix is opening two NEW Netflix houses in Philadelphia and Dallas. They are offering tix to enter for free as well as for various paid experiences. So, if you are fans of Wednesday, Squid Game, or Stranger Things, you may want to jump online and book it 👉👉👉 HERE!!

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📣 Welcome Back Jaime! - Outcomes That Matter

Childcare directors don’t need lofty leadership theories—they need strategies that work between runny noses, staff call-outs, and shifting regulations. In From Busy to Bold, Jaime Rechkemmer shares practical shifts to help leaders trade firefighting for intentional leadership, protecting what matters, and how to reclaim confidence in guiding their schools.

From Busy to Bold: Practical Leadership Lessons for Childcare Directors

By Jaime Rechkemmer, Aim4Impact Consulting

I take a lot of notes when I listen to leaders speak. Scribbles, arrows, little phrases circled with “yes, but what does this mean for us?” in the margins. Leadership theory is interesting, but childcare directors live in the world of practice. We’re surrounded by babies with runny noses, teachers calling out at 6:30 a.m., licensing rules that shift midyear, and families with high expectations.

So when I hear sweeping leadership statements—be proactive, set clear goals, build culture—I find myself translating them into tactics that actually work for women leading childcare businesses. This article is my attempt to do just that: to put big ideas on the ground where you walk every day.

Busy Is Not Productive

If your checklist is full and your inbox is empty, you may feel productive. But the real question is: are your actions producing outcomes that matter? Hanging a playground schedule on a door is an activity. Teachers consistently using safe transitions – that’s an outcome.

Try this shift: Before approving any task, ask: Does this action drive learning, satisfaction, or growth? If the answer is no, stop rewarding busywork. Start celebrating outcomes.

‼️👇Keep reading Jaime’s fantastic article by clicking the BUTTON below!‼️👇

❣ Rise in Old School Baby Names

There are always trends in baby names. 20 years ago, the most popular names were Emma and Aden for girls and boys respectively. It looks like the trends are changing. Old school names are back in vogue. 👗 Names like Edith and Oscar are on the rise. Next thing we know, the parents will start dressing their kiddos in tuxedos and dresses like in old movies.

Want the complete list? - Check out the names 👉👉 HERE!

ECE In The News

🌵Free Childcare in NM: New Mexico is breaking ranks and taking bold steps to increase access to ECE. It is the first state that will offer FREE childcare to all families, regardless of income, starting in November. The move is expected to save families up to $12k per year. Maybe those families can now go and visit the new Netflix houses. Click 👉👉 HERE to get all the details.

😤 ECE Center Caught Embezzling: An Oklahoma City owner got caught embezzling $500k from government support programs, specifically from COVID relief programs. The owner took the funds to support gambling habits and other personal costs. Want more details?! Click 👉👉 HERE.

The Internet is a Playground:

🗓️ On this Day in History: In 1875, the infamous outlaw, Billy the Kid, was arrested for the first time after stealing a basket of laundry. He later broke out of jail and roamed the American West, eventually earning a reputation as an outlaw with a rap sheet that allegedly included 21 murders. 📿

👀That’s cool: Go on a virtual tour of Tasmania.

🐻 What’s a Wombat?: Who knew these guys were this CUTE?

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Is there a topic you want more info on or want to share a funny story? Then let us know! Shoot us a quick email at [email protected]. This newsletter is for you, and well, you should have a say, don't’ you think?