{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Ep. 196 - What Does ECE Stand For? Empathy-Courage-Excellence with The Sisters (M. Mercedes & Maria Consuela)","description":" Kris welcomes The Sisters, Sister M.\u202fMercedes Diaz and Sister Maria Consuela Garz\u00f3n of St. Francis Daycare Center in Alton, Illinois, who also just happen to be the winners of the 2024 Child Care Rockstar Contest! In this episode, the sisters share their journey of leading a 45\u2011year\u2011old institution, discussing their leap into early childhood education without prior daycare experience, transforming systems post\u2011COVID, and embracing a \u201cwhatever it takes\u201d mindset. Their story reveals the heart, courage, and excellence that define a true ECE rockstar.   Key Takeaways: [4:31] M. Mercedes and Maria are the winners of our 2024 Child Care Rockstar contest! [7:28] Their decision to join the Child Care Success Academy marked the start of crucial changes, moving from makeshift sticky-note systems to structured processes. [8:08] More about St. Francis, located in Alton, Illinois. [10:21] Fun Fact: One sister reveals her Dominican Republic roots and bilingual background, while the other shares her love for writing letters and a wild adventure running down an active volcano in Nicaragua. [12:18] How their program has grown and changed since they came in. [14:06] Having families pick their schedules. [16:33] Implementing Kangarootime software. [18:42] Enrollment and getting the word out about St. Francis. [19:47] Learning what ECE meant \u2014 The Sisters have grown a lot! [21:26] Sharing more about their 38 Mission partners. [24:37] The Sisters discuss overcoming a \u201ccray cray\u201d work culture by embracing the right mindset, focusing on gradual improvement, professional development, and maintaining a clear goal. [27:04] Advice to those who may be in a daunting work situation and out of their comfort zone. [29:25] Taking baby steps toward your core values and getting employees bought in. [30:38] What made The Sisters want to enter the Child Care Rockstar contest? [34:40] Kris shares about the first ECE Conference she attended at NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children. [37:00] The Sisters define a Child Care Rockstar, and the balance between heart and will.   Quotes: \u201cAll we had to go was up. So we were given that opportunity and the Academy gave us the tools that we needed.\u201d \u2014 Sister Mercedes [14:00] \u201cThere\u2019s such a great desire to share freely and it\u2019s a really beautiful experience.\u201d \u2014 Sister Mercedes on The Academy [16:08] \u201cEven though you're scared, know what the goal is. In your mind, see it and keep your eye on it, and don\u2019t be discouraged.\u201d \u2014 Sister Mercedes [27:19] \u201cThe core value piece is one of the biggest shifts that you're going to make in their mindset as professional educators, and how you want them to show up too.\u201d -\u2014 Kris [30:00] \u201cI think a Child Care Rockstar is someone who has a huge heart and a courageous heart.\u201d \u2014 Sister Maria [37:40] \u201cA rock star is someone who can see the star, who can see where your goal is, and then take those steps courageously, fall and get up, have arguments and make up and be stronger because of it.\u201d \u2014 Sister Mercedes [39:01]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal St. Francis Day Care Center ","author_name":"Child Care Rockstar Radio","author_url":"https:\/\/childcaresuccess.com\/podcast\/","html":"