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Childcare Confidential

Childcare Confidential

By: Childcare Confidential: Jessica Hampton & Katy Denk
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About this listen

Welcome to Childcare Confidential, the podcast where the real stories of early childhood education come to life. Hosted by Jessica Hampton and Katy Denk— seasoned experts, speakers, trainers, coaches, and authors in the early childhood world — pull back the curtain on the day-to-day moments that only those in the field truly understand. From laugh-out-loud classroom mishaps to heartfelt cries for help, we share and discuss the true tales submitted by teachers, directors, aides, administrators, licensing consultants, professors, and everyone in between. No matter your job title, if you’ve worked in early childhood education, you’ve got a story worth telling—and we’re here to talk about it.

© 2025 Childcare Confidential
Career Success Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Inside Minnesota Childcare: Aleta Mechtel on What the Headlines Don t Show
    Jan 12 2026

    This week on the podcast, we’re joined by special guest Aleta Mechtel for an honest conversation about what the headlines don’t show when it comes to child care. 🎙️

    While news stories often focus on surface-level issues, Aleta helps unpack the deeper realities facing providers, educators, and families — from the daily operational challenges to the long-term impacts of policy and funding decisions. This episode offers important context, nuance, and lived experience that rarely make it into mainstream coverage.

    🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful discussion that goes beyond the soundbites and into the real story of child care today.
    👇 Share your thoughts in the comments — what do you think is missing from the conversation?
    🔔 Subscribe for more episodes centered on real voices and real experiences in early childhood education.

    Thanks for tuning in!

    If you enjoyed what you heard, we’d love to connect with you on more platforms.

    Want to share your own story? Submit it HERE:
    https://gforms.app/M2SXBtR

    Check us out on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@ChildcareConfidential

    Check us out on Buzzsprout:
    https://childcareconfidential.buzzsprout.com/

    Check us out on Apple Podcasts:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/childcare-confidential/id1841466272

    Check us out on Spotify:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/5MV0chCDpmiXPaYbgtcnvi?si=70fbe1caf5fd4bb3


    Stay connected and be part of our community!

    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578842384016

    Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/childcareconfidential/

    TikTok:
    https://www.tiktok.com/@childcareconfiden?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • Raising the Future: Talking All Things ECE in South Dakota
    Jan 6 2026

    In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Bri McCarty, educator and TikTok creator, for an inside look at what’s happening right now in New Jersey’s early childhood education landscape. 📚✨

    Bri shares insights from the front lines — from policy changes and funding challenges to how these shifts are affecting providers, educators, and families across the state. This conversation blends real-world experience with honest discussion, offering perspective on how statewide decisions are playing out day to day.

    🎧 Tune in for an informative and timely conversation about early childhood education in New Jersey.
    👇 Join the discussion in the comments and share what you’re seeing in your community.
    🔔 Subscribe for more episodes featuring voices from across the early childhood field.

    Thanks for tuning in!

    If you enjoyed what you heard, we’d love to connect with you on more platforms.

    Want to share your own story? Submit it HERE:
    https://gforms.app/M2SXBtR

    Check us out on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@ChildcareConfidential

    Check us out on Buzzsprout:
    https://childcareconfidential.buzzsprout.com/

    Check us out on Apple Podcasts:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/childcare-confidential/id1841466272

    Check us out on Spotify:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/5MV0chCDpmiXPaYbgtcnvi?si=70fbe1caf5fd4bb3


    Stay connected and be part of our community!

    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578842384016

    Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/childcareconfidential/

    TikTok:
    https://www.tiktok.com/@childcareconfiden?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Florida Childcare Regulations: What Matter's Most Right Now
    Dec 30 2025

    Today’s episode features a special guest, Latroya Barnes, joining us for an insightful and engaging conversation on the issues shaping early childhood education today. 🌱

    Latroya brings valuable perspective, experience, and thoughtful discussion as we explore key challenges, opportunities, and real-life impacts within the child care landscape. This episode offers meaningful dialogue for providers, leaders, and advocates who care deeply about the future of early learning.

    🎧 Tune in for a conversation grounded in experience, honesty, and purpose.
    👇 Join the discussion in the comments and share your takeaways.
    🔔 Subscribe to stay connected to ongoing conversations in early childhood education.

    Thanks for tuning in!

    If you enjoyed what you heard, we’d love to connect with you on more platforms.

    Want to share your own story? Submit it HERE:
    https://gforms.app/M2SXBtR

    Check us out on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@ChildcareConfidential

    Check us out on Buzzsprout:
    https://childcareconfidential.buzzsprout.com/

    Check us out on Apple Podcasts:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/childcare-confidential/id1841466272

    Check us out on Spotify:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/5MV0chCDpmiXPaYbgtcnvi?si=70fbe1caf5fd4bb3


    Stay connected and be part of our community!

    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578842384016

    Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/childcareconfidential/

    TikTok:
    https://www.tiktok.com/@childcareconfiden?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
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