What do CCDF cuts really look like on the ground? In this episode, we sit down with Arkansas child-care leader Cristen Beene to unpack the ripple effects of funding reductions, shifting policies, and the day-to-day realities providers now face. 💬

From staffing challenges to family impact, Cristen offers an honest and insightful look at how Arkansas is navigating this moment of uncertainty — and what resilience looks like in the midst of chaos. 🌱

This is a candid, thoughtful conversation for anyone working in early childhood education, policy, or advocacy who wants to understand how these national shifts are being felt at the state and community level.

👇 Share your perspective in the comments — how are CCDF changes affecting your state?
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Through real examples and relatable stories, we explore how these rules impact daily operations, why they’re so frustrating, and how child-care leaders stay compliant while keeping their sanity. 🎙️💼

If you’ve ever worked in early childhood and thought, “Who wrote this rule?” — this one’s for you.

👇 Drop your own “you won’t believe this regulation” stories in the comments!
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The rules are changing — and child care will never be the same. 🏫✨
In our new series, we dive into the evolving landscape of child-care regulations and what these shifts mean for families, providers, and policymakers. 💼👶 From funding adjustments to new compliance standards, we unpack how the latest updates could reshape access and quality across the country. 🌍

🎧 Join us as we break down complex policy changes in clear, practical terms — and explore what’s next for early childhood care in America.

💬 Have thoughts on these changes? Drop a comment below!
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Strong leadership starts with the right people in the right roles. 💼✨
In this episode, we explore what effective leadership looks like in early childhood education — and why alignment, accountability, and purpose matter more than ever.

Join our conversation as we discuss how to build cohesive teams, foster professional growth, and create a culture that supports both educators and the children they serve. 🌱👶

Whether you’re a center director, policy leader, or child care professional, this episode offers practical insights for leading with clarity, empathy, and intention.

🎧 Watch, reflect, and grow with us.
👇 Share your leadership experiences in the comments.
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Some lessons only make sense in hindsight. In this episode, we open up about the moments, mistakes, and milestones that shaped us — and the things we wish we’d known along the way. 🎙️✨

From career challenges to personal growth, this conversation blends honesty, humor, and hard-won wisdom. It’s a candid reflection on navigating life’s uncertainties, finding your footing, and learning as you go.

🎧 Join us for a thoughtful, unfiltered discussion on experience, resilience, and the lessons that stay with you.

👇 Share your own “wish I knew” moments in the comments — we’d love to hear from you.

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Every great project starts with a spark — and this is ours. ✨
In this special episode, our hosts take a step back to share the story of how they met, the twists and turns that brought them together, and the shared passion that drives their work today. 🎙️❤️

From unexpected beginnings to big dreams, you’ll get an inside look at the friendship, values, and vision behind the voices you hear each week. 🌟 Whether you’re new here or a longtime listener, this episode is your chance to really get to know us.

💭 Stay tuned till the end — there’s laughter, reflection, and maybe even a surprise or two! 😉
👇 Drop a comment and tell us how you met your favorite collaborator!
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In Week 4 of our ongoing CCDF series, we examine the recent cuts to the Child Care and Development Fund and their far-reaching implications for families, providers, and communities. This episode breaks down how funding reductions affect access to quality child care, workforce stability, and early learning outcomes across the nation. Our discussion also explores potential policy responses, strategies for advocacy, and the broader economic context driving these changes.

Stay informed as we continue unpacking key developments in early childhood policy each week.
👉 Watch previous episodes to follow the full CCDF discussion series and subscribe for future updates.

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Welcome to Child Care Confidential!

In this episode, Jessica Hampton and Katie Denk dive deep into the recent CCDF cuts in Indiana and what they really mean for families, providers, and kids. We're not just talking numbers—we’re sharing real stories, the tough decisions we've had to make, and the impact these changes are having on our community.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• What the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) is and how it works
• The reality behind Indiana’s sudden CCDF funding cuts
• How providers and families are coping—and what’s at stake
• The truth about state budgets, surplus funds, and broken promises
• Real stories from the front lines: closures, layoffs, and families in crisis
• Practical advice for parents and providers navigating these changes
• Why your voice matters, and how you can join the fight for quality child care

Whether you’re a parent, provider, educator, or advocate, this episode is for you. We’re building a community that supports each other through the challenges—and we want to hear from you!

👉 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell to stay updated on the latest episodes and join our growing community of child care champions.

💬 Share YOUR Story HERE or in the comments! How have these changes affected you? Let’s support each other and make our voices heard!

Stay connected:

• Follow us for more honest conversations, resources, and updates
• Share this video with anyone who cares about the future of child care in Indiana

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Together, we can make a difference. Thanks for listening and being part of the Child Care Confidential family!