In this episode of Daycare Chronicles 101, we sit down with Shannon Estrin—autism specialist, mental health coach, and advocate for neurodivergent children. With a master’s in education and a heart for inclusion, Shannon brings real talk and real tools. This is one episode you don’t want to miss.

The Provider Lounge is a segment of the Daycare Chronicles 101 Podcast, created by Tonya Muhammad. It’s a space where experienced family child care providers and early childhood professionals come together for real, unfiltered conversations about the industry.

Topics include the challenges of running a daycare, navigating policies and regulations, managing burnout, building professional confidence, and uplifting one another through shared stories.

Featuring voices of Katrina Williams, Zakiyyah Baez, Ineeze Gainey, and Tashina Johnson, the goal is to inform, inspire, and empower providers—one episode at a time.

In this heartfelt episode, I share the true story behind the $5 bill that changed the course of my life. As a young mother with three children and one on the way, I woke up to find that my husband at that time had left for work and left $5 on the dresser for the day. At that moment, I felt completely defeated, overhelmed, and unsure of how I was going to make it.

But that moment lit a fire in me that I didnt know I had. That $5 became the turning poing that led me to discover my purpose and passion. It was the beginning of my journey of what would later become a successful business built on strength, faith and a love for children.

This episode is about struggle, resilience, and finding your calling when life forces you to rise.

In this episode i had the honor of having an amazing conversation with Mrs. Dominique Ellis a second generation Child Care Center Owner and CEO of her company Educated Minds. We talked about how her beautiful mother went from a family daycare provider to center owner & how Dominique has excelled in life while having dyslexia and losing her father at an early age. Marrying her childhood friend and writing a book about the loss of her father as a child.

This conversation is full of love, laughter and some tears... Dominique is a young woman with an old soul... She is very wise and business savvy. Her company Educated Mindz is very successful as she offers trainings in all aspects of the business of Childcare.

This episode is a conversation with providers from all over the country in the Daycare Chronicles 101.2 Clubhouse weekly meeting room.

Topics discussed are:

The new T-K & Early Headstart Programs affecting Family Daycare.

Sick Children in 2022

Crayola Parties in February

This episode discusses how important it is to have effective communication between the Parent and Provider to aid in preventing any possible misunderstandings about contracts , care of their child and expectations while the child is in your care.

Providers also shared about having a child in your care that you may not be able to meet the needs of.

This episode is about the struggles and wins of 2021 with providers. We must count our Blessings especially within this Pandemic. Daycare Providers are not only Essential but also Necessary.

Science Teacher Mom is a High School Science Teacher that has turned her love of science ,teaching and most importantly the love of being a mom into a Successful Business.

Science Teacher Mom(Medinah Muhammad) has been featured on NBC in a full episode of" George To The Rescue" . She also has content and downloadable sheets on Teacher Pay Teachers.

The interview is refreshing and will inspire you to level up your Stem with her activity boxes. You can find Science Teacher Mom (Medinah Muhammad) on YouTube, Instagram & Tik Tok as well.

Healthy Snack Tip: Fresh Veggie Parfaits

Also reference to the book "Preventing Daycare Burnout" by Suzette Salmon which is available on Amazon.