Mastering Staffing Challenged in Early Child Care ft. Aleta Mechtel

The podcast features a conversation with Aleta Mechtel, who discusses her journey in managing staffing crises in childcare centers. Aleta, a 21-year childcare center owner, sold her centers in 2021 and founded a substitute teacher placement company in Minneapolis 11 years ago.
Here’s a structured summary of the podcast based on the topics discussed:

Introduction

• Host’s Greeting: The host welcomes listeners and introduces the guest, Alisa Metal.
• Topic Overview: The discussion will focus on managing staffing crises in childcare centers.

Alisa’s Background

• Childcare Center Ownership: Alisa owned childcare centers for 21 years and sold them in 2021.
• Substitute Teacher Placement Company: She founded a substitute teacher placement company in Minneapolis 11 years ago.

Identifying Staffing Challenges

• Common Issues: Alisa noticed trends of staffing challenges such as turnover, absenteeism, and the need for giving teachers time off.
• Initial Solutions: She started building a substitute list for her own center and asked neighboring centers if they would use it.

Company Evolution

• Feedback and Growth: Positive feedback from neighboring centers led to the evolution of her substitute teacher placement company.
• Overcoming Concerns: Initial concerns about competitors were alleviated as they trusted her substitutes.

Business Success

• Scaling the Business: Alisa’s company grew into a multi-million dollar business.
• Impact on Childcare Centers: The company helped maintain consistency in classrooms and supported directors.

Coaching and Franchising

• Coaching Others: Alisa coaches other childcare centers and speaks at events.
• Franchising Plans: Due to demand, she is considering franchising her business model.