The Early Years Exchange

In this episode, Dr. Jason Lody explores one of the most essential skills for every preschool and early childhood program director — adaptive leadership.

Drawing from his recent presentation at the Georgia Child Care Association Conference, Dr. Lody unpacks the difference between technical and adaptive challenges, offering five practical strategies directors can use to build buy-in, strengthen team culture, and lead through change ...

Tired of long, draining staff meetings that leave your team exhausted instead of inspired? In this episode, Dr. Jason Lody, CEO of Eventus Education, shares practical and creative ways to make your meetings more meaningful, efficient, and energizing.

From 20-minute power sessions and walking meetings to flipped formats and weekly celebrations, you’ll learn how to transform your staff meetings into powerful opportunities for collabo...

Leadership growth doesn’t have to mean long workshops or weekend conferences. In this episode, Dr. Jason Lody explores creative, realistic ways preschool directors can continue developing their leadership skills — even within their already packed schedules.

From microlearning playlists and peer learning pods to reflective journaling and “shadow a leader” experiences, discover innovative strategies to grow as a leader in the margins...

Mornings set the tone for the entire school day—and for young children, consistent arrival routines can make all the difference in their confidence, independence, and readiness to learn. In this episode, Dr. Jason Lody explores the power of smooth morning arrivals and shares practical strategies for educators and families alike.

From creating predictable steps and calm environments, to supporting families with tips for getting to s...

Episode 19 – Dealing with Disgruntled Parents

Every school leader will, at some point, face difficult conversations with parents who are upset, frustrated, or even angry. In this episode of The Early Years Exchange, Dr. Jason Lody explores the root causes behind parent concerns — fear, confusion, and the need for control — and shares a clear framework for responding with professionalism and empathy.

Listeners will gain practical st...

Social media is a powerful tool — but without clear boundaries, it can blur the line between personal and professional life. In this episode of The Early Years Exchange, Dr. Jason Lody explores how preschool educators and staff can use social media wisely while protecting professionalism, trust, and personal well-being.

You’ll learn:

• What’s safe (and what’s risky) to share online

• How to set clear boundaries with parents and...

In this episode of The Early Years Exchange, Dr. Jason Lody, CEO of Eventus Education, explores the powerful leadership philosophy of “Hire Slow, Fire Fast.” Discover why patience in hiring and decisiveness in letting go protects your school’s culture, finances, and mission. Learn practical interview strategies, ways to evaluate alignment, and how to safeguard the morale of your team, families, and children.

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In this episode of The Early Years Exchange, Dr. Jason Lody sits down with Pietro from BRIT Childcare Solutions to explore how schools can strengthen their inquiry and tour process. Pietro shares practical strategies for making great first impressions, designing tours that connect with families, and following up effectively without feeling pushy.

Listeners will learn:

• Why speed matters when responding to new inquiries

• How t...

In this episode of The Early Years Exchange, Dr. Jason Lody explores the often-overlooked impact of before and after school programs on preschool enrollment, retention, and community trust.

From program design to marketing strategies, Jason breaks down how schools can create enriching, high-quality care options that serve the whole family. He highlights essentials like dedicated spaces, transportation, homework help, enrichment act...

Episode 14: Healthy Habits for School Directors

Being a preschool director is a rewarding but demanding role—one that often leaves little time for personal wellness. In this episode, Dr. Jason Lody, CEO of Eventus Education, shares practical strategies to help directors prioritize their health and build sustainable habits that support both personal and professional success.

From hydration, sleep, and mindfulness to setting clear bo...

In this episode of The Early Years Exchange, Dr. Jason Lody explores the balance between play and academics in early childhood education. Drawing on research, real-world classroom experiences, and insights from educators across the country, he breaks down the benefits of free, guided, and structured play and how each supports school readiness. Discover why play is essential, when structure matters, and how to create joyful learning...

Thinking of expanding your early childhood program? In this episode, Dr. Jason Lody breaks down the essential steps to scale your preschool business—strategically and sustainably—without getting buried in debt. From identifying the right time to grow, to creative funding options like shared spaces, management contracts, and grants, this episode is packed with actionable insights for preschool owners ready to grow with purpose.

Whet...

Creating an inspiring classroom doesn’t have to break the bank. In this episode of The Early Years Exchange, Dr. Jason Lody shares practical, low-cost ideas to design functional, welcoming learning environments. From cozy corners and creative repurposing to family partnerships and intentional layouts, discover how to build spaces that foster engagement, independence, and growth—without overspending.

Learn more at EventusEducation.c...

How can early childhood centers provide meaningful professional development without disrupting the daily flow? In this episode of The Early Years Exchange, Dr. Jason Lody shares creative solutions like real-time coaching, micro-learning, and teacher-led workshops that make growth opportunities practical and engaging. Learn strategies to support your team’s continuous improvement, boost morale, and foster a culture of collaboration.

In this episode of The Early Years Exchange, Dr. Jason Lody speaks with Ryan Sompayrac from Sands Investment Group about the ins and outs of buying and selling a school. They discuss what makes a school attractive to buyers, the importance of clean financials, and the human side of the acquisition process. Whether you're planning to grow your education business or preparing to exit, this conversation offers practical insights and t...

In this episode of The Early Years Exchange, Dr. Jason Lody, CEO of Eventus Education, sits down with Pietro, co-founder of BRIT Childcare Solutions, to explore effective, affordable, and authentic marketing strategies for early childhood education leaders.

They dive into the importance of building a strong digital presence, developing a consistent enrollment pipeline, and using both online and offline tools to grow your school com...

In this episode of The Early Years Exchange, Dr. Jason Lody, CEO of Eventus Education, unpacks one of the most critical elements of running a sustainable school—cash flow. From understanding operating, investing, and financing cash flows to implementing systems for revenue collection, expense tracking, and forecasting, this episode offers practical, actionable strategies for school leaders.

Whether you're running a single-site cent...

Disgruntled employees are a challenge every school leader eventually faces, but they don’t have to derail your center. In this episode, Dr. Jason Lody dives into five actionable strategies to address low morale, prevent staff issues before they escalate, and create a workplace culture rooted in trust, clarity, and connection. From building early listening systems to fostering professional growth, this episode offers practical insig...

In this episode of The Early Years Exchange, Dr. Jason Lody, CEO of Eventus Education, explores the growing demand for overnight (third shift) childcare. From licensing and staffing to marketing and real-world challenges, he breaks down what it takes to offer this unique service to families working late-night shifts.

If you’re a preschool operator or parent working nontraditional hours, this episode is for you.

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