Ep. 196 with The Sisters (M. Mercedes & Maria Consuela): What Does ECE Stand For? Empathy-Courage-Excellence

2025-03-13

Kris welcomes The Sisters, Sister M. Mercedes Diaz and Sister Maria Consuela Garzón of St. Francis Daycare Center in Alton, Illinois, who also just happen to be the winners of the 2024 Child Care Rockstar Contest! In this episode, the sisters share their journey of leading a 45‑year‑old institution, discussing their leap into early childhood education without prior daycare experience, transforming systems post‑COVID, and embracing a “whatever it takes” mindset. Their story reveals the heart, courage, and excellence that define a true ECE rockstar. Key Takeaways: [4:31] M. Mercedes and Maria are the winners of our 2024 Child Care Rockstar contest! [7:28] Their decision to join the Child Care Success Academy marked the start of crucial changes, moving from makeshift sticky-note systems to structured processes.

Key Takeaways:

[4:31] M. Mercedes and Maria are the winners of our 2024 Child Care Rockstar contest!

[7:28] Their decision to join the Child Care Success Academy marked the start of crucial changes, moving from makeshift sticky-note systems to structured processes.

[8:08] More about St. Francis, located in Alton, Illinois.

[10:21] Fun Fact: One sister reveals her Dominican Republic roots and bilingual background, while the other shares her love for writing letters and a wild adventure running down an active volcano in Nicaragua.

[12:18] How their program has grown and changed since they came in.

[14:06] Having families pick their schedules.

[16:33] Implementing Kangarootime software.

[18:42] Enrollment and getting the word out about St. Francis.

[19:47] Learning what ECE meant — The Sisters have grown a lot!

[21:26] Sharing more about their 38 Mission partners.

[24:37] The Sisters discuss overcoming a “cray cray” work culture by embracing the right mindset, focusing on gradual improvement, professional development, and maintaining a clear goal.

[27:04] Advice to those who may be in a daunting work situation and out of their comfort zone.

[29:25] Taking baby steps toward your core values and getting employees bought in.

[30:38] What made The Sisters want to enter the Child Care Rockstar contest?

[34:40] Kris shares about the first ECE Conference she attended at NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

[37:00] The Sisters define a Child Care Rockstar, and the balance between heart and will.

Quotes:

“All we had to go was up. So we were given that opportunity and the Academy gave us the tools that we needed.” — Sister Mercedes [14:00]
“There’s such a great desire to share freely and it’s a really beautiful experience.” — Sister Mercedes on The Academy [16:08]
“Even though you're scared, know what the goal is. In your mind, see it and keep your eye on it, and don’t be discouraged.” — Sister Mercedes [27:19]
“The core value piece is one of the biggest shifts that you're going to make in their mindset as professional educators, and how you want them to show up too.” -— Kris [30:00]
“I think a Child Care Rockstar is someone who has a huge heart and a courageous heart.” — Sister Maria [37:40]
“A rock star is someone who can see the star, who can see where your goal is, and then take those steps courageously, fall and get up, have arguments and make up and be stronger because of it.” — Sister Mercedes [39:01]