Ron Spreeuwenberg, CEO of Co-Founder of HiMama and host of The Preschool Podcast, joins Kris on the show this week. Ron talks about how HiMama is providing answers and support in the COVID-19 crisis, the surprising results from their survey, and what five things your school can do to come out of the crisis the most successfully and financially viable as possible.   Key Takeaways: [4:45] Kris just made a huge dream come to life. After wanting to live in a river home for more than 12 years, she will be living in a beautiful river home in Colorado. [12:41] Rob’s dad had a huge impact on him to be a leader in the community and industry, so when creating HiMama, he set out to start a business that scratched his entrepreneurial itch but also had a social impact and made a meaningful difference in the world. [13:23] HiMama started in 2013, and now is built up to have 75 employees. [16:38] Doing the right thing is the right thing to do. At HiMama, one of the core values is “own positive change,” because no one is going to do it for you. [20:15] The five important things Rob is seeing in the landscape now for early learning centers through the COVID-19 pandemic: Communication. If you are the owner or director, communication with your parents is so essential right now. Decentralization of decision making/teacher empowerment and giving teachers more choices Creativity and Innovation. When we let teachers make decisions, cool things can happen like busy bags and car parades. More openness and adoption to screen time and technology in the classroom Focusing on not what just is expected in health and safety, but how to stand out and provide a quality environment [27:33] Even if they have to be out of the box and a little different from the norm during this time, schools can still focus on fun activities and ideas to keep in touch with parents. [36:30] Focus on what you can control, and what the best version of a post-COVID-19 center can look like. [38:21] In the HiMama survey, the answers were clear that this is a time to band together and talk with your community and what it is you can do to serve them in a way they feel comfortable about. [47:10] Ron’s podcast The Preschool Podcast is up to 200 episodes now. It is a great remote way to hear conversations between top industry leaders and gain inspiration to take into your work.   Quotes: “It’s your responsibility to look after your community, your employees, and your customers.” “Social impact is good for business.” “Even if you have no answers, it doesn’t matter. You still have to stay in touch.”   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company Child Care Success Academy Child Care Success Summit — offering $1 ticket Grow Your Center Child Care Authority Child Care Exchange The Dream Manager Simon Sinek HiMama The Preschool Podcast