This week features Sue Kurtovich, all the way from New Zealand. Sue is a specialist in early childhood education (ECE) administration and management with over 30 years of sector experience. She shares her journey into Early Childhood, and how her extensive knowledge of the ECE regulatory environment helps others through her Early Childhood Management Consulting business. Sue talks about challenges in teacher staffing during the early years, her predictions for New Zealand’s regulations and teacher shortages in early childhood, and the qualities of generosity, kindness, and practicality that continue to serve her along the way.   Key Takeaways: [1:25] Sue walks us through her journey into Early Childhood and how she got interested in the business, regulation, and compliance side. [5:44] How Sue got involved with the Early Childhood Council. [7:00] What does Sue’s consulting company provide? [12:42 What is Sue’s home life like? [13:36] What are some of the biggest differences in the culture of early childhood in New Zealand versus the U.S.? [17:00] What are some of the issues that face childcare providers right now? [26:33] Will New Zealand loosen the regulations in early childhood? [30:54] What is the funding like for childcare in the community, and how can we do better? [30:58] The importance of mentorship. [40:00] Why hasn't Sue retired? Many reasons. First, she loves what she does and takes great pride in helping others. [41:02] One of Sue’s proudest moments was achieving a turnaround in the government policy back in the 2000s when the government wanted to discriminate against privately-owned services.   Quotes: “We’re fairly tenacious sort of women, and we were determined to get a preschool going for our children. So, we thought we can’t be the only people that are looking for a preschool. And, a nice preschool.” — Sue [5:05] “I worry about burnout for those people who own the business and work in the business and the pressures on them.” — Sue [16:36] “The downside for the Early Childhood sector was that we probably didn’t have a true understanding of our reliance on immigration when it came to our teaching workforce.” — Sue [17:19] “We’re very mindful of what we need to put in place to keep the good teachers that we’ve got to ensure we look after them.” — Sue [19:39] “Sometimes people just want to know how they can do something better.” — Sue [38:13] “I feel quite proud every day because every day I help somebody. It’s like that’s the rewarding part about it.” — Sue [32:45]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use the code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal Kurtovich Consulting