Kris welcomes a special guest, Miss Cindy Lehnhoff, the director of the National Child Care Association. With over four decades of experience in the industry, including various roles within the learning care group, Cindy is passionate about strengthening and professionalizing the field. Cindy and Kris explore the world of advocacy and how to be our own best advocates. They discuss the importance of staying informed about policy changes and share insights on leveraging our political power as business owners or leaders. Cindy addresses misconceptions and fears around advocacy, debunking the notion that it requires an excessive time commitment, along with the vital role of engaging parents and teachers in this journey.   Key Takeaways: [10:48] Cindy’s background in child care and the path that got her into advocacy and the NCCA. [14:40] Cindy is now the Director of the NCCA. [16:49] Cindy and her high school sweetheart are still married and living in Florida, with three incredible adult children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren! [18:40] Fun Fact: Cindy didn’t choose a career in child care — it chose her! [21:02] How early childhood professionals aren’t often comfortable with advocating for themselves, and why it’s important. [22:34] Advice for people to build up confidence towards advocating for themselves using the three Cs: collaborate, connect, and communicate. [30:50] The CHIPS Act, and how we can do better with funding and creating a better ecosystem for education. [37:52] How do we engage more people in our communities? [39:20] What types of things does the National Child Care Association provide for its members? [45:38] There’s no industry more essential than child care if we want to get America back to work fully.  [50:52] Options for accreditation, including NECPA.   Quotes: “We want our providers to be able to thrive so they can do their best work for families.” — Cindy [16:15] “I never really pursued a career in early care and education. It pursued me.” — Cindy [18:28]  “For the most part, early childhood professionals, they simply just don’t get involved in advocating for themselves.” — Cindy [20:57] “We actually say there's three C’s in, in advocacy, and it’s to collaborate, connect and communicate.” — [Cindy 25:23] “There’s no industry more essential than childcare if we want to get America back to work fully.” — Kris [45:57]   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 National Child Care Association NECPA