In this episode of Carpools, Commutes, and Childcare, Erin talks with Dr. Kendra LaRoche of the Special Needs Support Center about her journey from teacher and school administrator to nonprofit leader. Kendra shares why belonging matters, how communities can better support people with disabilities, and why creating lasting change means bringing people together to solve problems.

Erin talks with well-known ECE journalist Rebecca Gale. They discuss the realities of child care, paid family leave and workplace flexibility. Gale draws from her own experiences as a parent and years of reporting, shares how policy, geography and workplace culture shapes the support families received—and why so much still depends on luck. You don't want to miss this one!

Learn about what's going on in the Vermont ECE world, First Children’s Finance Vermont and our partners around the state. Tess & Erin break it down for you and of course have some fun with it. Make sure you tune in so you don’t miss what’s coming up and relevant for your business!

In this episode, we are excited to introduce you to Heidi Hagel Braid, President and CEO of First Children’s Finance. Heidi has spent more than a decade working to strengthen childcare businesses and find creative solutions to some of the challenges facing the field. Erin and Heidi talk about how she found her way into early childhood, the two grandmothers who continue to inspire her, and what she does when the world feels a little too heavy. We also have some fun along the way—including a very strong case for waffles over pancakes!

In this episode, Erin chats with Chris Nelson, a legend in the ECE field with a no-nonsense, intelligent and caring approach to her child care business, board service and all of her state and national advocacy for the field of early childhood in Vermont. Founder of Mountain View Child Care, Chris gives an especially important voice to rural child care where she takes time to consult and advocate in Vermont and beyond. You do not want to miss this intentional conversation that will of course sprinkle in some joy and fun.

Dr. Kaitlin Northey, Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at UVM, joins the podcast to share her path into early childhood education and discuss how research, teacher preparation, and policy can work together to strengthen Vermont's child care system. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, advocacy, and supporting the early childhood workforce.

Do you want to know what is going on in the ECE world in Vermont? Or learn more about business sustainability that first children’s finance has to offer? Maybe you don’t have time to sit down and read the FCF VT newsletter-well here is your chance to listen in to our FCF VT monthly newsletter. All things, business sustainability, access to capital, partner updates and more. Listen to Tess and Erin as they break things down in a spirited and entertaining fashion!

Growing up on a Vermont dairy farm shaped Ashley Bessette's passion for early childhood education and lifelong learning. In this episode, Ashley shares her journey from the classroom to becoming Addison County's Universal Pre-K Coordinator, the importance of supporting children through key transitions, and why strong connections between families, educators, and schools matter. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, community, and helping every child thrive