Ep. 217 - Not Your Typical Childcare Center with LaVonda Paul

This week, Kris welcomes LaVonda Paul, a trailblazing early childhood leader and fourth-generation entrepreneur, for an inspiring conversation about legacy, leadership, and the power of showing up. As the owner of Small Impressions Child Development Center in Taylors, South Carolina, LaVonda has spent 19 years building a community-first program. In the episode, LaVonda talks with Kris about how she's cultivated deep trust with families, built a rock-solid team culture, and gone all-in on advocacy, helping shape policy while showing up for children, parents, and educators alike. She opens up the community programs she's launched and why she might just run for office one day. This is a powerful look at what it means to lead with heart, purpose, and unapologetic commitment.

Key Takeaways:

[7:37] LaVonda shares the origin of Small Impressions, which she's led for 19 years. With 90 students currently enrolled, she prioritizes quality over quantity and deep relationships with families.

[8:57] Her journey in early childhood education began at the Urban League of the Upstate and in after-school programs, where she realized the impact she could make by working with younger children.

[10:13] LaVonda reflects on launching her center while going through a divorce, raising a one-year-old. Her leap of faith led to a thriving business — now co-run with her husband, Curtis.

[11:40] Fun fact: LaVonda is afraid to fly, but that doesn't stop her from being a world traveler!

[13:34] LaVonda details what sets her center apart: low staff turnover, deep parent engagement, teacher-parent conferences, onsite therapy, and advocacy for families.

[17:27] She's active at the state level, working with lawmakers and Chambers of Commerce to advocate for childcare investment and workforce development in South Carolina.

[18:06] LaVonda explains her entrepreneurial drive as generational — a fourth-generation business owner who didn't want to live with "shoulda, coulda, woulda" regrets.

[19:41] LaVonda explains running her school like a real school, where she acts as more principal than babysitter.

[21:53] Kris and LaVonda talk about the importance of taking ownership when mistakes happen.

[31:59] Lavonda's advocacy work includes training for childcare workers, as well as expanded services and access for children with behavioral or developmental needs.

[33:06] What's next for LaVonda and Small Impressions?

Quotes:

"I'm about quality as opposed to quantity. I don't want to pack out my classroom because I don't want to lose my sense of being able to connect with my students, um, being able to connect with my families." — LaVonda [8:10]

"That speaks volumes within itself, that children and families believe in our program here, that they stay with us, five, six years. I have a family here that's been here for 12 years." — LaVonda [9:02]

"I'm a risk taker. I'm gonna jump off that cliff. One or two things are going to happen, either God's going to catch me before I fall, or he's going to give me wings and teach me how to fly, but he's taught me how to soar." — LaVonda [10:40]

"It's better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all. So why not try to create something special with my own ideas?" — LaVonda [18:32]

"Take ownership when you screw up. Take ownership when you don't always get it right." — Kris [22:34]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

@iamkrismurray

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

Small Impressions

Small Impressions Facebook

First Steps South Carolina