Chat Transcripts

Topic

Chat Session 4

Date

2025-11-10

Group ID

0

Course ID

301536

User List

Butler-Robinson, LafayetteDeVaughn, HeatherFerrusca, LadyGantt, TriciaHernandez Alcoser, CinthiaSadiki, NazliyaSnabb, JackieStaudt, SaraVilla, Johanna{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}
User Timestamp Message
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}06:48:12 pmHello Everyone - and welcome to Chat Four! Wow, our last chat already!!
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia06:54:13 pmHello Karen!!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}06:54:39 pmHi Cinthia! How are you today?
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia06:55:30 pmI’m doing great! How about you?
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}06:56:12 pmI'm good! We are having wind and rain! Looks like some people have snow!
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette06:57:32 pmgood evening to everyone
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}06:57:47 pmHI Lafayette!
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia06:58:58 pmYes, it's getting very cold out now!!!!
Snabb, Jackie07:00:26 pmHello!
Staudt, Sara06:59:31 pmHello!
Villa, Johanna06:59:34 pmhi
Gantt, Tricia06:59:47 pmHi everyone!
Gantt, Tricia07:00:01 pmWe made it through another section!! 🙂
Ferrusca, Lady07:00:00 pmhello
DeVaughn, Heather07:00:36 pmHello
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:00:40 pmHi Everybody! Feeling like winter so early?
Gantt, Tricia07:01:17 pmYes! Little snow dustings and the cold is here!
Snabb, Jackie07:02:42 pmIt's going to start warming up here by morning and back into the 60's, way above average of 43
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:02:07 pmGreat to be with you! Wow, this four weeks has gone by fast - at least for me!!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:02:22 pmThat's good news Jackie!!
Snabb, Jackie07:03:33 pmSuper fast!
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:02:39 pmYes it went by fast!!
Snabb, Jackie07:04:18 pmI know, and just in time for my birthday! Novemeber's always tricky weather
Ferrusca, Lady07:04:09 pmyes, today we had problems with the heater and 3 of our classroom needed to be relocated
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:04:29 pmOK, we dug into branding again this week! Hopefully you have all started on our final assignment! It is not too long or too hard - just a nice compilation of your thoughts and a few foreward looking plans! Please make sure your also upload your Community Engagement Self Review - also part of the final assignment!
Snabb, Jackie07:05:41 pmOh no Lady!!
Gantt, Tricia07:04:50 pmOh Lady - that is stressful!
Snabb, Jackie07:06:29 pmThank you for the reminder of the Review!!
Ferrusca, Lady07:05:34 pmyess, the morning was so complicate for this. but well it is working now
DeVaughn, Heather07:05:36 pmKaren, is there a minimum word count on the final assignment>
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:05:44 pmIf for any reason you have trouble uploading your assignment, please email it to me and I can approve it from there!
Staudt, Sara07:06:01 pmThank you!
Gantt, Tricia07:06:35 pmThank you for adding in uploading the review as part of the assignment - I missed that part and will go in and attach it now!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:06:48 pmThe assignment is the four question template. I assume you will have at least a nice paragraph to write for each question. Or you might have more than that!
Snabb, Jackie07:08:06 pmgot it, thank you for that because I have problems uploading sometimes!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:07:33 pmHint on ETL - always keep the syllabus handy and check back to it often! Keeps away those unpleasant surprises! 🙂
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:07:35 pmi was just in Biloxi, Mississippi and the temp was 76 with 80% humidity and then i came back to this cold
Ferrusca, Lady07:07:38 pmCommunity Engagement Self Review what is it? i think that i missed it.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:09:24 pmreview was an assignment in Week Two, I believe. To be completed and uploaded as part of your final assignment. To earn credit for this (and any ETL) you must turn in the final assignment complete and on time. That means by Wednesday at the latest. I don't want you to miss your credit toward your credential!!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:10:01 pmIf you have any other work not completed or missed, you can complete that by Wednesday also. Questions about that?
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:10:25 pmOk, let's have more fun than talking about deadlines! 🙂
Gantt, Tricia07:10:30 pmThank you Karen!
Snabb, Jackie07:11:41 pmThank you!
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:10:36 pmThank you.
Ferrusca, Lady07:10:50 pmok
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:11:53 pmOn the Discussion board, you brought up many excellent points about your branding and what you see as important for your organization. One thing we have not yet discussed is , what is the right amount of branding? Too much, too little? Just right? What are your thoughts on that? *
Gantt, Tricia07:12:25 pmI think effective branding is all about consistency and authenticity; staying visible without overwhelming people. At our YMCA center, our strongest branding comes from the day-to-day experiences families have with us and the genuine word-of-mouth that follows. Too much branding or too many mixed messages can start to feel impersonal or forced. I’ve found that when we focus on clear, values-based communication like belonging, trust, and growth, it connects naturally with the families we want to reach.
Staudt, Sara07:13:16 pmI think the right amount is about being true to who you are,
DeVaughn, Heather07:13:17 pmEnough messaging to be familiar to your audience, without being annoying to your audience
DeVaughn, Heather07:13:22 pmYES, ESPECIALLY IF THEY ARE INCONSISTENT AND HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO OVERWHELM OR CONFUSE YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE. I THINK IT’S A DELICATE BALANCE BETWEEN WANTING TO BE TOP OF MIND WITHOUT BEING THAT BRAND THAT MAKES YOU GO, “IF I SEE THIS AD ONE MORE TIME…”
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:13:26 pmI think the right amount of branding is really about balance. Too little, and people might not remember you; too much, and it can feel overwhelming.
DeVaughn, Heather07:13:32 pmoops sorry for caps lock
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:13:39 pmConsistency keeps down the branding all over the place. People who try this, then that, then another don't really get the benefits of a brand
Staudt, Sara07:14:11 pmPushing branding too hard can feel inauthentic and overwhelming.
Gantt, Tricia07:14:43 pmI feel like we get that a lot for realtors this time of year .. the push too hard with free pies for the holidays and whatnot and it drives me a little bonkers!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:14:48 pmTrue Sara, it can be too much and not look genuine!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:15:23 pmDo you see brands that you think push too hard? What are they doing that is too much?
Ferrusca, Lady07:15:31 pmI think the right amount of branding should reflect the quality and authenticity of the services we offer. The price or value we communicate through our brand needs to match what families actually experience. It’s important to highlight the unique aspects that not every daycare provides, such as being bilingual, offering fresh and healthy meals, or providing a strong educational foundation. When our branding focuses on these genuine strengths, it feels balanced, not too much, not too little.
Villa, Johanna07:15:54 pmI think the "right amount" varies on the center size and make up. A smaller center may need to leverage more "informal" branding opprotunties- notes in neighborhood newsletters, flyers at neighborhood hot spots, word of mouth etc. A larger program may need to leverage branding on a larger scale- videos, targeted social media postings.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:15:57 pmGood point, Lady!
Gantt, Tricia07:16:05 pmSometimes some companies I have subscribed to texts too do it too much - messaging me every day or several times a week!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:16:29 pmAh, great point Johanna!
Gantt, Tricia07:16:43 pmTitle boxing club is one of them - or the ninja gyms I have taken my children to!
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:16:45 pmI like that Johanna!!
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:16:46 pmtoy companies brand to kids all day everyday especially this time of year
Snabb, Jackie07:17:58 pmI feel it can be tricky to not over brand and overwhelm people but if you find a way to plan activities for the year, and consistently follow them every year later you can be sucessful at branding. We have many traditions we do every year and have for most of the 27yrs we have existed
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:17:06 pmYes, too many texts! Important to think about in how we communicate with parents in our programs!
Staudt, Sara07:17:35 pmSometimes I see ads multiple times per day for programs or centers. I think this happens more with corporate chains & franchises.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:18:31 pmI think pointing out benefits without being "in your face" can be beneficial to being a solid, quality program.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:18:46 pmShall we move ahead? *
Villa, Johanna07:18:55 pm*
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:18:56 pm*
Staudt, Sara07:18:58 pm*
Ferrusca, Lady07:19:08 pm*
Gantt, Tricia07:19:11 pm*
Snabb, Jackie07:20:26 pm*
DeVaughn, Heather07:19:34 pm*
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:19:53 pmThe Youtube we had for viewing this week talked about your personal brand. What did you pick out from that that relates to our organizations? *
Gantt, Tricia07:20:17 pmWhat stood out most to me was the reminder that a brand is more than just visuals or slogan it’s the feeling people get when they interact with your program. That really resonated with me.
Gantt, Tricia07:20:45 pmAt the Y, we already have such a strong brand foundation, but it’s up to us locally to make sure that feeling of community and care shows up in everything we do from the way we greet families to how we celebrate diversity and milestones in our classrooms.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:21:12 pmDo you consider yourself a personal brand in our business? No right or wrong on that - but interestign to ponder!
DeVaughn, Heather07:21:23 pmBeing personal and authentic in your messaging, and the importance of having PEOPLE whether that is parents through online reviews and mentions, or staff, or directors talking about your brand and business online. PEOPLE get more views than businesses.
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:21:43 pmpersonal branding is the idea of authenticity being consistent with your values and the way you present yourself.
Gantt, Tricia07:22:15 pmYes I do consider myself a personal brand - our faces can continually make impressions in the community through our interactions!
DeVaughn, Heather07:22:31 pmIm in a bit of a unique position as a group family daycare owner, my business brand and personal brand are very intertwined
Staudt, Sara07:23:15 pmAuthenticity and people. When staff show up authentically, that’s a huge part of the brand.
Snabb, Jackie07:24:36 pmI agree with Tricia, I found the part of how people feel really hit home for me. I want people to leave having had a completely positive interaction with us whether or not they enroll with us as they go back out into the community. That strengthens our brand
Villa, Johanna07:23:35 pmEach individual has their own brand, whether they are aware of it or whether they work to craft it. As a program leader (and therefor a community leader) you are always representing your program in how you present yourself, how you engage with others, how you build relationships with others, how you make others feel. If you as a program leader exude authenticity and warmth, perspective families will assume your entire program will be reflective of that feeling
Ferrusca, Lady07:23:33 pmRegarding my brand, something I really liked about the video and that I strongly identify with is the authenticity and strategy I need to use to show that my brand is truly unique and valuable for families. For example, being a bilingual center and offering fresh food are not common features. Therefore, I need to promote these qualities every day and work hard to ensure that the children themselves become the best evidence that they are learning a second language and enjoying the healthy meals we provide.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:23:37 pmIn our field we are pretty humble about ourselves, in most cases. You point out some important points of how it does apply. Leaders set a tone - hopefully it is not "all about me" tone! LOL!
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:23:46 pmyour brand should say who you are without asking questions
Ferrusca, Lady07:24:03 pmi like this Lafayette
Ferrusca, Lady07:24:22 pmyour name should to remind the families why you are unique.
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:24:40 pmyes i see myself as a personal brand everyone is label a personal brand where you work
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:24:50 pmI think you are using personal brand in positive ways - role model, mentor, building trust and respect.
Staudt, Sara07:25:15 pmI also consider myself part of the brand. Even though the program exists without me, parents look at their interactions with me as a representative of our program. If interactions are negative or inauthentic, they may choose to look elsewhere,
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:26:04 pmLeadership in our field is quite different than in some fields. Early childhood directors for the most part are the most caring and dedicated people I know! Ego is not usually very evident! Confidence is good, though!!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:26:23 pmGreat points all around!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:27:42 pmLet's walk back to earlier in our class when we we explored our community engagement. How do you see your community engagement and your branding working together? *
Sadiki, Nazliya07:28:02 pmhi
Ferrusca, Lady07:28:11 pm*
Gantt, Tricia07:28:37 pmI think our community engagement efforts need to match the way we brand ourselves - otherwise there is a disconnect in trust from the beginning!
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:28:51 pm*
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:29:10 pmGood point Tricia. In what ways do they or can they match?
Staudt, Sara07:29:22 pmCommunity engagement and branding go hand in hand. The ways in which we engage with our community are shaped by our brand, and the way we present ourselves is a chance to authentically share and communicate our brand.
DeVaughn, Heather07:29:27 pmOur community engagement should be consistent with our branding...its where the rubber meets the road
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:29:52 pmVery true - how do we keep them consistent?
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:29:57 pmI see community engagement and branding as connected because how we interact with families and the community reflects our values. Positive, consistent engagement helps make our brand feel trustworthy, caring, and authentic.
Villa, Johanna07:30:04 pmWhen we as a program have a consistent brand we can build a consistent presence in our community. When we have a consistent presence, we an engage in a wider range of community engagement efforts. Maybe more people will know who we are, they had a positive interaction with use before and are more inclined to include us in future activities, they may think of us as an organization to donate to etc. It is difficult to have quality community engagement if the community doesn't know who you are
Ferrusca, Lady07:30:08 pmIt is definitely essential for our community to be connected with our brand, since word of mouth is one of the most effective ways to attract new families. If the community knows us and recognizes us as a trustworthy and suitable place for child care, they can recommend our center to other families who, even if they are not part of the community, might become interested in our program, learn more about us, and consider enrolling their children in our daycare.
Snabb, Jackie07:31:23 pmWhen we have positive interactions with the community it strengthens our brand by word of mouth, as having them intentionally planned throughout the year helps with being consistently involved in the community
Gantt, Tricia07:31:05 pmFor example: the Y brands for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We need to make sure our community "face" and outreach is representative of those things - this can be done through the programing we offer and advertise for!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:31:52 pmYou all mention "word of mouth" being so important. Often the most important advertising we have. How does that play into your brand and your engagement? *
Sadiki, Nazliya07:31:58 pmI am late today so I will answer the all the question. Sorry. Branding is not too much or too little so you have to brand your self in the community
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:32:21 pmHi Naz - thanks!
Staudt, Sara07:33:28 pmOne thing we are working on adding is a referral bonus. We know families are happy with our care, so encouraging them to refer others promotes word of mouth
Gantt, Tricia07:33:31 pmWe see word of mouth playing out for us though family referrals most of the time - or from word getting out about community events we are hosting - like our trunk or treat or food bank/winter clothing drive we currently have!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:33:37 pmAnd an add-on question to that. Do you think "reputation" is part of branding? How does that play in?
Ferrusca, Lady07:33:51 pmAs I mentioned before, word of mouth has been one of the main ways many families have become interested in taking tours at my center. Several families have told us that other enrolled families recommended our program and shared their positive experiences. Although not every family that visits decides to enroll their children, this approach gives us the opportunity to reach more people and expand beyond our immediate community and area. This way, new families who didn’t know about us before get the chance to learn more and consider joining our program.
Gantt, Tricia07:34:12 pmYES I do! If you have a bad reputation, I dont feel like your branding matters a lot of the time - it could be perceived as being "fake"
DeVaughn, Heather07:34:21 pmWord of mouth is considered more personal and creditable than other forms of advertising, people give it more weight.
Ferrusca, Lady07:34:43 pmPor supuesto, la reputación es un aspecto fundamental en cualquier marca, ya sea de un producto, una empresa o, en este caso, de un daycare. Si no mantenemos nuestra reputación en un alto estándar, es probable que el voz a voz no sea positivo y, en lugar de atraer nuevas familias, genere el efecto contrario y nos aleje de alcanzar nuestros objetivos.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:34:46 pmCurrently enrolled families and those who have graduated from our programs are some of our very best advertisers! For sure!
Snabb, Jackie07:36:07 pmSame here Tricia, this way of community interaction spreads such positivty for our centers
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:35:05 pmYes, reputation is part of branding because it reflects how people experience and perceive your organization, which can strengthen or weaken your brand.
Villa, Johanna07:35:09 pmThe best way to build word of mouth advertisement is to be in the community. build connections with folks, talk to them, leave a positive impression on them when you interact. People may not remember your name or the details of the conversation, but they will remember how you made them feel and will always go towards space that elicit positive emotions.
Staudt, Sara07:35:16 pmI agree with Tricia! Reputation is huge!
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:35:29 pmsiiii Lady! 🙂
Sadiki, Nazliya07:35:39 pmreputaion is one of the branding as well. When you have good reputation you have a good name in the society
Gantt, Tricia07:35:43 pmI love that Johanna - people will always remember how you have made them feel
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:35:57 pmYes, great points all around!!
Snabb, Jackie07:37:35 pmExactly Johanna!
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:37:16 pmi agree with everyone
Sadiki, Nazliya07:37:51 pmBranding and community are tight together in child care business. it is the trust you built for generation.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:39:10 pmIn one of our earlier chats, we each chose five words that can sum up our brand or share about who we are, what we do and why! These can become tag lines - which are great as part of a brand - on posters, email, brochures, website etc. You may not remember your five words and they may have changed as you have thought more about this. So let's each share five words again that we can use to describe our business and ways we want people to recognize the great service we offer!!
Gantt, Tricia07:39:47 pmThe five words I chose were Nurturing, Inclusive, Connected, Playful, and Purposeful. These are reflected in every part of our brand. “Nurturing” and “inclusive” guide the way we communicate with families and celebrate diversity. “Connected” shows up in our community partnerships and strong family relationships. “Playful” captures the joy and energy of childhood, and “purposeful” reminds us that our work has long-term impact, it’s about shaping strong, caring communities from the start.
DeVaughn, Heather07:40:16 pmfaith based, Safe, Joyful, Wholesome, Educational
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:40:22 pmNice!
Villa, Johanna07:41:05 pminclusive, high quality, cooperative, child led, social emotional development
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:41:07 pmCaring – Safe – Educational – Welcoming – Trustworthy
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:41:07 pmWe can ponder the ways we can use these words!
Sadiki, Nazliya07:41:11 pmFoundation, home away home, safe, warmth and joy
Ferrusca, Lady07:41:21 pmbilingual, healthy, warm, family-oriented and multicultural
Staudt, Sara07:41:28 pmJoyful, safe, nurturing, chil-led, educational
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:41:33 pmWe can see commonality in these!
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:41:52 pmfamily, fun, safe caring, diversity
Snabb, Jackie07:43:02 pmSafe, Happy, Nurturing, Playful, Purposeful
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:41:58 pmThanks for sharing those! Now for our final question!!
Sadiki, Nazliya07:42:32 pm*
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:42:49 pmWhat is the one biggest thing you take away from our exploration of engagement and branding that you think will benefit your business the most? One action!
Gantt, Tricia07:43:22 pmMy next steps are to keep strengthening our community relationships and making sure our brand truly mirrors the heart of our program. I want our families and partners to feel the YMCA’s mission in every interaction; whether that’s a conversation at pick-up, a community event, or a social media post. Moving forward, I hope to highlight more of our teachers’ voices and our children’s everyday successes. Those real, human stories are what bring our brand to life and remind everyone why early childhood work matters so deeply.
Staudt, Sara07:43:24 pmFocusing on community engagement opportunities to build visibility and boost enrollment
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:43:45 pmMy biggest takeaway is that authentic communication strengthens our brand. / My action: regular updates to families to keep them informed and connected.
Sadiki, Nazliya07:43:50 pmBranding is a important part in the cominity and engaging with the comunity is important part
Villa, Johanna07:44:05 pmimproving community engagement to improve visibility and additional streams of revenue
Ferrusca, Lady07:44:50 pmOne of the biggest takeaways from our exploration of engagement and branding is realizing the importance of intentionally connecting my brand with the community. The key action I plan to take is to reflect on what I am already doing and what more I can do to strengthen those connections—by building relationships with other businesses or local organizations that can positively contribute to my brand’s visibility and help us reach more families.
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:44:54 pmAh, so many very useful, beneficial ideas!!
Snabb, Jackie07:46:31 pmConsistent positive community engagement builds our brand and who we are as people
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:45:28 pmbeing yourself at all times when engaging with your families and children because it's them that makes or breaks a company
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:46:09 pmThank you all for what you have brought to our class and contributed! I have truly enjoyed getting to know you a bit! Will you be OK if I stay in touch and share more ideas? *
Gantt, Tricia07:46:36 pmYes please! 🙂
Staudt, Sara07:46:38 pmYes, thank you!
Gantt, Tricia07:46:42 pmThank you for everything!
DeVaughn, Heather07:46:40 pmWe cant exist in a silo, and purposeful engagement with our community does a lot to positively highlight our brand and our business
Snabb, Jackie07:47:52 pmI will take action by engaging more with the Chamber and local churches we don't know
Sadiki, Nazliya07:46:49 pmThank you so much
Hernandez Alcoser, Cinthia07:46:51 pmYes, Thank you!
Ferrusca, Lady07:47:02 pmyes of course
Snabb, Jackie07:48:18 pmYes, Thank you!!!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:47:42 pmSuper!! Send in your final assignments - both pieces! And enjoy all that you do everyday!! You do very important work! Thanks and good night!
DeVaughn, Heather07:48:05 pm`Thank you!
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:48:26 pmThank you and stay warm out there!!
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:48:32 pmI'm sorry. can you say the pieces again
{Foster-Jorgensen, Karen}07:50:44 pmYou can check the syllabus also. The Community Engagement Self Assessment (week two reading, I think) and the Next Steps to Effective Community Engagement and Branding ( found week four reading0
Butler-Robinson, Lafayette07:55:09 pmok. thank you. i work nights so i 'm everywhere while typing. but thank you