Episode 13: Thriving Through Multiple ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ Crises | Paula Polito

The Child Care Business Podcast

In this episode, we chat with Paula Polito, owner of Beary Cherry Tree in New Orleans. From humble beginnings 45 years ago to a four-building, 16-classroom operation, Beary Cherry Tree is a thriving business that boasts a four-star rating, low turnover and low ratios. However, the journey hasn’t been an easy one. From navigating the loss of her house and severe building damage during Hurricane Katrina to a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, Paula has seen it all. But her resilient spirit, business acumen and focus on culture have helped her weather the storm (pun intended).

Topics we talk about with Paula include:

• How she hires and retains teachers through culture-building, caring leadership, professional development, lower ratios and a strong focus on mental health.
• Strategies for communicating with parents and staff in a transparent and compassionate way.
• Her approach to the latest COVID outbreaks.
• How she’s implemented a structure that allows for her to spend more time doing work outside the center, such as child care advocacy and earning her PhD.
• Paula’s storied background, including spending six years as a New Orleans Saints cheerleader as well as a stint on the show “Fear Factor.”

About Paula:

Paula is owner of Beary Cherry Tree in New Orleans. Beary Cherry Tree is a family-owned and operated day care center that is 45 years old and spans three generations. They have grown from 1,000 square feet in 1976 to what is one of the largest in the area.

Paula's center has a four-star rating from Louisiana’s Quality Start Program and is a 5210 Partner, which means her center is all about kids health, providing 5 or more fruits/vegetables, 2 hours or less of recreational screen time, 1 hour or more of physical activity and 0 soda or sweetened drinks.

Paula is currently getting her doctorate in Urban Studies/Affairs from the University of New Orleans and has a number of certifications, including:

• Pathways Level 3 trainer
• MTP Credentialed Coach
• MMCI Trainer
• CLASS TTT (Train the Trainer)
• CLASS Reliable (Infant/Toddler / PreK)

She’s also the Department of Education Advisory Board Chair.

You can connect with Paula by visiting her website: https://www.bearycherrytree.com/ or by emailing her at [email protected].

Additional Resources:
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