Claim OwnershipThe Child Care Directors Chair Podcast
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Š 2026 The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast
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đď¸ The Child Care Directorâs Chair â Where Big Dreams and Bigger Leadership Collide! Â
Ready to level up your child care career? Whether you're a teacher assistant dreaming of that lead teacher badge, a lead ready to snag that director title, or a director with your sights set on owning your own center (or multiple ones đ)âthis is your seat at the table. And spoiler alert: leadership isnât a title, itâs an action.
Hosted by the one and only Erica Saccoccioâpart coach, part cheerleader, and full-time leadership hype manâyouâll get daily doses of real talk, big laughs, and bold leadership truths. Weâre talking practical strategies, mindset shifts, and serious elevation vibes... all served with love (and a little sass đ).
⨠New episodes drop MondayâFriday at 1 AM ESTâso you can sip your coffee, set your goals, and strut into your center like the boss youâre becoming.
This show is a great addition to your leadership toolbox or the perfect resource for your team onboarding sessionsâbecause the best programs grow their teams from within. đŞÂ
Pull up your chair, future leader. Letâs do this thing. đźđĽ
576Â Episodes
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Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Directors Chair podcast, Erica sits down with Jerletha McDonald to explore the rapidly changing world of childcare. They dive into the latest policy shifts, funding opportunities, and strategies for ensuring the sustainability and growth of your program. From diversifying funding streams to advocating for your center and collaborating with other providers, this conversation is packed with insights every childcare leader needs to stay ahea...
Send us a text Leadership in early childhood education canât stay stuck on the runway. In this episode, we sit down with guest Dr. Kimberly Krzanowski to talk about what it takes to move ECE leadership from takeoff to touchdownâthrough innovation, intention, and people-centered leadership. Together, we unpack what effective leadership truly looks like in todayâs early childhood education workforce: empowering teachers as professionals, strengthening leadership pipelines, fostering confidence ...
Send us a text In this must-listen episode of The Child Care Directorâs Chair Podcast, Erica Saccoccio sits down with childcare marketing expert Mark Davilus to break down the rapidly changing landscape of childcare marketingâand why traditional word-of-mouth is no longer enough. They dive into how todayâs parents actually search for childcare online, the power of social proof and reviews in driving enrollment, and why consistent online visibility is now a non-negotiable for growth. This epis...
Send us a text In this heartfelt episode of The Child Care Directorâs Chair, Erica Saccoccio sits down with Jamie Wagler to explore the true power of purpose-centered leadership in after-school programs. Together, they discuss why reconnecting with your âwhyâ is essential for sustainable leadership, how intentional communication strengthens teams, and the profound, lasting impact educators have on children long after the school day ends. Through personal experiences and real-life leadership l...
Send us a text In this impactful episode of The Child Care Directorâs Chair, Erica Saccoccio sits down with two powerhouse leaders in early childhood educationâHolly Elissa Bruno and Cheryl Hoveyâfor a deep and honest conversation about female leadership. Together, they explore trust, emotional intelligence, and trauma-informed leadership, and how personal experiences shape the way women show up in leadership roles. This episode unpacks the importance of self-recognition, setting boundaries w...
Send us a text In this episode of The Childcare Directorâs Chair, Erica sits down with childcare tax strategist David Encarnacion to have the conversation too many owners avoidâprofit. They unpack the biggest financial mistakes childcare owners make, why âjust survivingâ is keeping programs stuck, and how a simple mindset shift can change everything. David shares practical tax strategies, real-world numbers childcare owners need to understand, and why delegation is key to growing a sust...
Send us a text In this no-holds-barred episode of The Child Care Director's Chair, host Erica Saccoccio sits down with educator Ruth A. Baugh to talk about the real deal: educators need to be heardâor risk burnout. From advocating for mental health to holding leadership accountable, Ruth shares her journey, practical strategies, and tough truths about creating work environments where teachers actually feel supported. If you care about culture, community, and sanity in early childhood ed...
Send us a text Music and movement arenât just funâtheyâre game-changers in early childhood classrooms! In this episode of The Child Care Directorâs Chair Podcast, Erica sits down with Brenda from Musically Mindful Consulting to explore how these powerful tools support child development, boost classroom management, and even lift teacher well-being. Brenda shares practical, ready-to-use strategies for weaving music and movement into daily routinesâturning transitions, lessons, and free play int...
Send us a text Play isnât just funâitâs the foundation for learning, especially in those critical early years! In this episode of The Child Care Directorâs Chair Podcast, Erica sits down with Susie Beghin, ECE expert, classroom leader, and author, to explore why play is essential for childrenâs brain development. They dive into Susieâs four pillars of learningâlanguage and literacy, STEAM, physical activity, and emotional awarenessâand show how intentional play in the classroom and at home ca...
Send us a text Family partnerships arenât just about smiles at drop-offâtheyâre about showing up for the high fives and the hard conversations. In this lively episode of The Child Care Directorâs Chair, Erica is joined by Katie and Carrie from the Childcare Conversations Podcast to talk all things trust, communication, and real connection with families. With honesty, humor, and plenty of real-life stories, they share practical strategies for navigating tricky conversations, building genuine r...
Send us a text In this heartfelt and practical episode, Erica sits down with Mr. Jay to explore the power of meaningful conversations in early childhood classrooms. Together, they unpack how simple affirmations, inclusive language, and intentional tone can build trust, strengthen relationships, and support childrenâs emotional development. The conversation dives into the art of asking open-ended questions that spark curiosity and connection, and why how we say something matters just as much a...
Send us a text Reading doesnât happen by luckâit happens with intention. In this episode of The Child Care Directorâs Chair, Erica sits down with Tangee Peak, The Toddler Tutor, to talk about how informed data can turn everyday preschool moments into powerful literacy wins. This isnât about drowning in assessments or staring at spreadsheets. Itâs about knowing what to look for, noticing the small clues children give us, and using that information to support language, early reading skills, and...
Send us a text In this energizing episode of The Child Care Directorâs Chair podcast, host Erica sits down with early childhood visionary Carla Ward to unpack the powerful concept of yes spacesâenvironments designed to empower children through autonomy, trust, and emotional safety. Together, they explore what it really means to shift from a mindset of control to one of connection, and how thoughtfully designed spaces can spark critical thinking, confidence, and meaningful play. Carla shares p...
Send us a text What happens when leadership stops operating in silos and starts building with their teams instead of above them? In this episode of the Childcare Directorâs Chair, weâre breaking down âC Is for Collaborationâ and why true collaboration between administrators and instructional staff isnât a ânice to haveâ â itâs essential for building strong, sustainable early childhood programs. Too often, decisions are made in offices while the real magic (and real challenges) live in the cla...
Send us a text In this episode, Erica Saccoccio dives into the conversations youâve been avoidingâthe ones that are silently holding your program back. Learn how to identify toxic behaviors, address challenging staff and parent situations, and lean into tough discussions with confidence, clarity, and compassion. These conversations arenât obstaclesâtheyâre opportunities to grow your leadership, strengthen your team, and create lasting impact. Ready to step into 2026 with bold, fearless leader...
Send us a text In this episode, Erica Saccoccio dives deep into the leader youâre becomingâthe one who shows up with clarity, courage, and purpose every day. We explore how to step into your authority, navigate tough conversations, break old leadership habits, and create a lasting impact on your team, your program, and the children you serve. If youâre ready to invest in yourself and take your leadership to the next level in 2026, join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference, May 7â9...
Send us a text Leadership presence is what people feel before you ever speak. In this solo episode, Erica explores how confidence, emotional regulation, and clarity shape trust, influence, and culture in early childhood leadership. Building on the language of leadership, this episode dives deeper into how aligned, grounded leaders create stability, hold boundaries, and lead effectivelyâespecially in high-stress environments. If youâre ready to step off the hamster wheel, strengthen your...
Send us a text If you want 2026 to look different than 2025, the way you leadâand speakâhas to change. In this solo episode, Erica breaks down the language of leadership and how your words, tone, and consistency shape trust, culture, and confidence long before policies or titles do. Youâll learn what leadership language really looks like, why clarity builds authority, and how intentional communication helps you stop reacting and start leading. This episode is for educators and directors...
Send us a text Too many leaders wait for permission before they leadâand itâs costing them confidence, influence, and impact. In this episode, Erica breaks down how real authority is built from the inside out, not granted by a title or approval. Youâll learn practical ways to overcome self-doubt, people-pleasing, inconsistency, and the fear of being dislikedâso you can lead with clarity, confidence, and consistency. If youâre ready to stop shrinking, start deciding, and step fully into ...
Send us a text Strong teams donât happen by accidentâtheyâre built from day one. In this episode, inspired by a listener question from Colby Kanas, we break down the leadership lessons behind effective onboarding and how to create training manuals that give new staff clarity, confidence, and consistency across infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms. If you want your leadership to show up before a teacher ever steps into the classroom, this episode is for you. Support the show đ...
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Erica, what a heartfelt episode! I truly felt his passion for the children and their familiesâit was so moving. Thank you for consistently bringing such meaningful and inspiring content to your podcast. I always look forward to tuning in. đĽ°