Claim OwnershipThe Child Care Directors Chair Podcast
Subscribed: 16Played: 652
Subscribe
Š 2026 The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast
Description
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
607Â Episodes
Reverse
Send a text Childcare leadership is hard enoughâso why make it harder by going it alone? In this episode, weâre talking about why gatekeeping doesnât belong in childcare leadership. Too often, directors feel like they have to guard their policies, strategies, and ideas like a secret family sauce recipe. But the truth is, when leaders collaborate instead of compete, the entire field gets stronger. Weâll explore how sharing resources, supporting fellow directors, and building reciprocal relatio...
Send a text In this inspiring episode, Annette Eberhardtâfamily child care provider and passionate advocateâshares practical, real-world strategies to help educators prioritize self-care and prevent burnout. Discover how to reconnect with your âwhy,â set healthy boundaries without guilt, and build a supportive environment that nurtures both teachers and children. If youâre feeling stretched thin or simply want to strengthen your wellness routine, this conversation offers encouragement, action...
Send a text What happens when early childhood leaders take their voices all the way to Washington, D.C.? In this episode, we sit down with Alyson Panzarella-Girard as she shares her powerful experience attending the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Policy Forum and what it means for the future of early childhood education. Alyson takes us behind the scenes of advocacy at the national level, explaining what itâs like to meet with policymakers, discuss funding ch...
Send a text In this episode, Erica Saccoccio explores how early childhood leaders can find joy within themselves, reconnect with their purpose, and create a lasting impact. Through reflection, daily rituals, and intentional leadership, she shows how personal fulfillment fuels team engagement and inspires children. Sponsored by Active Alphabet, the phonics system that gets students moving and learning, this episode reminds leaders that joy is a powerful tool for lasting influence. https://www....
Send a text Episode 3 of our Sparking Joy in Your Team series dives into the heart of true engagement and what joy really means for early childhood programs. We explore how authentic joy fuels creativity, connection, and collaboration across classrooms and your entire program. Learn strategies to empower teachers, build program-wide purpose, and sustain meaningful fun, even when negative attitudes threaten to dampen the energy. Discover ways to create daily rituals, collaborative projects, an...
Send a text In Episode 2 of our Sparking Joy in Your Team series, we dive into the power of fun and how it transforms your early childhood program. Learn how intentional joy boosts staff engagement, strengthens classroom energy, and models positivity for children. I share practical strategies for embedding fun into daily routines, celebrating wins, and creating memorable team experiencesâboth inside and outside the center. From âjoke of the dayâ huddles to creative skits and comedy nights, di...
Send a text This week on The Childcare Directorâs Chair, weâre kicking off a special series all about sparking joy in your team and creating a culture of fun and engagement! I chose this series because Iâm heading to Tennessee next week to speak on this topic at the NCCA & NECPA National Leadership Conference on March 19 at the one and only The Peabody Memphis. If youâre attending, stop by and say hello! The podcast will be recording throughout the day with speakers, vendors, and educator...
Send a text We are so excited to share a big announcement for this yearâs Early Education Empowerment Conference in Rhode Island! This year we are proudly partnering with members of our local Spanish-speaking community to make this experience even more inclusive and welcoming for everyone in the early childhood field. To help ensure every educator feels comfortable participating, we will have a Spanish-speaking translator available at registration and several conference sessions will include ...
Send a text In this episode, we delve into the concept of legacy-building within the field, examining why many ECE professionals may not view themselves as architects of a lasting legacy. We will discuss the role of affirmations, identify the barriers that hinder this perspective, and offer actionable strategies to shift this mindset. Join us for an insightful conversation that aims to inspire and elevate your approach to leadership in ECE. Support the show đ Ready to take your leadersh...
Send a text In this episode, Erica Saccoccio interviews Kate and Carrie from the Child Care Conversations podcast. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of running a childcare business and provide strategies for success. The conversation covers topics such as starting a business, balancing multiple roles, marketing, and identifying unique selling points in a crowded market. The conversation explores various strategies for differentiating a childcare business, including offering unique serv...
Send a text What if the breakthrough youâre looking for isnât in a new episode⌠but in one youâve already heard? In a world obsessed with new content, we often overlook the power of repetition. But growth doesnât come from constant consumption â it comes from integration. In this powerful replay, we unpack why hitting replay is not going backwards â itâs going deeper. Youâll learn: Why growth comes from integration, not just informationHow replay helps you hear lessons differently as you evol...
Send a text Support the show đ Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! â Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference
Send a text Summary In this episode, Erica Saccoccio and Rashaun Webb discuss the changes in the landscape of early childhood education. They talk about the increase in the number of coaches in the field, the shift of threes and fours from childcare centers to school districts, the impact of technology on daily operations, and the implementation of quality rating systems. They also touch on the importance of understanding the needs and preferences of families and the changing workforce dynam...
Send a text Support the show đ Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! â Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference
Send a text What does it mean to lead with playfulness? In this episode, Erica sits down with Play Coaches Wendy and Dani to explore how joy, curiosity, and creativity can transform leadership. They share practical insights on building connection, modeling resilience, and creating environments where teams thrive â all without sacrificing results. Want to learn more about Wendi and Dani visit there website at theplaycoaches.org to connect with their work. And join us at the Early Education Emp...
Send a text From navigating todayâs ever-changing workforce climate to building a people-first culture that actually works, Tameenah Adams breaks down why strong internal leadership isnât optional â itâs the secret sauce. They dive into clear policies (yes, they matter), smarter hiring, staff retention, and why prioritizing employee well-being isnât âextraâ⌠itâs essential. If youâre tired of burnout, turnover drama, and outdated leadership advice, this episode is your wake-up call. Because w...
Send a text What if the key to reducing burnout, building confidence, and strengthening retention in early childhood education wasnât working harderâbut finding the right mentor? In this powerful episode of the Child Care Directorâs Chair Podcast, Erica sits down with Kerry Drake to unpack the true impact of mentorship in our field. Kerry introduces her transformative Peace Framework, built on four essential pillars: Expectations, Accountability, Communication, and Evaluationâa practical road...
Send a text This episode is a bold reminder that your growth as an early childhood leader matters. If youâve been thinking about expanding your childcare center, launching a new program, stepping into leadership beyond the classroom, or increasing your impact in early childhood education, this conversation will challenge you to stop waiting and start moving. We dive into leadership mindset, personal growth, and what it really takes to act on the vision you keep coming back to. Youâll reflect ...
Send a text Your leadership sets the ceiling for your centerâs success. In this episode of the Childcare Directors Chair Podcast, we explore how awareness, skills, and intentional choices determine your leadership capacity. Learn how to identify whatâs holding you back, expand your abilities, and make small but powerful changes that unlock your full potential as an early childhood leader. Join Us in RI Grab Your Ticket Here: Purchase Tickets! â Early Childhood Education Empow...
Send a text Running a childcare center is no small featâyouâve built something incredible, but leading it long-term requires more than just keeping things running. In this episode of the Childcare Directors Chair Podcast, we explore why investing in yourself as a leader is just as important as investing in your classrooms. From strengthening your team and improving morale to making strategic decisions and planning for the future, your growth directly shapes the success and sustainability of y...
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
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°