The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast

Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Directors Chair Podcast, Erica, Heather, and Morgan dive into all things Maine AEYC Conference! They talk about why this event is such a must-attend for early childhood educators, from the thought-provoking sessions and inspiring speakers to the hands-on vendor expo filled with resources you can take back to your program. Along the way, they share behind-the-scenes insights into the planning process and why in-person connections are so va...

Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Director's Chair podcast, Sean Toner, owner and president of Beach Babies Child Care, shares insights on leading multiple childcare centers, balancing growth with maintaining core values, and the importance of team development. He discusses the challenges of scaling operations while staying true to the mission and values of the organization. 💫 Love our show? Want to connect with Erica and other visionary childcare leaders? Come join our Childca...

Send us a text In this episode of the Childcare Director’s Chair, host Erica Saccoccio spills the real tea on a topic many childcare leaders avoid — money. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by budgets, confused by financial reports, or guilty about raising tuition, this conversation is for you. Erica breaks down the money side of running a childcare center in a way that’s simple, practical, and empowering. You’ll learn: The 3 financial reports every leader must understandHow to build a bu...

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with Dr. Charity Holland—aka Dr. Mommy C—about leading with purpose in early childhood education. She shares her journey, the culture she’s built with her team, and how she inspires her staff to show up fully every day. Spoiler alert: her leadership style includes rocking Crocs and mismatched socks! We dive into practical tips for staying focused on your mission, creating a supportive environment, and keeping your team motivated—even when the pressure is...

Send us a text Your next Assistant Director could be the secret sauce to a thriving center — but only if you hire, train, and promote them the right way! In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to spot leadership potential in your team, train them to step up with confidence, and set them up to succeed as your right-hand leader. Whether you’re ready to grow talent from within or struggling to find someone you can truly trust, this episode gives you actionable tips to build your dream l...

Send us a text Leaders, it’s time to stop lowering the bar. Mediocrity is not a strategy, and "good enough" is not good enough when you’re responsible for people, programs, and the future of our field. In this episode, Erica Saccoccio spills the real tea on why accepting less—from your team and from yourself—creates bigger problems than you think. We’ll dig into why standards matter, how fear of confrontation is holding you back, and what it really takes to set the tone for excellence i...

Send us a text Your next big breakthrough in childcare might be just one connection away. Networking isn’t just swapping business cards — in Early Childhood Education, it’s about building real relationships that fuel your passion and keep you moving forward. In this episode, Erica breaks down the power of your ECE besties, cohorts, collaboratives, and crews, and why the right network can literally change your life. You’ll discover key benefits of networking — from sharing resources to gaining...

Send us a text Your policies won’t save you. Your systems won’t save you. The leadership skill that makes—or breaks—your childcare program is emotional intelligence. In this episode of the Childcare Director’s Chair Podcast, Erica Saccoccio breaks down why EQ is the multiplier that makes every other leadership skill work. Discover how self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management can transform your staff culture, boost parent trust, and keep enrollment strong. Plus, Erica shares practi...

Send us a text The truth is, the physical toll of working in Early Childhood Education is real — and too many educators are paying the price with their health. In this candid episode, Erica shares her own personal battle with being overweight and opens up about the hidden struggles many in our field face: lack of sleep, chronic stress, nonstop demands, and the bad habits we fall into just to get through the day. We’ll dive into the numbers — with studies showing that more than 75% of teachers...

Send us a text Join Erica Saccoccio in this insightful episode of the Child Care Directors Chair podcast as she explores the transformative mindset shifts that empower directors to lead effectively in childcare. Discover how to move from firefighting to future-focused leadership, build capacity, and protect your peace while shaping a thriving center. Tune in to learn how empowered leaders create lasting legacies and drive meaningful change in early childhood education. &nb...

Send us a text In this insightful episode, host Erica Saccoccio speaks directly to child care leaders facing the challenge of maintaining program excellence during financially difficult times. She reminds us that true leadership isn’t about having the most resources—it’s about being intentional, consistent, and committed to your core values. Erica shares three practical strategies for leading effectively on a limited budget: Protect Your Non-Negotiables – Clearly define what matters most in y...

Send us a text In tough times, strong leadership isn’t just about making big decisions—it’s about building solid systems that keep your program steady, no matter what chaos shows up. In Episode 2 of our special series Who Leads When Times Are Tough?, we’re talking about how smart systems can reduce your stress, empower your team, and help you lead with calm, clarity, and confidence. You’ll learn: Why great directors don’t just lead people—they lead processThe 5 essential systems every childca...

Send us a text In this episode, we’re talking about what it really means to lead when you’re overwhelmed, unsure, or completely in the dark about what to do next. (Yes, even when two teachers call out and the coffee hasn’t kicked in yet.) You’ll learn: A simple 3-step tool to get unstuck and lead with clarityWhat to say when your team wants answers—and you don’t have themHow to show up steady and strong, even on the hard daysPlus, I’ll walk you through 5 Clarity Questions that every director ...

Send us a text The early education landscape is changing fast. With more choices than ever—state Pre-K, pop-up pods, microschools, and corporate centers—families are shopping for care differently. So how do YOU stand out as a traditional early learning program? In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair, we’re talking real strategies for making your program the first and only choice for families—without lowering your price, changing your values, or chasing trends. 🎯 Learn how to: Defin...

Send us a text Description: In this episode, we dive into why communication is the ultimate leadership superpower in early childhood education. Discover how mastering your tone, clarity, timing, and listening skills can transform your leadership style and build stronger teams and relationships with families. Whether you’re a seasoned director or just stepping into leadership, these practical tips will help you lead with confidence and heart. Plus, don’t miss exclusive offers for our listener...