The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast

Send us Fan Mail 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 mi...

Send us Fan Mail 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 strugglin...

Send us Fan Mail  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,...

Send us Fan Mail 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 literal...

Send us Fan Mail 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 tra...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 e...

Send us Fan Mail 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 lear...

Send us Fan Mail 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 clarity What to say when your team wants answers—and you don’t have them How to show up steady...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 tip...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you sit under one of the greatest leadership teachers of all time? In this powerful episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair , I’m sharing the 10 transformational leadership lessons I learned from John Maxwell —after becoming a certified Maxwell coach, speaker, and trainer. These are the philosophies that shifted the way I lead my center, my team, and even my fa...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z all show up to work at your center—with different values, tech styles, and vibes? You either end up in conflict—or you lean in, learn from each other, and build something better than any one generation could build alone. In this heartfelt (and slightly spicy) episode, we’re talking about what it really looks like to lea...

Send us Fan Mail Just stepped into the role of childcare director and feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone—and you’re in the right chair. In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair , we’re diving into the Top 5 Questions New Directors Ask in Their First Year . From managing staff and earning respect to handling compliance, parent communication, and staying sane, this episode is packed with...

Send us Fan Mail What do you do when everything looks like it’s working—but deep down, you know there’s another level of growth waiting? In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair , I’m sharing why I chose to invest in my leadership—even when my center was thriving, enrollment was full, and people said I was already “winning.” Because success without strong leadership? It doesn’t last. This...

Send us Fan Mail Why We Can’t Pour From Empty Cups (And Shouldn’t Be Expected To)  This episode was recorded in response to a powerful and vulnerable moment shared by Mr. Ty—widely known in our field as The Childcare Whisperer —on TikTok. He spoke openly about reaching the edge of burnout, and it struck a deep chord. So today, we’re pausing the usual programming to talk about what it really means...

Send us Fan Mail  Are you tired of just managing your childcare center and ready to actually lead your teachers to success ? In this episode, I break down the essentials of pedagogical leadership —how to guide your team, align your curriculum, and create classrooms where learning and engagement thrive . You’ll get practical tips to coach with confidence, build a learning-centered culture, and empo...

Send us Fan Mail After 27 years in early childhood education, I’ve seen it all—and learned what really works to start the school year off strong. In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair , I’m sharing my Top 10 Tips for Getting Ready for Back-to-School —practical strategies that help childcare directors get organized, support their staff, and welcome families with confidence and joy. ✨ Y...

Send us Fan Mail Back-to-school week doesn’t have to be boring—or stressful! In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair , we’re taking a bold, fun approach to leading your childcare center. I’m sharing out-of-the-box strategies to support your teachers, connect with families, and bring the joy back to your classrooms from day one. ✨ You’ll learn how to: Set the tone for the year with energ...

Send us Fan Mail Apple Podcast Description: Back-to-school season is here, and yes—it can feel like a hot mess sometimes. But leaders, this is your moment to shine! In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair , I’m giving you the real talk on how to support your teachers, keep families in the loop, and set the tone for a year of excellence. ✨ We’re diving into how to: Coach your teachers wi...

Send us Fan Mail Take off that mask — you're not perfect, and guess what? You don’t have to be. In this episode, we’re getting real about what it means to lead with transparency as a childcare director. When you let your families and staff see the real you, that’s when true leadership shows up. We’re joined by Falishia Campbell for an episode that’s as raw and real as it gets. We're talk...

Send us Fan Mail  Running a childcare center takes heart—but it also takes smart money management. In this episode, Erica is joined by Kathy Jensen from Jackrabbit Care to spill the real tea on keeping tuition, billing, and forecasting stress-free. You’ll get five easy tips to stay consistent with revenue, keep your pipeline full, and finally feel in control of your finances. Whether you’re tired...

Send us Fan Mail Want families lining up to enroll without feeling pushy? In this episode, we’re spilling the real tea on turning your enrollment process into a smooth, stress-free, trust-building experience. Learn how to follow up like a pro, simplify the paperwork, and lead with heart so families—and your team—can’t help but say, “Yes!” 💡 Joined today by Kathy Jenson from the team at Jackrabbit...

Send us Fan Mail   Today on The Childcare Director’s Chair, we’re talking all things state visits — the kind that pop up when you're mid-diaper change, short-staffed, and your copier just broke. Yep… that visit. But here’s the truth: excellence doesn’t need to prepare — it stays ready. I’m joined by none other than the state lady herself — and we’re pulling back the curtain on what licensors...