The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Today on The Childcare Director’s Chair, we’re getting into the kind of lesson planning that actually works — not the overpriced, color-coded nonsense that looks good on Instagram but doesn’t help your kids grow. Whether you're a parent, running a home daycare, or managing a full center, this episode is packed with smart, simple ways to build lessons that hit milestones and k...

Send us Fan Mail Feeling like something’s shifting in your childcare journey? Whether you're burned out, booked out, or ready to boss up to the next level, this episode spills the real tea on what to do when the season changes. Do you keep building what you’ve started, hand over the keys and sell it, or go all-in and grow something even bigger? We’re talking legacy moves, emotional readiness,...

Send us Fan Mail Let’s talk about the money talk. You know—the one that happens in whispers behind closed doors or in the breakroom when someone finds out what someone else is making. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain. Pay transparency: it sounds like equity and fairness, right? But in practice, it can stir up drama, mistrust, and yes—even resentment. So, is it worth it? Or is it a leadership...

Send us Fan Mail Let’s be real—families don’t enroll because of your brochure. They enroll because of how your program feels . And guess who creates that feeling? Your teachers. In this episode, we’ll break down how your teaching team can help seal the deal during tours—without feeling like they’re selling anything. From warm greetings to confident transitions, purposeful classroom setups to how t...

Send us Fan Mail  Let’s be real—filling classrooms can feel like shouting into the void while juggling a clipboard and a cup of cold coffee. But here’s the thing: enrollment isn’t just a numbers game. It’s an influence game. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to use your leadership voice to attract families, build excitement, and turn those open spots into full, thriving classrooms—without los...

Send us Fan Mail 🔊 Podcast Description with Sponsor Shout-Out: In this episode of the Childcare Director’s Chair, host Erica is joined by Becca from New York—an ECE powerhouse with over 30 years of experience—to talk all about teacher voice . Whether you’re leading circle time or leading culture, your voice matters. Period. We’re getting real about how teachers—yes, YOU—can spark change, influenc...

Send us Fan Mail Our inbox? Full. Our DMs? Overflowing. And guess what—they're all about leadership! In this episode, we’re diving into the top 5 questions *you* asked us about leading teams, staying confident, handling tough calls, and everything in between. No fluff, just real talk. If you’ve ever thought, “Am I even doing this leadership thing right?”—this one’s for you. Grab your coffee a...

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ LIVE from Miami! Erica Saccoccio sits down with Tym the Trainer for a real-talk convo on what it actually takes to lead a childcare program. From dodging birthday party duty to running the show, Tym spills the tea on leadership, compliance headaches, and why work-life balance isn’t optional—it’s survival. 💡 Hot Topics: Tym’s wild ride from pre-med to preschool pro 8 leadership...

Send us Fan Mail  The age-old debate just pulled up a chair—at The Childcare Director’s Chair. In this thought-provoking episode, we're digging into what really makes someone a great educator: that framed degree on the wall or the grit, passion, and instincts honed in the classroom trenches. Are we unintentionally gatekeeping leadership opportunities from rockstar teachers who don’t check the...

Send us Fan Mail Just because someone has the title doesn’t mean they have the skills. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on a leadership crisis plaguing childcare centers everywhere—elevating staff out of loyalty, not leadership. If you’ve ever been stuck with an assistant director who can’t direct traffic or a “lead” teacher who’s better at gossip than guidance, this one’s for you....

Send us Fan Mail  Join Erica from the Child Care Director's Chair as she welcomes Serena Mann, a community leader making waves in the Hampton area of Virginia. Discover the impactful events Serena has organized, including the Legends and Leaders Benefit Concert, the Back to School event, and the Jericho Walk, all aimed at supporting families and combating community challenges. Legends and Lea...

Send us Fan Mail We talk a lot about retention like it's the holy grail in childcare—but what if holding on too tightly is actually costing you your vision, your energy, and your sanity? In this no-holds-barred episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair , we’re spilling the real tea on when it’s time to let go of misaligned staff and families—even if they’ve been with you “forever.” You’ll lea...

Send us Fan Mail Support the show The Child Care Director's Chair Podcast is proudly powered by WatchMeGrow, our premier podcast sponsor and a trusted partner in early childhood education. WatchMeGrow helps child care programs strengthen family engagement through secure live-streaming, classroom video access, and communication tools that build transparency, trust, and peace of mind for famili...

Send us Fan Mail  Oh hey, Director! 👀 Before you check your ratios, your staff schedules, or that licensing binder— check yo’ self , because your mindset might be showing (and not in a cute way). In this episode, we’re flipping the script and putting the spotlight where it rarely lands—on YOU. That’s right. We’re talking leadership vs. mindset, fixed vs. growth thinking, and why your inner monolo...

Send us Fan Mail  Tantrums aren’t just happening in the toddler room—sometimes they show up in the break room, the front office, or (let’s be real) in our own heads. On this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair , we’re rewriting the internal scripts that keep us stuck in drama and helping you reclaim your peace, power, and productivity . If your leadership’s been feeling a little “off” lately...

Send us Fan Mail  Something strange is going on in Episode 400.  The mic is live, the chair is warm—but is Erica the one behind the voice? 👀  Hit play to find out what’s really going down in this milestone episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair .  Support the show The Child Care Director's Chair Podcast is proudly powered by WatchMeGrow, our premier podcast sponsor and a trusted partner i...

Send us Fan Mail What if your leadership is already changing lives—and you don’t even realize it? In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair , we dive into one powerful question: What if you’re making more of an impact than you think? Whether you're building people up, holding it all together, or standing in the gap—this one’s for you. Plus, what if you had a back-office partner like J...

Send us Fan Mail Leadership at Every Level in Your Childcare Center You don’t need a fancy title to lead with impact—because leadership isn’t about your position, it’s about your purpose. In this episode, we're unpacking what it really means to lead from wherever you are inside your childcare program—from floaters and lead teachers to assistant directors and owners. Whether you’re managing sn...

Send us Fan Mail You're a wizard with the littles—circle time? Nailed it. Toddler tantrums? Handled. But when it comes to talking to grown-ups—staff, families, even licensing—it’s a whole different story. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to master adult conversations in your childcare program with clarity, confidence, and zero drama. Learn how to give feedback that actually works, hol...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to boss up and lead like you own the place? In this episode of the Childcare Director's Chair, Erica Saccoccio talks about transitioning from classroom hero to leadership legend. Get the lowdown on why mindset is your first upgrade, how to solve problems like a pro, and why consistency beats charisma every time. And hey, if you're serious about looking like a boss...

Send us Fan Mail They won’t remember your licensing score or your new curriculum—  They’ll remember how you made them feel . 💥 In this powerful episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair , Erica gets real about what true leadership looks like in early childhood education. We’re diving into the heart of leading with integrity , treating people with class and humility , and showing up in a way that...

Send us Fan Mail Who says leadership is just about climbing the ladder? Not on THIS podcast, honey. In this power-packed episode, we’re spilling the real tea on what it actually means to be a leader worth following. Real leaders don’t just rise—they reach back . They pull others up, mentor with intention, and leave the ladder down for the next generation of greatness. Whether you're a seasone...

Send us Fan Mail   Episode Title: 5 Leadership Moves to Energize Your Childcare Team Leading a childcare team isn’t just about keeping things running—it’s about creating a positive culture, building trust, and bringing out the best in every team member. In this episode, Erica Saccoccio breaks down five powerful leadership moves that will help you: Connect with your staff on a deeper level Communic...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to stop blending into the background and start owning your role as a leader? In this episode, we’re talking all about how to step up, stand out, and lead with confidence as a teacher assistant looking to move into a lead teacher position. No more imposter syndrome, no more waiting for permission—this is your time to shine! Join Erica as she breaks down key strategies for bui...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt anniversary episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair , your host reflects on an incredible two-year journey of podcasting, growth, and community. What began with a single microphone and a vision has grown into a powerful platform for connection, leadership development, and shared stories in early childhood education. Join us as we celebrate the milestones—thousa...