The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast

Send us Fan Mail We’re loading up and heading to Texas for the Born to Teach conference—and we want YOU with us! In this episode, we’re spilling all the tea on why this conference is a must for childcare leaders and educators, who we can’t wait to connect with (hello, Eric Thomas 🙌), and how YOU can be a guest on the show during our live recordings! Plus, don’t miss our girl Erica on the teacher...

Send us Fan Mail Leadership isn’t just about policies and procedures — it’s about growth, grit, and getting real with yourself. In this short and sassy 5-minute episode, we’re breaking down 10 powerful reasons why growing as a leader isn’t optional — it’s essential. You’ll learn: Why your leadership impacts everything How emotional intelligence can be your superpower What to do when burnout creeps...

Send us Fan Mail Accountability isn’t just about calling people out — it’s about lifting everyone up. In this quick 5-minute episode, we’re breaking down how to balance team-wide expectations with individual ownership so the same few people aren’t doing all the heavy lifting. You’ll learn: How to set expectations that stick (no guessing games!) When to address the group vs. when to go 1-on-1 Why p...

Send us Fan Mail  Conflict happens—even in the best teams. The difference between chaos and clarity? How you handle it. In this 5-minute quick tip episode , we’re diving into how to navigate tough conversations with professionalism, tact, and just the right amount of clarity. You’ll learn: How to address conflict early without creating drama What it means to lead with calm instead of chaos How to...

Send us Fan Mail Let’s get one thing straight — you don’t need a book deal or a statue in front of your center to leave a legacy. In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair podcast, we’re unpacking what it really means to make your mark in early childhood education — even if you’re running on caffeine and chaos. Whether you’re leading a team, building a dream, or just trying not to quit on...

Send us Fan Mail Giving feedback doesn’t have to be awkward — and receiving it doesn’t have to feel like a personal attack. In this quick 5-minute episode, we’re cutting through the fluff and diving into how to offer feedback that helps, not hurts — and how to take it like a boss, not a baby. You’ll learn: How to give clear, kind, behavior-based feedback What to say (and not say) when you need to...

Send us Fan Mail In this quick 5-minute episode, we’re breaking down what it really takes to be the teammate everyone wants on their side. Being great at your job is important — but being a great teammate? That’s where true leadership shines. You’ll discover: How to support your colleagues in meaningful ways The daily habits that build a positive team culture How to handle conflict like a pro How...

Send us Fan Mail Let’s be real — just because you’re in charge doesn’t mean your team automatically trusts or respects you. That stuff is earned, not handed out with your job title. In this quick 5-minute episode, we’re breaking down how to build real trust and lasting respect within your team — without begging for it, faking it, or burning yourself out. You’ll learn: Why follow-through is your le...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair , we’re diving into one of the biggest leadership glow-ups you can make: shifting from micromanaging to mentoring. ✨ It’s time to move past the habit of just correcting mistakes and start coaching your team for real growth. We’re breaking down what it means to lead with intention, build meaningful growth plans, and create a cultu...

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 Calling all directors who are tired of being the unofficial superhero, janitor, therapist, and substitute teacher all in one day — this episode is for you . In “Do Less, Build More,” Erica Saccoccio breaks down why doing everything isn’t a flex — it’s a fast track to burnout. This episode is a masterclass in getting out of your own way and stepping into true leadership. Erica dish...

Send us Fan Mail You didn’t come this far in early childhood to wake up one day and wonder, “Do I still even like this?” But when the stress is high and the support feels low, even the most passionate child care leaders can find themselves running on fumes. In this raw and energizing episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair , host Erica Saccoccio sits down with the one and only Tonya Muhammad ,...

Send us Fan Mail Overwhelmed by the idea of AI in early childhood education? This episode is your warm, judgment-free intro to using artificial intelligence to make your day easier, not harder. Perfect for directors, owners, and educators ready to take their first step into smart tech — no experience required! 📄 Full Episode Description: If the words “artificial intelligence” make you want to run...

Send us Fan Mail Description: Is your waitlist just... waiting? Not anymore! In this spicy episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair , host Erica Saccoccio and the ever-fabulous Gerin Thomas serve up bold truths and smart strategies for flipping that dusty waitlist into a goldmine of enrollments. We’re talking leadership that leads , communication that connects , and customer experiences that lea...

Send us Fan Mail You’ve got the vision, the clipboard, the team—and now it’s time for that conversation. 😬 You know the one. The awkward, emotionally-charged, “Can we chat for a sec?” kind of convo that makes you want to hide in the supply closet. In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair , host Erica Saccoccio is breaking down how to navigate tough talks without losing your cool (or you...

Send us Fan Mail You got the promotion, the title, the clipboard, the walkie. But now what?  Welcome to the beautiful (and sometimes awkward) shift from friend to leader — and yes, it’s a whole thing. 😅 In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair , host Erica Saccoccio dives into the real talk of stepping into your new leadership role without guilt, confusion, or losing your authenticity....

Send us Fan Mail Think your laminated list of “integrity, passion, and excellence” is enough to build a thriving childcare culture? Think again, friend. In this fire-starting episode, we’re calling out the fluff and diving into the real work of defining, living, and leading from your core values. Because values aren’t meant to be Pinterest-worthy—they’re meant to shape how you hire, coach, celebra...

Send us Fan Mail If your to-do list looks more like a meltdown list, this episode is your permission slip to upgrade. In this fire-packed episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair , we’re ditching reactive chaos and stepping into CEO-level clarity. You’ll learn how to glow-up your daily planning with real leadership strategies—no fluff, no burnout. ✨ Inside this episode:  ✔️ Stop reacting—start l...

Send us Fan Mail Let’s get one thing straight—gossip isn’t just “talk.” It’s a culture killer. And in your center, it’s not harmless—it’s sabotage . In this fire-filled episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair , we’re pulling back the curtain on the side chatter that’s hurting your team and giving you the tools to shut it down without sounding like a lecture. Because you’re not here to play refer...

Send us Fan Mail Let’s be real—running a childcare program without a plan is like trying to build a LEGO castle without the instructions. In this episode, host Erica Saccoccio gets down to business with early childhood strategist Joe Pinsonneault, and they are not here for the chaos. Together, they break down why strategic planning isn’t just a fancy buzzword—it’s a must-have for growth, retention...

Send us Fan Mail Are you the “always available” director? Answering late-night texts, covering shifts with no notice, and constantly putting everyone else’s needs before your own? Sis… it’s time to stop being the backup plan and start leading like the boss you are. In this fire-filled episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair , we’re talking Boss Moves & Boundaries —because leadership without...

Send us Fan Mail Sick of dull, cookie-cutter professional development that leaves your team snoozing and your classrooms unchanged? Same here. In this episode, host Erica Sokosio sits down with early childhood expert Cheryl Hovey to drag traditional PD—and give it a makeover. We’re diving into why hands-on, personalized learning is a must, how to actually use what you learn, and what it means to c...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re calling it like it is: Your team, your kids, and your families are watching your every move. Not just when you're giving a staff meeting pep talk — but in the hallway, at drop-off, during tantrums, and in your email replies. You are the example. So what are you modeling? Host Erica Saccoccio dives into how to lead with integrity, consistency, and energy...

Send us Fan Mail  Time to button up those professional pants and step into your leadership power — because showing up isn’t just about what’s on your résumé, it’s about what you bring every single day. In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, Erica Saccoccio gets down to business and spills the tea on how to show up like the pro you are — from your polished appearance to that email tone...

Send us Fan Mail  So, you got promoted… or maybe voluntold 😅… and now you’re the boss . The clipboard is in your hand, everyone’s looking at you for answers, and all you can think is: “Wait… I’m the leader now?!” Whewww, deep breath, trailblazer — this episode is for you. In this power-packed (and totally sassy 💁‍♀️) episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, host Erica Saccoccio gets real abou...