The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast

Send us Fan Mail We all know why keeping childcare classrooms clean matters—but how do you do it effectively without relying on harsh chemicals or overwhelming your team? In this episode, we focus on simple, practical sanitation strategies that actually work. Learn how to reduce germs, protect children and staff, and maintain a healthy classroom using safer, more efficient cleaning methods. If you...

Send us Fan Mail  Welcome to today’s episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair . I’m joined by the team from Watch Me Grow to talk about how technology is changing the way we support our teachers and connect with children. We dive into how AI cameras can do more than just monitor a classroom—they help new teachers get up to speed, highlight blind spots, and keep your center running smoothly, all w...

Send us Fan Mail Feeling overlooked in your career as an early childhood educator? You’re not alone. In this empowering episode, we dive into how to stay focused, overcome setbacks, and take bold action to grow your career and magnify your worth. From recognizing your unique value and celebrating small wins to networking with the right people and visualizing success, we cover 8 actionable strategi...

Send us Fan Mail This one right here… spill the real tea … I was hooked from the moment we sat down. Live from the National Child Care Association Conference, Erica gets the incredible opportunity to sit down with ECE legend Dr. Sandra Duncan to talk all things designing children’s learning environments—and let me tell you, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss. Dr. Duncan speaks around...

Send us Fan Mail “Alright friends — we are LIVE today from the NECPA Conference at the Peabody Hotel! If you’re here, come find me and grab a seat in The Childcare Director’s Chair — we’re recording live, having real conversations, and of course… spilling the real tea ☕️ This is your chance to be part of the podcast, share your voice, and connect with other incredible leaders in our field. Don’t...

Send us Fan Mail Childcare leadership is hard enough—so why make it harder by going it alone? In this episode, we’re talking about why gatekeeping doesn’t 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 stro...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode, Annette Eberhardt—family child care provider and passionate advocate—shares practical, real-world strategies to help educators prioritize self-care and prevent burnout. Discover how to reconnect with your “why,” set healthy boundaries without guilt, and build a supportive environment that nurtures both teachers and children. If you’re feeling stretched t...

Send us Fan Mail 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 a...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 atti...

Send us Fan Mail 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 experiences—both...

Send us Fan Mail We are so excited to share a big announcement for this year’s 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...

Send us Fan Mail This week on The Childcare Director’s Chair , we’re kicking off a special series focused on sparking joy in your team and building a culture of fun and engagement. I’m especially excited because I’ll be in Tennessee next week speaking on this topic at the NCCA & NECPA National Leadership Conference on March 19 at The Peabody Memphis—if you’re attending, come say hello! We’ll a...

Send us Fan Mail 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 inspir...

Send us Fan Mail 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 conversatio...

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 What if the breakthrough you’re looking for isn’t in a new episode… but in one you’ve already heard? In a world obsessed with new content, we often overlook the power of repetition. But growth doesn’t come from constant consumption — it comes from integration. In this powerful replay, we unpack why hitting replay is not going backwards — it’s going deeper. You’ll learn: Why growth...

Send us Fan Mail 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 t...

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 ckets here! 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 stronger connections, modeling resilience, and creating environments where teams can truly thrive—without sacrificing results. Want to learn more a...

Send us Fan Mail From navigating today’s ever-changing workforce climate to building a people-first culture that actually works, Tameenah Adams breaks down why strong internal leadership isn’t optional — it’s the secret sauce. They dive into clear policies (yes, they matter), smarter hiring, staff retention, and why prioritizing employee well-being isn’t “extra”… it’s essential. If you’re tired of...

Send us Fan Mail What if the key to reducing burnout, building confidence, and strengthening retention in early childhood education wasn’t working harder—but finding the right mentor? In this powerful episode of the Child Care Director’s 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...

Send us Fan Mail This episode is a bold reminder that your growth as an early childhood leader matters. If you’ve 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, p...

Send us Fan Mail  Your leadership sets the ceiling for your center’s 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 what’s holding you back, expand your abilities, and make small but powerful changes that unlock your full potential as an early childhood leader. ...

Send us Fan Mail Running a childcare center is no small feat—you’ve 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...