The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a Pre-K teacher decides worksheets just aren’t cutting it anymore? In this energizing episode of the Childcare Directors Chair Podcast , we sit down with Patrick, founder of Active Alphabet, to talk about how a classroom in Chicago sparked a movement-based literacy revolution. As a Pre-K teacher, Patrick saw firsthand what so many early childhood educators experi...

Send us Fan Mail What if classroom observations became a bridge instead of a burden? In this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair , Erica welcomes Meg and Anders from Famly to discuss how thoughtful documentation strengthens relationships between educators and families. They explore how intuitive technology makes it easy to capture milestones, celebrate progress, and keep everyone connected...

Send us Fan Mail The pandemic forced childcare leaders to react quickly—but reacting isn’t the same as leading. In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair , Erica sits down with Joe Pinsonneault to discuss why strategic planning is no longer optional in early education—it’s essential for survival. They explore what it truly means to pivot beyond the pandemic mindset, and why data, accounta...

Send us Fan Mail If your prep time disappears, your lunch is rushed (or skipped), and you’re taking work home again , this episode is for you. Erica is joined by Adva Hanan to talk directly to classroom teachers about the real-time management struggles no one prepares you for. This honest conversation breaks down practical strategies teachers can actually use—setting boundaries in the classroom, c...

Send us Fan Mail Challenging behavior isn’t about defiance, discipline, or “bad kids”—it’s communication. In this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair, Erica sits down with Yolanda Richey to unpack what educators often get wrong about behavior and why managing behavior isn’t the same as truly guiding it. Together, they explore how strong relationships, intentional language, and emotionally a...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when we stop picking sides in early childhood education and start designing with intention? In this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair , Erica sits down with Susan Zoll to spill the real tea on eclectic curriculum design—pulling powerful elements from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and beyond to meet children exactly where they are. Susan brings her deep experienc...

Send us Fan Mail You’ve trained your staff—but are the skills actually sticking? On this episode of Childcare Director’s Chair , we’re talking about how to turn training into transformation. I’ll share real-life strategies to keep skills alive in daily routines, use peer coaching and mini-huddles effectively, recognize wins to build staff confidence, and create a culture that reinforces learning e...

Send us Fan Mail  Emergencies in childcare can happen in a heartbeat—but how prepared are you really? In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair , Erica Saccoccio chats with Stephen Westbrook from Vine Alert about turning panic into preparedness. They break down the gaps in emergency communication, share how Vine Alert empowers staff, and reveal practical tips to keep children calm and par...

Send us Fan Mail Are your staff meetings leaving you frustrated—and your team stuck in the same place week after week? On this episode of Childcare Director’s Chair , we’re diving into how to teach adults new skills that actually stick . You’ll hear practical strategies, real childcare examples, and Chair-style insights to help you: Turn meetings into skill-building sessions Use modeling, practice...

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever walked out of a staff meeting thinking, “I explained this… why are we still struggling?” —this episode is for you. In this episode of Childcare Director’s Chair , we’re diving into a truth every childcare owner and director needs to hear: teaching adults is different than teaching children . We talk about why staff training doesn’t always stick, how adults actually...

Send us Fan Mail Leadership doesn’t always announce itself. It often shows up in quiet choices, shared responsibility, and the way we show up for others. In this reflective solo episode, we explore leadership as something lived out alongside people and carried on behalf of others. This conversation invites listeners to pause, reflect, and consider the lasting impact of leading with intention, care...

Send us Fan Mail Behavior is just the tip of the iceberg. In this episode of the Child Care Directors Chair Podcast , Erica and Dr. Mahri Wrightington dive beyond behavior to explore the critical role of emotional development in early childhood education. They discuss how children’s behavior is deeply influenced by adult emotions, the challenges educators face in regulating their own feelings, and...

Send us Fan Mail Are you ready to stop doubting yourself and step fully into your leadership role? In this episode of the Child Care Directors Chair Podcast , Dr. Keena Rush Mosley shares how early childhood leaders can level up with clarity, confidence, and command. She explores the challenges directors face, from imposter syndrome to navigating complex team dynamics, and provides actionable stra...

Send us Fan Mail Are you a child care director who wakes up to 5 AM texts, calls, and inbox panics? You’re not alone—and there is a better way. In this episode of the Child Care Directors Chair Podcast , Erica sits down with Paul Buckley from Ratio Staffing to explore innovative solutions for staffing challenges that keep directors up at all hours. Paul introduces a platform that connects schools...

Send us Fan Mail Struggling to keep your child care staff happy and engaged? It’s not about perks—it’s about culture . In this episode of the Child Care Directorship Podcast , Erica and Bryanne Adler reveal how winning workplace cultures start with intentional leadership . Learn how to create an environment where your team feels valued, supported, and motivated to stay. You’ll discover practical s...

Send us Fan Mail Are you ready to step into your leadership, but feel stuck, unsure, or unprepared? In this solo episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair , we explore the simple—but powerful truth: all you need to begin is the desire to lead. We dive into what willingness really looks like, how desire drives meaningful leadership, and why continuous learning is the secret weapon of trailblazers i...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of the Child Care Directors Chair podcast, Erica sits down with Jerletha McDonald to explore the rapidly changing world of childcare. They dive into the latest policy shifts, funding opportunities, and strategies for ensuring the sustainability and growth of your program. From diversifying funding streams to advocating for your center and collaborating with other...

Send us Fan Mail Leadership in early childhood education can’t stay stuck on the runway. In this episode, we sit down with guest Dr. Kimberly Krzanowski to talk about what it takes to move ECE leadership from takeoff to touchdown—through innovation, intention, and people-centered leadership. Together, we unpack what effective leadership truly looks like in today’s early childhood education workfor...

Send us Fan Mail In this must-listen episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast , Erica Saccoccio sits down with childcare marketing expert Mark Davilus to break down the rapidly changing landscape of childcare marketing—and why traditional word-of-mouth is no longer enough. They dive into how today’s parents actually search for childcare online, the power of social proof and reviews in dr...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair , Erica Saccoccio sits down with Jamie Wagler to explore the true power of purpose-centered leadership in after-school programs. Together, they discuss why reconnecting with your “why” is essential for sustainable leadership, how intentional communication strengthens teams, and the profound, lasting impact educators have...

Send us Fan Mail In this impactful episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair , Erica Saccoccio sits down with two powerhouse leaders in early childhood education— Holly Elissa Bruno and Cheryl Hovey —for a deep and honest conversation about female leadership. Together, they explore trust, emotional intelligence, and trauma-informed leadership, and how personal experiences shape the way women show...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair , Erica sits down with childcare tax strategist David Encarnacion to have the conversation too many owners avoid—profit. They unpack the biggest financial mistakes childcare owners make, why “just surviving” is keeping programs stuck, and how a simple mindset shift can change everything. David shares practical tax strategies, real...

Send us Fan Mail  In this no-holds-barred episode of The Child Care Director's Chair , host Erica Saccoccio sits down with educator Ruth A. Baugh to talk about the real deal: educators need to be heard—or risk burnout. From advocating for mental health to holding leadership accountable, Ruth shares her journey, practical strategies, and tough truths about creating work environments where teac...

Send us Fan Mail Music and movement aren’t just fun—they’re game-changers in early childhood classrooms! In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast , Erica sits down with Brenda from Musically Mindful Consulting to explore how these powerful tools support child development, boost classroom management, and even lift teacher well-being. Brenda shares practical, ready-to-use strategie...

Send us Fan Mail Play isn’t just fun—it’s the foundation for learning, especially in those critical early years! In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast , Erica sits down with Susie Beghin , ECE expert, classroom leader, and author, to explore why play is essential for children’s brain development. They dive into Susie’s four pillars of learning —language and literacy, STEAM, ph...