The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast

Erica Saccoccio
  • 5.0 (46)
  • How To
  • Updated Weekly

Because childcare leadership deserves a real conversation. If you're looking for another leadership podcast filled with corporate buzzwords and theories from people who haven't stepped inside a childcare center in years... this probably isn't it. I'm Erica Saccoccio—a multi-center childcare owner, leadership coach, keynote speaker, and podcast host who still leads in the work every single day. This podcast is for childcare directors, daycare owners, assistant directors, preschool leaders, and early childhood professionals who are ready to find their voice, build confidence, strengthen their teams, and create programs where children, families, and educators thrive. Each week, you'll hear honest conversations, practical leadership strategies, and inspiring stories from childcare directors, owners, educators, authors, and industry leaders who understand what it really takes to lead in early childhood today. We'll tackle the conversations others avoid, celebrate the wins that matter, and give you practical ideas you can take back to your center tomorrow. Around here, we don't chase perfection—we build confident leaders, multiply future leaders, and create a ripple of impact throughout the early childhood profession. Pull up a chair. Find your voice. Lead with confidence. Create lasting impact. 🎤 Let's Grow Leaders Together Looking for a keynote speaker, breakout session presenter, leadership retreat facilitator, professional development trainer, or leadership coach for your childcare organization? Erica partners with conferences, state associations, childcare organizations, school districts, and leadership teams across the country to deliver engaging presentations that are practical, relatable, and transformational. Every session is designed to inspire audiences, spark meaningful conversations, and equip leaders with strategies they can immediately implement in their programs. Connect with Erica for:  🎤 Keynote Presentations  🎓 Conference Breakout Sessions  🏫 Professional Development Days  🌱 Leadership Coaching  👥 Leadership Retreats  🎙️ Podcast Guest Opportunities 🌐 www.childcaredirectorschair.com Pull up a chair. Find your voice. Lead with confidence. Create lasting impact.

  1. 14h ago

    613 Grow Your People, Grow Your Organization

    Send us Fan Mail Organizational growth does not begin with a new program, a bigger building, or a longer strategic plan. It begins with developing the people who will help carry the vision forward. In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, Erica sits down with Niki Da’Jon to discuss the connection between internal confidence, leadership development, and strategic planning. Together, they explore why directors must look beyond the immediate needs of the day and intentionally prepare their teams for the future. This conversation examines how leaders can recognize potential, build confidence, create meaningful growth opportunities, and help educators see themselves as part of the organization’s long-term success. Erica and Niki also discuss why strategic planning should include people development, succession planning, professional goals, and clear pathways for emerging leaders. When you invest in your people, you create stronger teams, reduce dependence on one leader, and build an organization that is prepared to grow. This episode will challenge directors and owners to ask an important question: Are you simply managing the people you have today, or are you intentionally developing the leaders your organization will need tomorrow? 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 families. Their innovative technology empowers programs to enhance safety, strengthen relationships, and showcase the incredible learning happening in their classrooms every day. To learn more about how WatchMeGrow can support your program, visit www.watchmegrow.com. Thank you to WatchMeGrow for supporting our mission to inspire, equip, and empower child care leaders around the world.

  2. 1d ago

    612 Beyond Management: Becoming a Pedagogical Leader

    Send us Fan Mail What does it truly mean to lead learning in an early childhood program? In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, Erica sits down with Jessica Karpathios, a forest school practitioner, pedagogical leader, presenter, and the voice behind The Curious Educator Collective, for a meaningful conversation about pedagogical leadership. Together, they explore how early childhood leaders can move beyond managing schedules, paperwork, staffing, and compliance to become more deeply connected to teaching, learning, and educator growth. Jessica shares how curiosity, reflection, intentional questioning, and collaboration can help leaders strengthen their practice and create environments where both educators and children feel empowered to explore, take risks, and grow. This episode also dives into what pedagogical leadership looks like in everyday practice, how leaders can help educators fine-tune their craft, and why meaningful reflection is essential for professional growth. You will hear practical ideas for asking better questions, supporting educators without simply giving them all the answers, and creating a culture where learning is viewed as an ongoing process rather than a checklist. Whether you are a childcare director, owner, administrator, coach, or classroom educator, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about leadership. Pedagogical leadership is not limited to a job title. It is about how we show up, how we remain curious, and how we create the conditions for meaningful learning to take place. 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 families. Their innovative technology empowers programs to enhance safety, strengthen relationships, and showcase the incredible learning happening in their classrooms every day. To learn more about how WatchMeGrow can support your program, visit www.watchmegrow.com. Thank you to WatchMeGrow for supporting our mission to inspire, equip, and empower child care leaders around the world.

  3. 2d ago

    610 Why Your Best Teacher Struggles to Become a Supervisor

    Send us Fan Mail Your best teacher may be dependable, respected, and amazing with children, but that does not always mean they are prepared to lead adults. In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast, Erica breaks down why strong teachers often struggle when they move into supervisory roles. From navigating friendships and difficult conversations to learning how to delegate, give feedback, and make decisions, this episode explores the leadership skills that are often missing after a promotion. If you are a childcare owner or director trying to step away from the day-to-day, this episode will help you understand how to stop simply filling positions and start intentionally building leaders who can help carry your organization forward. Love the show? Give us a follow on our social media (2) Instagram 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 families. Their innovative technology empowers programs to enhance safety, strengthen relationships, and showcase the incredible learning happening in their classrooms every day. To learn more about how WatchMeGrow can support your program, visit www.watchmegrow.com. Thank you to WatchMeGrow for supporting our mission to inspire, equip, and empower child care leaders around the world.

  4. 6d ago

    609 The Workforce Is Not Failing—Our Leadership Approach Is

    Send us Fan Mail Passion may bring educators into early childhood education, but passion alone will not keep them there. In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, Erica Saccoccio explores why the childcare workforce cannot continue surviving on dedication, sacrifice, and love for children without the leadership, support, compensation, respect, and working conditions educators need to stay. This conversation challenges leaders to move from asking employees to give more to examining the systems that may be exhausting them. Erica discusses the difference between appreciation and action, why burnout should never be treated as proof of commitment, and how the daily employee experience shapes retention. You will leave this episode with practical questions to help you evaluate your workplace culture, onboarding, schedules, communication, professional growth opportunities, and leadership practices. The goal is not to find educators who are passionate enough to tolerate unsustainable conditions. The goal is to build workplaces that are worthy of their passion. This episode is sponsored by Watch Me Grow. To learn more about strengthening trust, safety, and family engagement in your childcare program, book a call today with Kevin and the Watch Me Grow team. 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 families. Their innovative technology empowers programs to enhance safety, strengthen relationships, and showcase the incredible learning happening in their classrooms every day. To learn more about how WatchMeGrow can support your program, visit www.watchmegrow.com. Thank you to WatchMeGrow for supporting our mission to inspire, equip, and empower child care leaders around the world.

  5. Jul 28

    608 You May Not Have a Staffing Problem

    Send us Fan Mail What if the real problem is not that good teachers are impossible to find—but that something inside your program is making it difficult for them to stay? In this episode, Erica Saccoccio challenges childcare leaders to look beyond job postings, callouts, and constant hiring. She explores how workplace culture, communication, expectations, support, onboarding, and leadership practices can quietly create what looks like a staffing problem. Before you hire another person, it may be time to take an honest look at what your current team is experiencing. This episode will help you identify where the real gaps may be and what you can begin changing today to build a workplace where strong educators want to stay. 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 families. Their innovative technology empowers programs to enhance safety, strengthen relationships, and showcase the incredible learning happening in their classrooms every day. To learn more about how WatchMeGrow can support your program, visit www.watchmegrow.com. Thank you to WatchMeGrow for supporting our mission to inspire, equip, and empower child care leaders around the world.

  6. Jul 27

    607 Who Is Holding the Childcare Director Together?

    Send us Fan Mail Childcare directors spend their days holding everything together—the classrooms, the staff, the families, the schedules, licensing requirements, enrollment, and every unexpected challenge that walks through the door. But while everyone depends on the director, who is checking on the person carrying it all? In this honest and personal episode, Erica Saccoccio talks about the emotional weight of childcare leadership, the hidden signs of director burnout, and why exhaustion should not be treated as proof of commitment. She also explores how stronger boundaries, better systems, and leadership support can help directors move from simply surviving the day to leading with clarity and confidence. For the next 30 days, you can join the Trailblazer Membership Group free and experience a community created to support childcare leaders just like you. Use code LAUNCH and visit www.childcaredirectorschair.com to join today. 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 families. Their innovative technology empowers programs to enhance safety, strengthen relationships, and showcase the incredible learning happening in their classrooms every day. To learn more about how WatchMeGrow can support your program, visit www.watchmegrow.com. Thank you to WatchMeGrow for supporting our mission to inspire, equip, and empower child care leaders around the world.

  7. Jul 22

    606 Decode the Behavior, Reach the Child.

    Send us Fan Mail What if the behavior challenging your classroom is actually a child’s way of asking for help? In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast, Erica sits down with school counselors and authors Ashley Zomalt and Kacy Brubaker to uncover what children’s big emotions and challenging behaviors may really be communicating. Together, they share how educators and child care leaders can move beyond simply stopping a behavior and begin identifying the feelings, unmet needs, and missing skills beneath it. You will learn how empathy, emotional intelligence, and storytelling can help children name their emotions, build self-regulation, and feel understood. This conversation will challenge you to stop asking, “How do I control this behavior?” and begin asking, “What is this child trying to tell me?” Connect with Ashley and Kacy: Website: www.weallhavesuperpowers.com Instagram: @weallhavesuperpowers YouTube: @weallhavesuperpowers 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 families. Their innovative technology empowers programs to enhance safety, strengthen relationships, and showcase the incredible learning happening in their classrooms every day. To learn more about how WatchMeGrow can support your program, visit www.watchmegrow.com. Thank you to WatchMeGrow for supporting our mission to inspire, equip, and empower child care leaders around the world.

  8. Jul 21

    605 Are You Taking Your Best Teachers for Granted?

    Send us Fan Mail Your best teachers are often the ones who show up, step in, solve problems, support others, and quietly hold everything together. But because they are dependable, they can also become the most overlooked, overworked, and taken for granted. In this episode, we are talking about what extraordinary teachers truly need from their leaders. We will explore how to recognize burnout before it is too late, support their professional growth, listen to their ideas, and make sure appreciation goes beyond simply giving them more responsibility. Your strongest teachers should not have to feel exhausted, invisible, or undervalued before you realize how important they are. The real question is: Are you giving your best teachers a reason to stay? 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 families. Their innovative technology empowers programs to enhance safety, strengthen relationships, and showcase the incredible learning happening in their classrooms every day. To learn more about how WatchMeGrow can support your program, visit www.watchmegrow.com. Thank you to WatchMeGrow for supporting our mission to inspire, equip, and empower child care leaders around the world.

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About

Because childcare leadership deserves a real conversation. If you're looking for another leadership podcast filled with corporate buzzwords and theories from people who haven't stepped inside a childcare center in years... this probably isn't it. I'm Erica Saccoccio—a multi-center childcare owner, leadership coach, keynote speaker, and podcast host who still leads in the work every single day. This podcast is for childcare directors, daycare owners, assistant directors, preschool leaders, and early childhood professionals who are ready to find their voice, build confidence, strengthen their teams, and create programs where children, families, and educators thrive. Each week, you'll hear honest conversations, practical leadership strategies, and inspiring stories from childcare directors, owners, educators, authors, and industry leaders who understand what it really takes to lead in early childhood today. We'll tackle the conversations others avoid, celebrate the wins that matter, and give you practical ideas you can take back to your center tomorrow. Around here, we don't chase perfection—we build confident leaders, multiply future leaders, and create a ripple of impact throughout the early childhood profession. Pull up a chair. Find your voice. Lead with confidence. Create lasting impact. 🎤 Let's Grow Leaders Together Looking for a keynote speaker, breakout session presenter, leadership retreat facilitator, professional development trainer, or leadership coach for your childcare organization? Erica partners with conferences, state associations, childcare organizations, school districts, and leadership teams across the country to deliver engaging presentations that are practical, relatable, and transformational. Every session is designed to inspire audiences, spark meaningful conversations, and equip leaders with strategies they can immediately implement in their programs. Connect with Erica for:  🎤 Keynote Presentations  🎓 Conference Breakout Sessions  🏫 Professional Development Days  🌱 Leadership Coaching  👥 Leadership Retreats  🎙️ Podcast Guest Opportunities 🌐 www.childcaredirectorschair.com Pull up a chair. Find your voice. Lead with confidence. Create lasting impact.

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