The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast

Erica Saccoccio
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🎙️ The Child Care Director’s Chair – Where Big Dreams and Bigger Leadership Collide!    Ready to level up your child care career? Whether you're a teacher assistant dreaming of that lead teacher badge, a lead ready to snag that director title, or a director with your sights set on owning your own center (or multiple ones 👀)—this is your seat at the table. And spoiler alert: leadership isn’t a title, it’s an action. Hosted by the one and only Erica Saccoccio—part coach, part cheerleader, and full-time leadership hype man—you’ll get daily doses of real talk, big laughs, and bold leadership truths. We’re talking practical strategies, mindset shifts, and serious elevation vibes... all served with love (and a little sass 😘). ✨ New episodes drop Monday–Friday at 1 AM EST—so you can sip your coffee, set your goals, and strut into your center like the boss you’re becoming. This show is a great addition to your leadership toolbox or the perfect resource for your team onboarding sessions—because the best programs grow their teams from within. 💪  Pull up your chair, future leader. Let’s do this thing. 💼💥

  1. 14H AGO

    473 No, is a Complete Sentence! Stop Being a Doormat, Director.

    Send us a text  Directors, listen up — saying no doesn’t make you mean, it makes you a leader. Too many of us spend our days exhausted, stressed, and stretched thin because we think every request has to be a “yes.” In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, Erica talks about why boundaries are your secret leadership superpower and how saying no can actually make your “yes” more powerful. You’ll learn: ✅ How to set boundaries without guilt ✅ Why saying no helps your team grow ✅ How to protect your time and energy ✅ Tips to communicate limits clearly with staff and families ✅ How standing your ground earns respect and builds culture It’s time to stop people-pleasing and start leading with strength, clarity, and confidence. ✨ Ready to step into bold, intentional leadership?  👉 Click the link in the show notes and join the Trailblazer Leadership Community. Use code LAUNCH for your first month free and connect with a circle of leaders who get it. Support the show We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately. Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.

    7 min

  2. 3D AGO

    472 Do You Even Know You? Finding Your Direction Before You Lead

    Send us a text  Let’s get real for a minute — how can you lead others if you don’t really know yourself? 🤔 In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, we’re diving deep into self-awareness — the secret ingredient to powerful, authentic leadership. Because when you know who you are, why you make the choices you do, and what truly brings you joy, you don’t just lead better — you live better. We’ll unpack the tough questions every childcare leader and teacher should be asking:  ✨ Who am I — really?  ✨ What lights me up, and what drains me?  ✨ Why do I react the way I do?  ✨ And what’s my real direction — not just at work, but in life? You’ll hear one of my favorite John Maxwell quotes: “You have to know who you are to grow your potential — but you have to grow in order to know who you are.”We’ll talk through how to find your compass, build your confidence, and stop living on autopilot. Because when you get clear on you, your leadership, your relationships, and your classroom all shift for the better. So here’s my question — do you have a sense of direction, or are you just running in circles? If you’re ready to dig deep and start growing with intention, come join me and an amazing circle of leaders inside the Trailblazer Community — where we’re building self-aware, confident, purpose-driven leaders one conversation at a time. 👉 Click here to join and use code LAUNCH for your first month free: Membership | Child Care Director Let’s stop guessing who we are and start becoming who we’re meant to be — together. Support the show We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately. Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.

    11 min

  3. 4D AGO

    471 Stop Running on Autopilot: Be Intentional, Baby!

    Send us a text Are you working hard… but not really going anywhere? Yeah, I’ve been there too. 🙋‍♀️ In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, we’re getting real about what it actually means to be intentional — not just busy. I’m sharing a powerful lesson I learned from John Maxwell’s 15 Laws of Growth that completely changed how I show up as a leader, a mom, and a human being. Spoiler alert: growth doesn’t just happen — you’ve got to plan it, protect it, and pursue it. So, let me ask you… are you truly present, or are you just reacting to your day as it happens? If you’re tired of feeling “stuck in the middle,” this one’s for you. We’ll talk about breaking through those “growth gaps,” letting go of perfection, and finally taking the leap — even when the timing isn’t perfect (because spoiler #2: it never will be). Ready to grow with intention? Come join me and a powerhouse group of leaders inside the Trailblazer Community — where we’re done playing small and ready to grow on purpose. 👉 Click here to join us and use code LAUNCH for your first month free: Membership | Child Care Director  Let’s stop drifting and start directing our growth. Life is in session — are you present Support the show We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately. Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.

    8 min

  4. 5D AGO

    470 Conferences, Community & a Little Bit of Therapy 🫶🎧

    Send us a text In this heartfelt episode, Erica reflects on 35 incredible days spent traveling to AEYC conferences across the Northeast — from Connecticut to New Jersey, Maine, and Massachusetts — connecting with early childhood leaders who are making a difference every single day. From the joy of meeting longtime listeners to witnessing educators like Maris celebrate 50 years of impact, Erica shares powerful reminders about the strength of community and the real meaning of leadership in early childhood education. Tune in as she reveals five lessons every leader can carry forward — from finding your circle and protecting your spirit to giving yourself grace in the messy, beautiful moments of running a program. 💛 Whether you’re a new director, a seasoned owner, or somewhere in between, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone — and that your impact matters more than you know. 🎧 Plus, learn how to join the Trailblazer Program, Erica’s weekly space for connection and growth with fellow ECE leaders who get it. #ChildCareDirectorsChair #Leadership #ECELeaders #AEYC #LeadingWithImpact #EarlyChildhoodEducation Would you like me to also write a shorter social caption (under 150 words) to promote this episode on Instagram or Facebook? Support the show We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately. Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.

    9 min

  5. 5D AGO

    Bonus :AI Meets Early Childhood: Are You Ready to Innovate? njaeyc interview

    Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Director's Share podcast, Erica interviews Malik, a vendor at the New Jersey AEYC conference, who discusses his innovative AI tool designed to enhance engagement and retention in childcare settings. The conversation explores the importance of storytelling in education, the challenges of funding, and the future aspirations for integrating technology in early childhood education. Support the show We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately. Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.

    9 min

  6. 6D AGO

    469 Honoring Heroes: Veterans Day and Community Impact in Early Childhood

    Send us a text  In this heartfelt Veterans Day episode, Erica Saccoccio sits down with Karen, Director of the Dear to Dream Ranch in Rhode Island, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans. They explore the journey of healing, the importance of teaching children to give back, and how acts of kindness can shape both young hearts and the broader community. Tune in for inspiring stories, practical ways to instill compassion in children, and insights into the powerful impact of service and support for our heroes. This season—and all year long—we encourage you to find ways to give back, big or small, in your community. Let’s turn lessons of kindness into action and make a difference together. For more about Dare to Dream Ranch click the link Dare to Dream Ranch Support the show We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately. Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.

    30 min

  7. NOV 10

    Bonus: Teamwork, Growth, Impact—Are You In? njaeyc interview

    Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Directors Chair podcast, Erica and Amber discuss the essential qualities of effective leadership in education, the importance of team building, and the role of observations and assessments in fostering student growth. Amber shares her experiences and insights from her presentation at the njaeyc 80th anniversary conference, emphasizing the need for collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement in educational practices. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by educational leaders and offers advice for new directors entering the field. Support the show We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately. Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.

    9 min

  8. NOV 7

    Bonus Evolution of Early Childhood Education njaeyc interview

    Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Directors Share Podcast, host Erica speaks with Cindy Tera Bush, a fellow educator and podcaster, about her journey in early childhood education. They discuss the evolution of Cindy's career from teacher to director to podcaster, the challenges and rewards of navigating career transitions, and the importance of community engagement and advocacy in the field. Cindy shares her insights on embracing change, the power of podcasting, and the obligation educators have to promote the value of early childhood education. Support the show We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately. Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.

    14 min
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About

🎙️ The Child Care Director’s Chair – Where Big Dreams and Bigger Leadership Collide!    Ready to level up your child care career? Whether you're a teacher assistant dreaming of that lead teacher badge, a lead ready to snag that director title, or a director with your sights set on owning your own center (or multiple ones 👀)—this is your seat at the table. And spoiler alert: leadership isn’t a title, it’s an action. Hosted by the one and only Erica Saccoccio—part coach, part cheerleader, and full-time leadership hype man—you’ll get daily doses of real talk, big laughs, and bold leadership truths. We’re talking practical strategies, mindset shifts, and serious elevation vibes... all served with love (and a little sass 😘). ✨ New episodes drop Monday–Friday at 1 AM EST—so you can sip your coffee, set your goals, and strut into your center like the boss you’re becoming. This show is a great addition to your leadership toolbox or the perfect resource for your team onboarding sessions—because the best programs grow their teams from within. 💪  Pull up your chair, future leader. Let’s do this thing. 💼💥

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