Podcast
The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast
Hosted by Erica Saccoccio · EN
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.
100episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
534 Unstoppable: Your Leadership, Your Dreams, Your Rules
Feb 2000:09:00Tap to summarizeSend a textThis 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, personal growth, and what it really takes to act on the vision you keep coming back to. You’ll reflect on what you’ve already accomplished, what you truly want next, and why taking action now can transform both you and your program.If you’re ready to elevate your leadership, build momentum, and create the future you see for your center, this episode will push you to take that first step.Support the show🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference
Transcribe →533 Your Leadership Has a Ceiling—Break It
Feb 1900:09:51Tap to summarizeSend a text 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. Join Us in RI Grab Your Ticket Here: Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment ConferenceSupport the show🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference
Transcribe →532 You Made It… Now What?
Feb 1800:09:42Tap to summarizeSend a textRunning 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 decisions and planning for the future, your growth directly shapes the success and sustainability of your center. If you’ve been wondering how to take your leadership to the next level, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration to help you lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose.Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference – Learn – Reflect – CollaborateSupport the show🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference
Transcribe →531 From Chicago Classrooms to Active Alphabet: Patrick’s Journey to Moving & Grooving Through Literacy
Feb 1700:16:35Tap to summarizeSend a textWhat 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 experience — young children being asked to sit still, trace letters, and complete worksheets that didn’t match their developmental needs. He knew there had to be a better way.So instead of asking children to sit down and memorize letters, he got them up and moving.Jumping for J.Marching for M.Twisting for T.Through music, rhythm, and intentional movement, Patrick began teaching the alphabet in a way that honored how young children actually learn — through their bodies.In this episode, we talk about:His journey from Chicago educator to founder of Active AlphabetWhy worksheets don’t align with how Pre-K children developThe brain science behind movement and memoryHow directors can bring active literacy into their centersWhat happens when classrooms shift from passive to powerful learningThis conversation is a reminder that early literacy doesn’t have to mean sitting still — and that innovation often starts with one teacher asking, “What if we did this differently?”If you’re looking for ways to energize your classrooms, support your teachers, and rethink how letters are introduced, this episode will leave you inspired to get your children moving and grooving their way to literacy success.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEUnsAkUHxSupport the show🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference
Transcribe →530 Capturing the Moments That Matter: Reimagining Observations with Famly
Feb 1600:30:20Tap to summarizeSend a textWhat 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 to a child’s learning journey. Tune in to discover why effective observation systems aren’t just about compliance—they’re about trust, transparency, and transforming early education.Get a demo | Discover the Top-Rated Childcare SoftwareSupport the show🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference
Transcribe →529 Pivot or Get Left Behind: Strategic Planning That Keeps Childcare Strong
Feb 1300:18:25Tap to summarizeSend a textThe pandemic forced childcare leaders to react fast—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 talk about why strategic planning is no longer optional in childcare—it’s survival.They break down what it really means to pivot in today’s early education landscape, how to move past the pandemic mindset, and why data, accountability, and stakeholder buy-in matter more than ever. Joe shares practical insight on maintaining quality while growing sustainably, diversifying revenue streams, and building a plan that protects your program long-term instead of putting out fires short-term.This is a must-listen for childcare owners, directors, and leaders ready to stop guessing and start planning with intention.🎟️ If you’re ready to turn strategy into action, join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference. Get your tickets now before they sell out and put yourself in the room with leaders who are shaping what’s next for childcare. Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment ConferenceSupport the show🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference
Transcribe →528 No Time, No Breaks, No Energy? Time Management for Classroom Teachers
Feb 1200:14:52Tap to summarizeSend a textIf 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, creating focused planning time, managing the never-ending demands of the day, and finding space for self-care without the guilt. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters and protecting your energy so you can show up for your students.They also share how teachers can continue this learning at the Early Education Empowerment Conference, a space designed to support educators with tools, connection, and strategies that make teaching more sustainable.🎟️ Get your tickets to the Early Education Empowerment Conference today before they sell out and invest in yourself—because great classrooms start with supported teachers. Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment ConferenceSupport the show🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference
Transcribe →527 When Behavior Speaks: What Children Need Us to Hear
Feb 1100:24:29Tap to summarizeSend a textChallenging 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 aware adults can completely shift classroom dynamics. This conversation dives into the role of language development, the classroom environment, adult emotions, and the common mistakes educators make when responding to challenging behaviors. It’s an honest, grounded reminder that real behavior support starts with care, connection, and growth—for adults too.If this episode makes you rethink behavior, leadership, and how we show up for children, the conversation doesn’t stop here. Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference, where educators and leaders come together to learn, reflect, and level up—together. 🔥 Get your tickets today before they sell out and be part of the movement shaping the future of early education. Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment ConferenceSupport the show🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference
Transcribe →526 Not a Box to Check: Designing an Eclectic Curriculum That Actually Works
Feb 1000:29:18Tap to summarizeSend a textWhat 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 experience and research-based insights to the table, unpacking how developmentally appropriate practice, thoughtfully designed environments, and evidence-based decision making should guide curriculum—not trends or labels. If you’ve ever wondered how to blend philosophies without watering them down, this conversation is your permission slip to do it on purpose.ABOUT — Dr. Susan Zoll🎟️ Call to ActionIf this conversation fires you up and you’re ready to go deeper, you do not want to miss the Early Education Empowerment Conference. This is where big ideas turn into real strategy—with educators, leaders, and change-makers who are ready to raise the bar together. 👉 Grab your tickets now and join us in the room where it actually happens.Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference – Learn – Reflect – CollaborateSupport the show🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference
Transcribe →524 Stop Training, Start Transforming: How to Make Skills Stick in Your Program
Feb 1000:11:22Tap to summarizeSend a textYou’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 every day.If you want your team to not just know it, but own it, this episode is packed with practical tips you can start using immediately.💖 Valentine’s Day Ticket Special🎟 Sale ends MIDNIGHT on Valentine’s Day📍 Early Education Empowerment Conference – May 7, 8 & 9VIP Leadership Ticket: $299 – full 3-day access.Teacher Team: Add 4 Saturday-only tickets using code GENERALADMIN.Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference – Learn – Reflect – CollaborateImportant: Enter each staff member’s name individually—don’t enter your own name four times.Support the show🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference
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