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.
96episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
605 Are You Taking Your Best Teachers for Granted?
3w ago00:22:57Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailYour 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 showThe 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.
Transcribe →604 Are Great Leaders Born? The Leadership Myth That's Holding You Back
3w ago00:12:14Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAre great leaders born, or are they built?It's one of the oldest leadership debates, but I believe we've been asking the wrong question. Some people seem to have natural leadership abilities from a young age, while others grow into leadership over time. The real question isn't how you started—it's what you're doing with the leadership you've been given.In this first episode of our new series, Leadership Myths That Are Holding You Back, I'm sharing my own leadership journey—from being a Head Start child and earning my GED to becoming a childcare owner, leadership coach, speaker, and podcast host. Along the way, I discovered that while leadership may begin with natural gifts for some, lasting influence is built through intentional growth.We'll explore why personality isn't the same as leadership, how John Maxwell's Law of the Lid applies to every childcare leader, and why your willingness to keep growing determines the impact you'll have on your team, your program, and ultimately the children you serve.If you've ever questioned whether you were "meant" to lead—or if you've always been told you're a natural leader but aren't sure what comes next—this episode is for you.Join me this Wednesday inside the ECE Trailblazers Leadership Community, where we're committed to growing ourselves so we can multiply leaders throughout the early childhood profession.Because leadership isn't about where you begin. It's about who you're becoming.Support the showThe 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.
Transcribe →603 Sisters, Stories & Family Child Care
3w ago00:32:58Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat happens when two sisters each run their own family child care program? You get honest conversations, plenty of laughter, real-life lessons, and a passion for supporting the profession they love.In this special podcast swap episode, Erica Saccoccio, host of The Child Care Director's Chair, sits down with the hosts of The Daycare Sisters Podcast to talk about the unique journey of owning separate family child care businesses while leaning on each other every step of the way. Together, they share stories from the field, discuss the realities of running a home-based program, and explore how building relationships with family child care providers across the country has created a powerful community of support.Whether you're a family child care provider, center director, owner, or early childhood educator, this episode is a reminder that leadership doesn't have to be lonely. Through shared experiences, authentic conversations, and a commitment to lifting one another up, we can strengthen our profession—one story at a time.In this episode, you'll hear about:The unique bond of being sisters in early childhood educationThe realities of owning and operating family child care programsWhy community matters more than competitionLessons they've learned from providers across the countryHow sharing our stories helps elevate the entire early childhood professionIf this conversation inspired you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another early childhood professional who believes we're stronger together.Support the showThe 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.
Transcribe →602 Family Child Care: More Alike Than Different
3w ago00:10:57Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAfter spending time with incredible family child care providers at the National Family Child Care Association Conference in Chicago and the Florida Family Child Care Home Association event, I've found myself reflecting on just how much we have in common.As a center owner, I've always admired the heart, dedication, and resilience it takes to open your home to children every single day. While our businesses may look different on the outside, our mission is exactly the same—we're building relationships with families, supporting children, leading educators, navigating regulations, solving problems, and advocating for a profession we all love.In this solo episode, I'm sharing some of my random thoughts and appreciation for family child care providers. We'll explore where our journeys overlap, where our challenges are different, and why it's time to stop seeing ourselves as separate parts of early childhood education.Whether you own a center, operate a family child care program, or lead a team of educators, this conversation is an invitation to collaborate instead of compete. Because when we speak with one voice, advocate together, and celebrate one another's successes, our entire profession becomes stronger.Our children don't care what type of program we operate—they simply need passionate, qualified educators who show up every day ready to make a difference. Let's raise each other's voices and continue building an early childhood profession that is stronger because we stand together.In this episode you'll discover:What center owners and family child care providers have in commonThe unique strengths of family child care programsWhy collaboration is more powerful than competitionHow we can better support one another across our professionWhy every early childhood educator deserves a seat at the tableIf this episode resonates with you, share it with another early childhood leader. Together, we can continue elevating the voices of everyone who makes a difference in the lives of young children.#ChildCareDirectorsChair #FamilyChildCare #ChildCareOwner #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ECELeadership #Leadership #ChildCareBusiness #ChildCareDirector #Advocacy #Collaboration #EricaSaccoccioSupport the showThe 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.
Transcribe →601 Finding Your Way
4w ago00:46:54Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailFinding your way as a leader isn't always a straight path—and in early childhood education, every experience shapes the leader you become.In this episode of The Child Care Director's Chair Podcast, Annie Watkins joins Erica Saccoccio to share her leadership journey, from unexpectedly entering the childcare profession to becoming a confident childcare director. Together, they discuss finding your voice, overcoming self-doubt, building confidence, and leading with purpose, even when the path isn't always clear.Whether you're a childcare director, preschool director, childcare owner, assistant director, teacher, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers practical leadership lessons and encouragement to help you grow into the leader your team deserves.In this episode, you'll learn:✔️ How to find your leadership voice✔️ Why confidence is built through experience✔️ How to navigate challenges and uncertainty as a leader✔️ The importance of mentorship and lifelong learning✔️ Ways to build trust and support your team✔️ Why every leadership journey is uniqueNo matter where you are in your leadership journey, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to have all the answers to become an impactful leader—you simply have to keep growing.💬 We'd love to hear from you!What has helped you find your way as a leader in early childhood education? Share your story in the comments below.👍 If you enjoyed this episode:• Like this video• Subscribe for weekly childcare leadership content• Share this episode with another early childhood leader.#ChildcareLeadership #ChildcareDirector #EarlyChildhoodEducation #LeadershipDevelopment #PreschoolDirector #ChildcareOwner #LeadershipJourney #ECELeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #ChildCareDirectorsChairSupport the showThe 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.
Transcribe →600 The Secret to Strong Childcare Teams
4w ago00:37:44Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailHow can collaboration transform your childcare center and strengthen your leadership?In this episode of The Child Care Director's Chair Podcast, Erica Saccoccio celebrates the podcast's 3-year anniversary with special guest LaTroya B., founder of The Preschool Posse, for an inspiring conversation about why collaboration beats competition in early childhood education.If you're a childcare director, childcare owner, preschool director, assistant director, instructional coach, or early childhood educator, this episode will help you build stronger teams, develop meaningful professional relationships, and lead with greater confidence.Together, Erica and LaTroya discuss how moving from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset can transform not only your leadership but the entire early childhood profession. They explore the power of networking, authentic collaboration, shared leadership, staff retention, business growth, advocacy, and supporting one another as leaders.In this episode, you'll learn:✔️ Why collaboration is the key to stronger childcare leadership✔️ How to build meaningful professional relationships in early childhood education✔️ The difference between networking and true collaboration✔️ How to shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset✔️ Leadership strategies that improve staff retention and workplace culture✔️ Why business strategy is essential for childcare owners and directors✔️ How collaboration creates lasting impact for children, families, and educatorsWhether you lead one childcare center or multiple programs, this conversation will remind you that leadership is not meant to be done alone. The strongest childcare leaders don't compete—they collaborate.🎙️ Hosted by Erica SaccoccioMulti-site childcare owner, leadership coach, national speaker, and host of The Child Care Director's Chair Podcast, where childcare directors and early childhood leaders gain practical leadership strategies to build stronger teams, grow successful programs, and elevate the profession.👇 We'd love to hear from you!How has collaboration helped you become a stronger leader? Share your experience in the comments—we'd love to continue the conversation.👍 If you enjoyed this episode:• Like this video• Subscribe for weekly childcare leadership content• Share this episode with another childcare leader who needs this message.#ChildcareLeadership #ChildcareDirector #ChildcareOwner #EarlyChildhoodEducation #PreschoolDirector #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamBuilding #StaffRetention #ECELeadership #WomenInBusiness #ProfessionalDevelopment #ChildCareDirectorsChair #EricaSaccoccio #PreschoolPosseSupport the showThe 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.
Transcribe →599 The Surprising Power of Intentional Collaboration in Child Care Teams
4w ago00:49:30Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailUnlock the secret to transforming your early childhood program by cultivating a culture of genuine collaboration. If you're a director feeling the weight of disjointed teams, or a teacher craving deeper connections, this episode is your game-changer. Imagine classrooms where teachers step in seamlessly, communication flows effortlessly, and a positive, trusting environment is the norm—not the exception. Coach Ray from New Orleans reveals the practical, evidence-based strategies that turn this vision into reality. From building trust and intentional pairing to harnessing video coaching and redefining leadership, you'll discover how small shifts can create monumental impacts on staff dynamics and child outcomes. We break down: How to identify the signs of a strong collaborative culture during classroom visits The power of modeling, feedback, and real conversations in boosting teacher skills Strategies to overcome distrust, personality clashes, and hierarchical barriersThe importance of intentional staffing, shared vision, and growth pathways for long-term successThe role of leadership in fostering safe spaces where teachers feel empowered to share ideas, ask questions, and innovate Support the showThe 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.
Transcribe →598 Lead Smarter with AI
Jul 800:09:21Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailArtificial intelligence is here, and it's changing the way child care leaders work. But before you worry about AI replacing educators, let's set the record straight—it never will.In this episode of the Child Care Director's Chair Podcast, Erica Saccoccio explores how child care directors and owners can use AI to become more organized, communicate more effectively, and reclaim valuable time without sacrificing the relationships that make early childhood education so special.You'll discover practical ways to use AI for parent communication, staff leadership, meeting agendas, hiring, training, marketing, and everyday administrative tasks, while learning why your leadership, experience, and heart will always be your greatest advantage.If you're ready to work smarter, lead with confidence, and prepare your program for the future, this episode is for you.In This Episode:How AI can save child care leaders hours every weekSimple ways to use AI in your program todayWhat AI should never replace in early childhood educationHow to lead with innovation while keeping people at the centerWhy the future belongs to leaders who are willing to learnLeadership Challenge: Choose one task you've been putting off and let AI help you complete it. Then use the time you save to invest in your staff, your families, or your classroom.Because great leadership isn't about doing more—it's about creating more time for what matters most.Support the showThe 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.
Transcribe →597 Stop Leading Alone: Build Stronger Child Care Teams Together
Jul 700:19:05Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat if one of the biggest myths in early childhood education is that great leaders have to carry everything alone? In this episode of The Child Care Directors Chair, Erica sits down with Tacita Bateman, founder of Childcare Culture and Company, to talk about why collaboration, culture, and leadership pipelines matter more than ever. They dig into burnout, broken systems, innovative solutions, and the power of sharing ideas with other child care leaders. If you’re ready to stop surviving and start leading with intention, this conversation is for you.To get your tickets for culture shock click the link to learn more: Meet the Speakers | Childcare Culture Shock SummitSupport the showThe 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.
Transcribe →596 Stop Going Through the Motions.
Jul 600:13:36Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat if the most important part of your leadership isn't what you accomplish—but how you make people feel?In this episode of the Child Care Director's Chair Podcast, Erica Saccoccio challenges educators to stop simply going through the motions and start creating moments that people will remember for a lifetime. Through personal stories, leadership insights, and practical encouragement, you'll discover how small, intentional moments can transform your team, your culture, your career, and your legacy.Erica also shares her journey from after-school van driver to CEO, invites you to join her at the Ready, Set, Teach Summit, and introduces the Trailblazers Leadership Community, where educators are turning their dreams into reality.Ready Set Teach Link: The Ready, Set, Teach! Summit: Teacherpreneur EditionSupport the showThe 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.
Transcribe →