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
578 The Secret Behind Whole Leadership
Jun 100:16:03Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat if the reason you're feeling overwhelmed as a director isn't because you're doing too much—but because you're leading from only one part of your leadership toolkit? In this episode, Erica Saccoccio unpacks the McCormick Center's Whole Leadership Framework and reveals why the most effective child care leaders don't just focus on operations, teaching, or people—they intentionally develop all three. Discover how Administrative Leadership, Pedagogical Leadership, and Leadership Essentials work together to create stronger teams, healthier cultures, better outcomes for children, and more sustainable programs. If you've ever wondered why some directors seem to thrive while others constantly feel stuck in survival mode, this episode is for you.🎙️ Sponsored by All Brand New EnglandServing child care programs throughout New England with food, snacks, dairy, janitorial supplies, arts and crafts materials, office supplies, medical and safety products, and more through convenient one-stop ordering and delivery solutions designed specifically for early childhood programs.🌐 Learn More:All Brand New England🚀 Join the ECE Trailblazers Leadership MembershipWeekly coaching, leadership development, practical toolkits, networking, and support designed specifically for child care owners, directors, and emerging leaders looking to grow their confidence, skills, and impact.🌐 Join Here:ECE Trailblazers Leadership MembershipSupport the show
Transcribe →577 Stop Standing on the Sidelines: The First Step to the Leadership Life You Want
May 2700:15:47Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailHow many dreams are sitting inside educators who are too afraid to start?In this powerful episode, we challenge educators to stop waiting for permission, stop overthinking, and finally take the first step toward the leadership, business, platform, or purpose they’ve been dreaming about.Using John Maxwell’s quote, “A passive life does not become a meaningful life. You cannot make a difference standing on the sidelines,” this episode goes beyond motivation and gives real, practical steps educators can take to start moving forward today.We’re talking about:✨ How to get clear on what you truly want✨ The first steps to turning ideas into action✨ Building confidence through execution✨ Why consistency matters more than perfection✨ The power of getting in the right room✨ How leadership communities accelerate growthIf you’re a teacher, director, speaker, entrepreneur, or educator ready to elevate your leadership voice and stop playing small, this episode is for you.🎙️ Ready to grow alongside educators and leaders who are making moves?Join the Trailblazers Leadership Group and start building the future you keep talking yourself out of. Membership | Child Care DirectorThis episode is sponsored by Childcare management software to give you hours back in your day | FamlySupport the show
Transcribe →576 It’s Not Too Late: Educators 50+ Building Bold New Lives
May 2600:35:24Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat happens when decades of teaching, leading, and serving others finally meet a quiet question: “What do I want for me?”It’s Not Too Late is a podcast for educators over 50 who are ready to step beyond burnout, routine, and “playing it safe”—and into a new chapter of purpose, freedom, and impact.In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cheryl Hovey of Dr Cheryl Hovey, founder of ezed2go, to explore what it really means to reinvent your life after decades in education. We talk honestly about:Why comfort can quietly become limitationThe emotional “Band-Aid moment” of change after 50How educators can turn experience into income and impactBuilding a business or second career without starting from scratchWhy more time with family, travel, and purpose don’t have to competeThis conversation is for the educator who still feels called to do more—but isn’t sure where to begin.Because retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down.It can mean redesigning your life with intention.And for many, life is just getting good.Support the show
Transcribe →575 The Power of the Right Room: Ruth Baugh’s Leadership Journey
May 2500:31:21Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailOne connection can change everything.In this inspiring episode, we spotlight Trailblazers Leadership Group member Ruth Baugh and her journey from feeling overwhelmed and uncertain to finding her voice, growing her confidence, and stepping boldly into leadership.Through the power of community, collaboration, and being surrounded by the right people, Ruth began building a platform focused on advocacy, educator support, and leadership growth.We talk about: ✨ How Trailblazers helped shape her path ✨ Why the right room matters ✨ The power of leadership community and collaboration ✨ Finding the confidence to use your voice ✨ What growth looks like when people truly pour into youIf you’re an educator, leader, speaker, or entrepreneur ready to elevate your leadership voice and grow alongside purpose-driven people, this is your space.Join the Trailblazers Leadership Group and start making the moves that grow your confidence, leadership, and impact.Support the show
Transcribe →574 Movement, Leadership & Burnout Prevention in Early Childhood
May 2100:11:38Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast, Erica Saccoccio explores how movement is not just a classroom strategy—but a leadership wellness tool that impacts stress, burnout, and long-term health in early childhood education.Learn 5 simple ways childcare directors can bring more movement into their day to improve energy, reduce stress, and strengthen staff and classroom culture.This episode also features a special spotlight on Kindermotion New England, bringing movement-based enrichment directly into early childhood programs. Key topics include:Leadership burnout and sedentary work risksMovement as a wellness and regulation strategyStaff culture, engagement, and energyPractical ways to move more throughout your leadership dayWhy movement improves both adult and child outcomesClick here to learn more from sponsors Kindermotion and Dance of New England - Kindermotion and Dance of New EnglandSupport the show
Transcribe →573 Pedagogy Leadership & the Power of Movement
May 2000:24:03Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast, host Erica Saccoccio explores why pedagogy leadership is one of the most critical drivers of quality in early childhood education—and how movement plays a powerful role in shaping classroom culture, staff wellness, and learning outcomes.Too often, leaders get pulled into the operational side of early childhood education—staffing, compliance, schedules, and paperwork—while the real work of learning and engagement happens in the background. This episode brings the focus back to what children actually experience every day: the classroom environment, relationships, and opportunities for active learning.Erica breaks down how movement supports:calmer, more regulated classroomsstronger memory and cognitive developmentimproved focus and engagement for children and adultshealthier staff morale and reduced burnoutmore inclusive learning environments for diverse learnersstronger team connection and cultureThroughout the episode, Erica challenges leaders to rethink PD experiences, classroom design, and daily routines—asking a powerful question: are we leading operations, or are we leading learning?This episode is sponsored by Famly, supporting stronger communication, family engagement, and connected early childhood communities. Childcare management software to give you hours back in your day | FamlySupport the show
Transcribe →572 Collected With Purpose: Why Great Leaders Remember People
May 1800:14:19Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat if one of the most powerful leadership skills isn’t strategy—but remembering people?In this episode of The Childcare Directors Chair, we explore the leadership power of stories, connection, and making people feel seen. Inspired by a weekend full of conversations where people joked, “I’m here because Ericia collected me,” this episode dives into what it truly means to build relationships with intention.We talk about why great leaders remember names, stories, passions, and dreams—and how storytelling creates deeper connection in early childhood education. From conferences and classrooms to leadership teams and family relationships, this conversation unpacks how connection creates culture.You’ll also learn practical ways to begin “collecting your own people” through curiosity, intentional conversations, and authentic relationship-building.Because leadership is not just about managing programs.It’s about creating belonging.Support the show
Transcribe →571 What Great Leaders Hear That Others Miss
May 1500:11:41Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Childcare Directors Chair, we dive into one of the most overlooked—but most powerful—leadership skills in early childhood education: listening with an open heart.Inspired by Peter Drucker’s quote, “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t being said,” this conversation explores what it truly means to listen beyond words as a leader. We unpack how body language, tone, silence, and emotion often tell the real story in our classrooms, teams, and family relationships.This episode challenges early childhood leaders to stop listening just to respond and start listening to understand. From coaching educators and navigating difficult conversations to building trust with families and strengthening team culture, we explore how intentional listening transforms leadership in real, practical ways.Because great leaders don’t just hear what’s being said—they recognize what others miss.Plus, hear about the launch of our Trailblazers leadership program and how you can join us for a free month of growth, connection, and future-focused leadership development. Membership | Child Care DirectorThank you to our sponsors at Massachusetts - Child & Adult Care, Janitorial & Commerical Products | All-BrandSupport the show
Transcribe →570 The Future Called… It Wants Better Leadership
May 1400:16:08Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of The Childcare Directors Chair, we’re talking about the message the field keeps sending loud and clear—the future is calling, and it wants better leadership.Early childhood education is shifting fast. The expectations are higher, the challenges are real, and the leaders who will thrive are the ones willing to grow, adapt, and lead with intention. This isn’t about doing more—it’s about leading differently.We break down what future-focused leadership actually looks like in real programs: stronger communication, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and the courage to step into stretch moments that build real confidence over time.If you’re a director or early childhood leader who’s ready to move beyond survival mode and step into impact, this conversation is for you.Because the future isn’t waiting—and neither should you.This episode is sponsored by our friends at Childcare management software to give you hours back in your day | FamlySupport the show
Transcribe →569 Leadership Missed the Memo: ‘I’m Having a Baby, I Can’t Open the Center Today’
May 500:18:29Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail“I’m having a baby… I can’t open the center today.”That should be the most obvious message in the world—but in this real leadership story, it somehow still wasn’t enough.In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair, we unpack a moment that sounds unbelievable but isn’t. A director goes into labor, communicates clearly from the hospital, leaves updates and voicemails… and still receives a message asking why she isn’t at work—because leadership never actually listened.This isn’t just a story about one situation. It’s about what happens when leadership reacts before it receives the full picture.We break down:Why staff still feel anxious even in “good” workplacesHow leaders accidentally create stress through fast, reactive communicationWhat it looks like when messages are sent but not truly heardSimple leadership shifts that rebuild trust, safety, and calm in your teamThis episode will challenge how you respond under pressure—because in leadership, it’s not just what you say that matters…It’s whether people feel heard before they’re judged.Support the show
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