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
568 Are You the Boss They’re Recovering From?
May 400:15:18Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAre you the boss your staff feel safe with—or the one they’re recovering from?In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair, we explore how leadership impacts staff stress, why educators often carry past workplace trauma into new roles, and five common leadership habits that quietly damage team culture.This is a real, honest look at how directors can unintentionally create anxiety—and how small shifts can build trust, safety, and retention.🤝 SponsorThis episode is sponsored by Famly.Learn more: https://www.famly.co/Support the show
Transcribe →567 Grateful Leadership: The Culture-Shaping Power Most Leaders Overlook
May 100:15:21Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Childcare Directors Chair Podcast, we explore what happens when leaders shift from correction-driven leadership to gratitude-driven leadership. Through real early childhood education scenarios, we uncover how attention—not systems alone—shapes culture, staff morale, retention, and emotional climate in childcare centers.You’ll hear real stories, practical leadership examples, and a deep look at how grateful leadership transforms communication, reduces burnout, and builds stronger, more stable teams.This episode is a reminder that what leaders consistently notice is what their teams consistently become.This episode is sponsored by East Coast Capture, a proud sponsor of the Early Education Empowerment Conference. East Coast Capture specializes in professional headshots and branding photography designed to help educators, directors, and leaders elevate their professional presence with confidence and authenticity.👉 Stop by their table at the conference for a FREE professional headshot, and learn more here: https://www.eastcoastcapture.comSupport the show
Transcribe →566 Intentional Growth: Why Great Leaders Don’t Grow by Accident
Apr 3000:16:11Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Childcare Directors Chair Podcast, we explore John Maxwell’s Law of Intentionality and what it truly means to grow as a leader in early childhood education.We break down the difference between accidental growth and intentional growth, the leadership “gaps” that hold professionals back, and why influence always matters more than title or authority. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership development is a lifelong process shaped by habits, decisions, and daily discipline.This episode is sponsored by Delaware State University’s Early Childhood Education Programs, which provide academic pathways for early childhood professionals looking to advance their careers, strengthen their leadership skills, and deepen their impact in the field through flexible, research-based degree options designed for working educators.Thank you to DSU for being our Friday lunch sponsors of the Early Education Empowerment Conference, whose support helps make it possible to bring leaders together, share meaningful learning experiences, and invest in the future of early childhood education.👉 To learn more, click the link below:https://www.desu.edu/academics/colleges/education-humanities-and-social-sciences/department-education/early-childhood-educationSupport the show
Transcribe →565 Quiet Leadership: Why the Best Childcare Leaders Don’t Need the Spotlight
Apr 2900:13:53Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Childcare Directors Chair Podcast, we explore the power of quiet leadership in early childhood education—where the most effective leaders are not the loudest or most visible, but the most consistent, intentional, and impact-driven.Grounded in leadership theory and organizational research, this episode breaks down how servant leadership, facilitation, value creation, and success-building shape strong childcare cultures. Through real-world examples from early childhood settings, we explore how directors can lead in a way that builds independence, strengthens staff capacity, and creates sustainable program success.You’ll walk away with practical strategies to shift from reactive leadership to intentional, quiet influence that transforms your center from the inside out.🤝 Sponsor: Delaware State UniversityThis episode is sponsored by Delaware State University’s Early Childhood Education Programs.Delaware State University offers flexible academic pathways designed for early childhood professionals looking to grow their expertise, advance their careers, and strengthen their leadership in the field.Their programs support educators and directors through research-based coursework focused on child development, instructional leadership, and early learning excellence.👉 Learn more about their programs here:https://www.desu.edu/academics/colleges/education-humanities-and-social-sciences/department-education/early-childhood-educationSupport the show
Transcribe →564 Stop Motivating—Start Modeling: The Truth About Leadership Impact
Apr 2800:16:29Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of the Childcare Directors Chair Podcast, we explore the research-backed truth that leadership behavior—not policies, speeches, or systems—is the strongest driver of workplace culture and staff engagement.Grounded in organizational psychology and early childhood workforce research, we break down how positive leadership modeling directly impacts retention, trust, communication, and classroom stability.You’ll learn what positive leadership modeling actually looks like in practice, why it matters more than motivation strategies, and how directors can apply it immediately in their daily leadership.If you’re working to strengthen your culture, reduce turnover, and lead with more clarity and consistency—this episode gives you the framework.🤝 Sponsor Segment:This episode is sponsored by AllBrand New England, your trusted childcare supplier.From food service needs to everyday operational supplies, AllBrand New England supports childcare centers with the essential products they need to run efficiently and effectively.When your center is fully supported behind the scenes, your leadership can stay focused where it matters most—on staff, children, and culture.👉 Click the link below to learn more and support your center’s operational needs.Support the show
Transcribe →563 This One Shift and You’ll Transform Your Leadership Overnight
Apr 2700:11:48Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailMost childcare directors aren’t overwhelmed because they’re unorganized—they’re overwhelmed because they’re trying to control things they were never meant to control.Staff reactions. Board decisions. Parent emotions. Policy changes.In this episode of the Childcare Directors Chair Podcast, we break down a powerful leadership truth:You cannot control people or circumstances—but you can control your mindset, your actions, and your leadership response.You’ll walk away with 8 practical, real-world strategies to stop reacting, start leading with intention, and finally feel grounded again in your role as a director.If you’ve been carrying too much, second-guessing yourself, or feeling like leadership is constantly working against you—this episode will shift how you lead immediately.This episode is sponsored by Harmoney Book.Harmoney Book helps you take control of your financial life with simple, practical tools designed to make money management less stressful and more structured.🔗 Learn more here: Accounting | Harmoney Bookkeeping Company | Wayland, MASupport the show
Transcribe →562 20 Creative Ways to Boost Revenue in Your Childcare Center (Without Raising Tuition)
Apr 2400:09:15Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailLooking to grow your childcare business without relying solely on tuition hikes? In this episode, we dive into 20 innovative and practical ways to create multiple streams of income within your childcare center. From hosting weekend programs and enrichment classes to offering parent resources, partnerships, and digital products, you’ll discover fresh ideas that can increase profitability while adding real value for families.Whether you're a new center owner or an experienced director, these strategies are designed to help you diversify your revenue, strengthen your brand, and build a more sustainable business. Tune in to explore creative opportunities you may not have considered—and start turning your childcare center into a thriving, multi-income enterprise.What you’ll learn:How to identify untapped income opportunities in your existing spaceSimple add-on services parents are willing to pay forCreative programs that boost both revenue and enrollmentWays to leverage your expertise beyond the classroomIf you’re ready to think outside the box and grow smarter (not just harder), this episode is for you.Click here to learn more from our conference sponsors at Watch Me Grow Secure Video Streaming for Childcare, Daycare, Schools | WatchMeGrowSupport 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 →561 When Your Star Employee Becomes Your Biggest Culture Problem
Apr 2300:11:44Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail What happens when your top performer—the one hitting every metric and driving results—starts quietly eroding your team culture? In this episode, we unpack the uncomfortable reality that high performance doesn’t always equal positive impact. From subtle toxicity to unchecked influence, we explore how one “indispensable” employee can shift morale, collaboration, and long-term success in the wrong direction.We’ll walk through the warning signs leaders often miss, why it’s so hard to address, and practical ways to realign performance with values—without blowing up your team. If you’ve ever hesitated to confront a high achiever because of what they deliver, this conversation will challenge your thinking and give you a clearer path forward.This episode is sponsored by Watch Me Grow—helping organizations build stronger teams by making workplace culture visible, measurable, and accountable. Click the link to learn more Secure Video Streaming for Childcare, Daycare, Schools | WatchMeGrowSupport 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 →560 When Did Doing Your Job Deserve a Bonus?
Apr 2200:13:11Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail After a powerful week at the Texas Child Care Association Spring Conference, this episode dives into a conversation many directors are thinking—but not saying out loud.Have we blurred the line between meeting expectations and going above and beyond? And did pandemic-era funding reshape staff expectations in ways that aren’t sustainable?We unpack: The difference between recognition and entitlement When extra effort should (and shouldn’t) lead to extra pay How to create real growth paths for your team What to do when expectations aren’t being met And how COVID-era bonuses shifted workplace culture If you’re leading a team in today’s childcare landscape, this is a conversation you can’t afford to avoid.🎟️ Plus: Final reminder—tickets for the Early Education Empowerment Conference close April 27th at midnight.Visit our sponsors at Secure Video Streaming for Childcare, Daycare, Schools | WatchMeGrowListner Shout out to our friend Trevor Instagram give his page a little love and a follow.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 →559 Why Saying No Makes You a Stronger Leader
Apr 1700:12:18Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSaying yes might feel like part of the job—but when you’re saying yes to everything and everyone, it can quickly lead to overwhelm, burnout, and feeling stretched too thin.In this episode, we’re diving into the real challenges childcare directors face when it comes to setting boundaries. From staff requests to parent expectations, the pressure to always be available and accommodating is constant—but it doesn’t have to be.This conversation is all about shifting out of automatic yes and into more intentional leadership. If you’ve been feeling overextended or like there’s never enough of you to go around, this episode will help you start thinking differently about your time, your energy, and your role as a leader.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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