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
548 Stay Focused, Don’t Get Bitter, Get Better: Elevate Your Worth in Early Childhood Education
Mar 2600:15:50Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailFeeling overlooked in your career as an early childhood educator? You’re not alone. In this empowering episode, we dive into how to stay focused, overcome setbacks, and take bold action to grow your career and magnify your worth. From recognizing your unique value and celebrating small wins to networking with the right people and visualizing success, we cover 8 actionable strategies to help you get out of the rut and start winning.This episode is brought to you by Active Alphabet, who provide fun phonics videos, worksheets, and activities to help children learn their letters while moving. These tools make learning engaging and active for young learners, supporting both mind and body development. Don’t wait—your next opportunity starts now, and we’ll show you how to take it!Alphabet Letter Sounds & Actions: Active Alphabet Phonics for Preschool & KindergartenSupport 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 →547 Designing Magic: In the Director’s Chair with Dr. Sandra Duncan
Mar 2200:22:39Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThis one right here… spill the real tea… I was hooked from the moment we sat down.Live from the National Child Care Association Conference, Erica gets the incredible opportunity to sit down with ECE legend Dr. Sandra Duncan to talk all things designing children’s learning environments—and let me tell you, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss.Dr. Duncan speaks around the world to early childhood professionals, designers, educators, and leaders—sharing both inspiration and practical tools for creating environments where children and adults truly thrive. Whether she’s keynoting conferences, leading hands-on workshops, or working side-by-side with programs, she brings decades of expertise, real-world insight, and a contagious passion for creating spaces that spark curiosity, connection, and wonder.And honestly? It didn’t stop when the mics turned off. I spent the rest of the weekend soaking it all in—learning, laughing, and diving deeper into her work. She is as brilliant as she is kind, and if you’re not familiar with her work yet… this is your sign.We’re already planning to have her back on the show—because next time, we need a quiet space and a whole lot more time.Trust me, after this episode, you’re going to walk away seeing your classrooms—and your role as a leader—in a whole new light.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 →Let's Go Leaders Live from Memphis
Mar 1900:05:44Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail“Alright friends — we are LIVE today from the NECPA Conference at the Peabody Hotel!If you’re here, come find me and grab a seat in The Childcare Director’s Chair — we’re recording live, having real conversations, and of course… spilling the real tea ☕️This is your chance to be part of the podcast, share your voice, and connect with other incredible leaders in our field.Don’t miss it — I’ll see you in the Director’s Chair!” 👀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 →546 Share the Sauce: No Gatekeeping in Childcare
Mar 1800:11:18Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailChildcare leadership is hard enough—so why make it harder by going it alone?In this episode, we’re talking about why gatekeeping doesn’t belong in childcare leadership. Too often, directors feel like they have to guard their policies, strategies, and ideas like a secret family sauce recipe. But the truth is, when leaders collaborate instead of compete, the entire field gets stronger.We’ll explore how sharing resources, supporting fellow directors, and building reciprocal relationships creates stronger programs, more supported teachers, and better outcomes for children.Because the best leaders don’t build walls—they build long tables, where everyone has a seat and something to bring to the meal.And here’s the thing, directors… there’s plenty of pasta, plenty of sauce, and plenty of success to go around.So grab your espresso and pull up a chair.From Little Rhody, with a little Italian heart—this episode is all about sharing the recipe and lifting each other up. 🇮🇹🍝If you'd like, I can also give you a really catchy tagline for your podcast that could go at the end of every episode, something like:“Leadership, collaboration, and a little sauce from Little Rhody.”It would make your show very memorable. 🎙️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 →545 Caring for the Caregiver: Teacher Wellness That Works
Mar 1700:24:40Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this inspiring episode, Annette Eberhardt—family child care provider and passionate advocate—shares practical, real-world strategies to help educators prioritize self-care and prevent burnout. Discover how to reconnect with your “why,” set healthy boundaries without guilt, and build a supportive environment that nurtures both teachers and children.If you’re feeling stretched thin or simply want to strengthen your wellness routine, this conversation offers encouragement, actionable tips, and a reminder that caring for yourself is not a luxury—it’s essential.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 →544 Behind the Policy: What Early Childhood Leaders Are Telling Washington
Mar 1600:32:40Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat happens when early childhood leaders take their voices all the way to Washington, D.C.? In this episode, we sit down with Alyson Panzarella-Girard as she shares her powerful experience attending the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Policy Forum and what it means for the future of early childhood education.Alyson takes us behind the scenes of advocacy at the national level, explaining what it’s like to meet with policymakers, discuss funding challenges, and bring the real stories of early childhood programs directly to the people making decisions. From conversations about the importance of Head Start and other essential programs to the ongoing challenges surrounding funding and support for early educators, this discussion highlights why advocacy matters now more than ever.Together, we explore how early childhood professionals can use their voices to influence policy, protect vital programs, and ensure that children, families, and educators receive the support they deserve. Alyson also shares practical insights for anyone who wants to become more involved in advocacy and make a real difference in the early childhood field.This episode is a reminder that policy isn’t just something that happens in Washington—it’s something that is shaped by the voices of educators, leaders, and advocates across the country.Call to ActionIf you believe in the power of advocacy and the importance of strong early childhood programs, share this episode with a colleague and join the conversation. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts—your support helps us continue to amplify the voices of early childhood leaders and advocates.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 →543 Leading With Joy: Cultivating Fulfillment and Legacy as an Early Childhood Leader
Mar 1200:13:51Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, Erica Saccoccio explores how early childhood leaders can find joy within themselves, reconnect with their purpose, and create a lasting impact. Through reflection, daily rituals, and intentional leadership, she shows how personal fulfillment fuels team engagement and inspires children.Sponsored by Active Alphabet, the phonics system that gets students moving and learning, this episode reminds leaders that joy is a powerful tool for lasting influence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEUnsAkUHxs&t=10sGrab your ticket to the NCCA and NECPA National Leadership Conference in Tennessee and sign up for Erica’s session on Sparking Joy in Your Team and Creating a Culture of Fun and Engagement via the Whova app. Lead with joy, inspire your team, and build a legacy that last.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 →541 All In: Spreading Joy and Engagement Across Your Team
Mar 1100:13:05Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailEpisode 3 of our Sparking Joy in Your Team series dives into the heart of true engagement and what joy really means for early childhood programs. We explore how authentic joy fuels creativity, connection, and collaboration across classrooms and your entire program. Learn strategies to empower teachers, build program-wide purpose, and sustain meaningful fun, even when negative attitudes threaten to dampen the energy. Discover ways to create daily rituals, collaborative projects, and movement-based learning that energize both staff and children.Today’s episode is sponsored by Active Alphabet, the phonics system that gets students moving, grooving, and learning literacy skills in a way that makes engagement effortless for teachers and joyful for children. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEUnsAkUHxs&t=1sAnd a reminder: I’ll be speaking at the NCCA and NECPA National Leadership Conference in Tennessee, March 19–21 at the Peabody Hotel. Grab your ticket if you haven’t already, and check the Whova app to sign up for my session on Sparking Joy in Your Team and Creating a Culture of Fun and Engagement. Let’s connect, share strategies, and spread joy together. https://necpa.net/conference/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 →540 The Fun Factor: Creating a Culture of Joy and Big Smiles in Your Team
Mar 1000:16:47Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn Episode 2 of our Sparking Joy in Your Team series, we dive into the power of fun and how it transforms your early childhood program. Learn how intentional joy boosts staff engagement, strengthens classroom energy, and models positivity for children. I share practical strategies for embedding fun into daily routines, celebrating wins, and creating memorable team experiences—both inside and outside the center. From “joke of the day” huddles to creative skits and comedy nights, discover ways to make joy a consistent part of your culture.Plus, today’s episode is sponsored by East Coast Capture, capturing all the big smiles and joyful moments your team creates each day.https://www.eastcoastcapture.com/And a special reminder: I’ll be speaking at the NCCA and NECPA National Leadership Conference in Tennessee, March 19–21. Grab your ticket and sign up for my session on Sparking Joy in Your Team and Creating a Culture of Fun and Engagement—let’s connect, share strategies, and spread joy together! https://necpa.net/conference/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 →Big Conference Announcement: The Early Education Empowerment Conference is Back—Now in English & Spanish
Mar 900:09:51Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWe are so excited to share a big announcement for this year’s Early Education Empowerment Conference in Rhode Island! This year we are proudly partnering with members of our local Spanish-speaking community to make this experience even more inclusive and welcoming for everyone in the early childhood field.To help ensure every educator feels comfortable participating, we will have a Spanish-speaking translator available at registration and several conference sessions will include translation support. Our goal has always been to create a space where every voice matters, and we want our colleagues in the Spanish-speaking early childhood community to fully enjoy their time learning, connecting, and growing with us here in Rhode Island.Educators, you are invited to join us Saturday, May 9th for a full day dedicated to inspiration, professional growth, and community. The conference will feature two powerful keynote speakers, 25 sessions to choose from, an interactive vendor area, and we will close the evening celebrating leaders in our field during the ECE Hall of Fame Awards Night.Call to Action:🎟️ Tickets are on sale now! Join us in Rhode Island for the Early Education Empowerment Conference ¡Estamos muy emocionados de compartir un gran anuncio sobre la Conferencia de Empoderamiento en Educación Temprana en Rhode Island de este año! Con mucho orgullo, estamos colaborando con miembros de nuestra comunidad local de habla hispana para hacer que esta experiencia sea aún más inclusiva y acogedora para todos los profesionales de la educación temprana.Para asegurar que todos los educadores puedan participar cómodamente, tendremos un traductor de habla hispana disponible en el área de registro y varias sesiones de la conferencia contarán con apoyo de traducción. Nuestro objetivo siempre ha sido crear un espacio donde todas las voces importen, y queremos que nuestros colegas de la comunidad de habla hispana disfruten plenamente su tiempo aprendiendo, conectando y creciendo con nosotros aquí en Rhode Island.Educadores, están invitados a acompañarnos el sábado 9 de mayo para un día completo dedicado a la inspiración, el crecimiento profesional y la comunidad. La conferencia contará con dos poderosas conferencias magistrales, 25 sesiones para elegir, un área interactiva de proveedores, y cerraremos la noche celebrando a los líderes de nuestro campo durante la Noche de Premios del Salón de la Fama de ECE.Este episodio especial del podcast está disponible en inglés y en español, donde compartimos más sobre lo que pueden esperar en la conferencia de este año y por qué estamos tan emocionados de dar la bienvenida a educadores de toda nuestra comunidad.Llamado a la Acción:🎟️ ¡Los boletos ya están a la venta! Únase a nosotros en Rhode Island para la Conferencia de Empoderamiento en Educación Temprana y sea parte de un día diseñado para inspirar, empoderar y celebrar a los educadores de la primera infancia. Visite el enlace en las notas del episodio para reservar su lugar hoy mismo.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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