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.
97episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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
Transcribe →539 Spark Joy in Your Team: Creating a Culture of Fun and Engagement
Mar 900:13:51Tap to summarizeSend a textThis week on The Childcare Director’s Chair, we’re kicking off a special series all about sparking joy in your team and creating a culture of fun and engagement! I chose this series because I’m heading to Tennessee next week to speak on this topic at the NCCA & NECPA National Leadership Conference on March 19 at the one and only The Peabody Memphis. If you’re attending, stop by and say hello! The podcast will be recording throughout the day with speakers, vendors, and educators just like you.In this episode, we dive into why joy in the workplace is not a luxury—it’s a leadership responsibility. You’ll learn how to tap into what actually brings your staff joy, create a culture of fun without losing professionalism, support your team while protecting your program’s vision, and celebrate in ways that truly matter for staff mental health. Plus, we include actionable tips and reflection questions you can put into place today to energize your team and strengthen your program culture.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 →Playback186 - Everyone Can Lead: Unleash Your Potential with Coach Anisha!
Mar 600:41:10Tap to summarizeSend a textIn this episode, we delve into the concept of legacy-building within the field, examining why many ECE professionals may not view themselves as architects of a lasting legacy. We will discuss the role of affirmations, identify the barriers that hinder this perspective, and offer actionable strategies to shift this mindset. Join us for an insightful conversation that aims to inspire and elevate your approach to leadership in ECE. 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 →Playback 187 - Childcare Bosses: Oh Snap, I’ve Got This! Secrets from Kate & Carrie!
Mar 500:45:35Tap to summarizeSend a textIn this episode, Erica Saccoccio interviews Kate and Carrie from the Child Care Conversations podcast. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of running a childcare business and provide strategies for success. The conversation covers topics such as starting a business, balancing multiple roles, marketing, and identifying unique selling points in a crowded market. The conversation explores various strategies for differentiating a childcare business, including offering unique services, partnering with large businesses, and providing specialized programs for school-aged children. The importance of balancing creative vision with practical business needs is emphasized, along with the need for self-care and networking. The guests stress the significance of building meaningful connections and taking care of existing clients. The conversation concludes with words of encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs.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 →Playback 269 Empowering Neurodivergent Kids To Shine!
Mar 400:31:22Tap to summarizeSend a textSupport 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 →538 Replay Is a Growth Strategy: Why Listening Again Changes Everything
Mar 400:07:22Tap to summarizeSend a textWhat if the breakthrough you’re looking for isn’t in a new episode… but in one you’ve already heard?In a world obsessed with new content, we often overlook the power of repetition. But growth doesn’t come from constant consumption — it comes from integration.In this powerful replay, we unpack why hitting replay is not going backwards — it’s going deeper.You’ll learn:Why growth comes from integration, not just informationHow replay helps you hear lessons differently as you evolveWhy repetition builds mastery in leadership and businessHow intentional listening prepares you for bigger rooms and bigger opportunitiesIf you’re serious about leveling up your leadership, strengthening your mindset, and actually applying what you learn — this episode will shift how you consume content.Before you search for something new…Press replay.Your next level might already be in your library.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 →Playback 160 - Child Care Confidential: Directors Spill the Tea on Industry Shake-Ups
Mar 300:47:07Tap to summarizeSend a textSummaryIn this episode, Erica Saccoccio and Rashaun Webb discuss the changes in the landscape of early childhood education. They talk about the increase in the number of coaches in the field, the shift of threes and fours from childcare centers to school districts, the impact of technology on daily operations, and the implementation of quality rating systems. They also touch on the importance of understanding the needs and preferences of families and the changing workforce dynamics. The conversation explores the challenges and struggles faced by childcare owners, including staffing issues, work-life balance, and dealing with licensing regulations. The importance of creating a positive work culture and setting boundaries is emphasized. The need for advocacy and involvement in the industry is highlighted. The motivation and inspiration to continue in the field come from the love for the children and the impact made on their lives.TakeawaysThe field of early childhood education has seen changes in the roles of coaches and the shift of threes and fours from childcare centers to school districts.Technology has had a significant impact on daily operations, with the introduction of apps and digital communication tools.The implementation of quality rating systems has brought both positive and negative changes, with some providers feeling that the system has become diluted and less meaningful.Understanding the needs and preferences of families is crucial in providing quality care and education.The workforce dynamics have changed, with some workers prioritizing work-life balance and self-care. Staffing issues and work-life balance are common challenges faced by childcare owners.Creating a positive work culture and setting boundaries are important for the well-being of staff and the success of the business.Advocacy and involvement in the industry are crucial for effecting positive change.The love for the children and the impact made on their lives serve as motivation and inspiration to continue in the field.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 →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
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