The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast

Hosted by Erica Saccoccio

Business Education

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Episodes

737

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 27, 202614 min

674 Family Child Care Is NOT Babysitting! The Business Behind Home-Based Child Care

Send us Fan Mail Family child care is more than babysitting. It's early childhood education, business ownership, and leadership—all happening under one roof. So why are home-based child care providers still fighting for the same recognition as traditional childcare centers? Recorded live at the 2026 FLAEYC Conference, host Erica Saccoccio sits down with Myrna Wright, a former registered nurse, family child care owner, and association president in Jacksonville, Florida, to uncover what it really takes to operate a successful home-based early learning program. From managing staffing, tuition, and rising operating costs to securing grants, providing employee benefits, and delivering high-quality, play-based learning, Myrna shares the opportunities and challenges that make family child care unique. Together, Erica and Myrna explore the value of smaller learning environments, individualized teaching, and the important role family child care plays in solving America's childcare challenges. As childcare costs rise and the early education landscape changes, one question remains: Are we overlooking one of the most important parts of our early childhood workforce? Whether you're a family child care provider, childcare director, preschool owner, or early childhood educator, this conversation delivers real insight into the business of child care, the power of play-based learning, and why home-based providers deserve a stronger voice in the industry. Family child care isn't the alternative to quality early education. It IS quality early education. 🎙️ Child Care Director's Chair Podcast with Erica Saccoccio Support the show The 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.

October 26, 202619 min

673 Are We Overlooking the Next Generation of Early Childhood Educators?

Send us Fan Mail What if the solution to our early childhood staffing challenges is already sitting in a high school classroom—and we're overlooking it? Recorded live at the 2026 FLAEYC Conference, host Erica Saccoccio sits down with Chelsea Watkins, a high school early childhood education teacher and preschool director in Duval County, Florida, to explore an exciting pathway for developing the next generation of educators. Chelsea is doing more than teaching teenagers about early childhood education. She's giving students in grades 9–12 real classroom experience, professional training, and the opportunity to earn their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential before they even graduate high school. But here's the bigger question: If these young educators are gaining the skills, credentials, and hands-on experience our industry desperately needs, why are some childcare centers hesitant to hire them? In this conversation, Erica and Chelsea challeng Support the show The 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.

October 23, 202626 min

672 What If the Best Days of Early Childhood Are Ahead? | Karen Rainville

Send us Fan Mail What if the future of early childhood education is brighter than we think? There are challenges in our profession, but there are also incredible opportunities to grow, advocate, and create meaningful change. Sometimes, we need to be reminded of everything we're doing right! Join Erica Saccoccio, host of Child Care Director's Chair , and Karen Rainville, Executive Director of Connecticut AEYC, for an inspiring conversation about the future of early childhood education and the people working to make it stronger. Together, they explore the power of play-based learning, the importance of developing confident educators, and how supportive leadership can create classrooms where both children and teachers thrive. Karen shares her perspective on strengthening the early childhood workforce, creating opportunities for professional growth, and turning everyday classroom experiences into powerful stories that influence policymakers. You'll also hear about promising efforts in Connecticut to support long-term investment in early childhood education. What are we getting right? Where are the opportunities? And how can each of us be part of building a stronger future? Whether you're a teacher, director, owner, or advocate, this episode will remind you that your voice matters, your work makes a difference, and positive change is possible. The future of early childhood education isn't just something we hope for. It's something we build together. Support the show The 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.

October 22, 202646 min

671 Who's Coaching the Coaches? Strengthening the Leaders Who Support Our Educators | Amy Bond

Send us Fan Mail Coaches spend their days helping educators grow, but who's helping the coaches grow? Behind every confident educator is often a coach, mentor, or leader who has helped them recognize their strengths, navigate challenges, and take their teaching to the next level. But even the most experienced coaches need opportunities to learn, reflect, and strengthen their own practice. In this episode of the Child Care Director's Chair , host Erica Saccoccio welcomes Amy Bond from Michigan AEYC for an important conversation about investing in the people who support our early childhood workforce. Together, we explore what makes coaching effective, why coaches need coaching too, and how professional development, meaningful connections, and fresh perspectives can help coaches make an even greater impact. How do we support coaches who spend so much time supporting others? What skills do today's early childhood coaches need? And how can we create opportunities for coaches to collaborate, learn from one another, and bring new strategies back to the educators they serve? Amy also shares the vision behind the Michigan AEYC Coaching Summit , an opportunity for early childhood coaches and leaders to connect, strengthen their skills, and invest in their own professional growth. Because when we strengthen our coaches, we strengthen our educators. And when our educators grow, children benefit. Your challenge: Think about who supports your growth as a coach or leader. Make time this week to connect, reflect, and invest in your own development. Learn more about Michigan AEYC: https://miaeyc.org/ Explore the Michigan AEYC Coaching Summit: https://miaeyc.org/coaching-summit/ Support the show The 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.

October 22, 202620 min

670 Everyone Has a Story. What's Yours? | Brian Lee

Send us Fan Mail What happens when two podcasters who love people and storytelling sit down together? You never know where the conversation will take you! Join Erica Saccoccio, host of Child Care Director's Chair , and fellow podcaster Brian Lee for a fun, heartfelt conversation about life, marriage, grandchildren, and the unexpected journeys that shape who we become. From what it's like being married to an early childhood educator to discovering the magic in everyday people, this episode is a reminder that everyone has something worth sharing. Whether you're an educator, a leader, a parent, or simply someone who enjoys meaningful conversations, you'll walk away with a renewed appreciation for the people and stories all around you. Because sometimes the most interesting stories come from the people sitting right next to us. Tune in, share a laugh, and remember—everyone has a story. What's yours? Support the show The 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.

October 21, 202617 min

669 Parents + Providers: The Power Lawmakers Can't Ignore

Send us Fan Mail What happens when parents and childcare providers stop fighting separate battles and start raising their voices together? Live from the 2026 FLAEYC Conference, Erica Saccoccio sits down with Nina Perez, National Director and Florida Director of MomsRising , to discuss the childcare affordability crisis, the fight for public funding, and why advocacy matters now more than ever. Childcare isn't just a parent problem or a provider problem. It's a national issue that impacts families, educators, businesses, and communities. Discover how childcare leaders can empower families, build stronger partnerships, and turn everyday conversations into real advocacy that influences policy. Because when parents and providers unite, their voices become impossible to ignore! Support the show The 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.

October 21, 202623 min

668 The Joy Is Gone. Can Childcare Leaders Bring It Back?

Send us Fan Mail When did early childhood education become more about surviving the day than enjoying the work we love? Live from the 2026 FLAEYC Conference in Florida, Erica Saccoccio sits down with Sage Consulting to talk about bringing joy back into childcare centers. From teacher burnout and staff wellness to building trust and creating a positive workplace culture, this conversation challenges leaders to rethink how they support their teams. Discover why joyful leadership isn't about pizza parties or appreciation gifts. It's about creating a workplace where educators feel valued, supported, and excited to show up. Because when teachers thrive, children and programs thrive too. Support the show The 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.

October 20, 202626 min

667 Everyone Knows Child Care Is in Crisis. Who’s Fixing It?

Send us Fan Mail Everyone has something to say about the child care crisis, but who is stepping up to create change? Recorded live at the 2026 FLAEYC Conference, Erica Saccoccio welcomes Marica Cox Mitchell of the Bainum Family Foundation and Norma Schwartz, FLAEYC President, to discuss child care leadership, advocacy, professional association membership, and the power of using your voice. Discover why building a stronger early childhood workforce takes collaboration, involvement, and leaders willing to turn conversations into action. Support the show The 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.

October 20, 202636 min

666 You're Running a Childcare Center. But Are You Leading It?

Send us Fan Mail Are you so busy running your childcare center that you've forgotten to lead it? Recorded live at the 2026 FLAEYC Conference in Florida , Erica Saccoccio sits down with a quality specialist from a Florida Early Learning Coalition for a conversation about the difference between managing a childcare business and leading with vision. Running a successful daycare or preschool takes more than managing schedules, staffing, and daily operations. It takes strong early childhood leadership, coaching, developing educators, and building a team that can grow with your program. We explore what it means to move beyond putting out fires, invest in your people, and create a culture where teachers and future leaders can thrive. Whether you're a childcare director, daycare owner, or early childhood administrator, this episode will have you asking yourself: Am I simply managing my program, or am I building something stronger? Tune in to The Child Care Director's Chair Podcast and share this conversation with a fellow early childhood leader! www.childcaredirectorschair.com Support the show The 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.

October 20, 202624 min

665 Before We Ask More of Teachers, Are We Giving Them What They Need?

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to build stronger teachers, support families, and prepare children for success before kindergarten? Recorded live at the 2026 FLAEYC Conference in Florida , Erica Saccoccio sits down with Tamara Preston, an experienced early learning director, for a conversation about early childhood leadership, teacher burnout, professional development, and the importance of the first five years. With 26 years of experience in early childhood education, Tamara shares practical insights every childcare director, daycare owner, and preschool leader can use to strengthen their teams and programs. In this episode, we discuss: Why quality early childhood education before kindergarten matters. How strong leadership can reduce teacher burnout. Why childcare directors must invest in coaching, mentoring, and professional development. How to develop assistant teachers into confident classroom leaders. The importance of family partnerships, funding, and access to quality childcare. Whether you're a childcare director, preschool teacher, daycare owner, or emerging early childhood leader, this conversation is full of real experiences and ideas you can bring back to your program. Strong programs start with supported educators and intentional leadership. Listen to The Child Care Director's Chair Podcast , subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow early childhood educator! www.childcaredirectorschair.com Support the show The 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.

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