The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast

Hosted by Erica Saccoccio

Business Education

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Episodes

685

Latest episode

Aug 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

August 21, 202632 min

626 Leadership Beyond the Classroom with Carolyn Bobby Green

Send us Fan Mail What happens when early childhood professionals stop working in silos and start building stronger connections across classrooms, programs, and professional associations? In this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast, Erica Saccoccio sits down with Carolyn Bobby Green for a conversation about leadership, professional growth, mentorship, and the power of staying connected in early childhood education. Carolyn shares why great training needs follow-through, how mentorship helps educators grow after the workshop ends, and why professional associations play such an important role in helping teachers, directors, and owners feel supported instead of isolated. They also discuss what leaders can learn from classroom educators, why toddler teachers often understand behavior in ways others may miss, and how tools such as video, feedback, and emerging AI technology can support stronger coaching and staff development. If you are an early childhood teacher, director, owner, or emerging leader looking to strengthen your team, build meaningful professional connections, and continue growing as a leader, this episode is for you. Learn more at www.childcaredirectorschair.com . Learn more about out guest: Instagram Training U To Succeed™ — Get your sparkle back 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.

August 20, 202648 min

625 Childcare Leadership: How to Grow Without Burning Out | Danni Christine

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast , Erica Saccoccio sits down with Danni Christine , who shares her journey from assistant teacher to home daycare owner to operating four childcare centers in New York. Danni opens up about the leadership lessons that shaped her growth, including why relationships should come before correction, how to build a leadership team you can trust, and why owners have to stop trying to do everything themselves. You’ll also hear how she uses YouTube, SEO, and intentional marketing to reach families, along with the systems she relies on to manage multiple locations and more than 60 team members. In this episode, you’ll learn: How strong leadership supports childcare business growth Why relationships matter before coaching and correcting How to work successfully with family in business Why clear roles and responsibilities are essential How YouTube and SEO can help families find your program How to grow without sacrificing quality Why building leaders is one of the most important parts of expansion If you are a childcare owner, director, aspiring owner, or early childhood leader looking to grow your program and strengthen your team, this conversation is filled with practical leadership lessons you can use right away. Learn more and join the ECE Leadership Trailblazers Membership Group at www.childcaredirectorschair.com . To learn more about our guest: (6) Instagram About Us | ChildCareSites.com (6) Instagram #ChildcareLeadership #ChildcareBusiness #ECELeadership #DaycareOwner #EarlyChildhoodEducation 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.

August 19, 202637 min

624 Stop Buying Yourself a Job: From Child Care Owner to CEO with Shelbra McKnight

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Child Care Directors Chair, Erica Saccoccio sits down with Shelbra McKnight to unpack one of the biggest challenges in child care ownership: how to stop building yourself a job and start building a true business. Shelbra shares how systems, leadership development, and a CEO mindset can help child care owners step out of the daily fires and create more freedom, profit, and legacy. They talk about the difference between being needed and being effective, why strong systems matter before stepping back from operations, and how to identify leaders who can carry responsibility. Shelbra also shares honest insight on scaling, the hidden costs of multiple locations, and why sometimes one strong center is better than several stretched-thin ones. If you’ve ever felt like your center can’t run without you, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger about your time, your business, and your future. To grab your tickets to the ECE Pep Rally: themcknightmastery.com/homeecepeprally 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.

August 18, 202630 min

623 Leading Childcare Programs That Help Families, Staff, and Communities Thrive with Julie Amy

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Childcare Directors Chair, Erica sits down with Julie Amy to explore why great childcare is about much more than getting through the day. Julie shares how her “Best Day Ever” framework helps leaders build sustainable programs rooted in consistency, strong relationships, and intentional systems that support children, educators, and families alike.Together, they dig into why childcare is a vital part of workforce and community infrastructure, how culture is built through daily practices, and what it really takes to create environments where people want to stay and grow. From staff retention to family trust to leadership development, this conversation is packed with practical insight and heartfelt encouragement for childcare leaders who want to create lasting impact. To learn more about Julie visit her website at About Julie Amy - Julie Amy Website 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.

August 17, 20261 hr 2 min

622 Your Next Chapter in Education: From Classroom Experience to Bigger Possibilities ( See Guests below)

Send us Fan Mail Every year, this small group of educators comes back to the mic for a Power Hour conversation about leadership, play, growth, and the evolving journey of the educator. This year, the conversation goes even deeper. Carla Ward, Kate Woodward Young, Jamie Wagler, Sueie Beghin, Laura Shea, Adva Hanan, and Melysa Mei share what happened when they allowed their work in education to grow beyond the classroom. From stages to pages, these women have written books, launched and expanded businesses, stepped away from teaching positions, built new platforms, and created opportunities they once never imagined possible. They talk openly about the risks, the pivots, the lessons, and the moments that pushed them to ask, What else could this become? Their stories are a reminder that being an educator does not have to mean staying in one role, one classroom, or one version of your career. If you’re feeling the pull toward something more—whether that means starting a business, writing the book, sharing your voice, stepping into leadership, or simply exploring what might be next—this Power Hour is filled with inspiration and possibility for your next chapter in education. To learn more about Erica and our guests head on over to IG and give them a follow: Kate Woodward Young Instagram Carla Ward (3) Instagram Jamie Wagler (3) Instagram Susie Beghin (3) Instagram Laura Shea (3) Instagram Adva Hanan (3) Instagram Melysa Mei (3) Instagram Erica Saccoccio (3) Instagram 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.

August 14, 202636 min

621 Own Your Story: Confidence to Be Seen & Heard with Shemeka Maddox

Send us Fan Mail What if the opportunity you’ve been waiting for is one you’re supposed to create? In this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast , Erica sits down with Shemeka Maddox for an energizing conversation about confidence, telling your story, building your brand, and using your voice beyond the four walls of your program. Shemeka shares how she moved from surviving to building legacy, why your experience has value, and why educators need to stop waiting for permission to step into bigger rooms. We also talk social media, creating content, choosing the right platforms, and showing up authentically in a very noisy online world. If you’ve ever wondered, “Who am I to speak, teach, post, or share my story?” this episode is your reminder: your voice matters, your story matters, and someone needs to hear it. Connect with Shemeka Maddox Website: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Flearn.webuildlegacybrands.com%2Fccc-live%3Futm_source%3Dig%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_content%3Dlink_in_bio%26fbclid%3DPAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAaexNmjlRe74L5NkM41fq7sdGE22SeDb4hek3KjQbAzspDBXodmAREpLUkuM7Q_aem_WIM6BdbKuEc5E8Sf1o5nUg&e=AUBydhpktmzmHetZgS7VzJjrE90_3G6sLUkTLVXVfZ2-sYfxJtMFzV9bPe0yKG1mHp0tOJjqDhLR10hOA_FqduP6H-GvHHZtrNY9EOLnqCw3eeolyJlkOdmtZoWXJoBo1-ETJBJxiH-TC0gNrDIP0tU Instagram: @webuildlegacybrands Come Join Us in Atlanta! Erica and the Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast will be at the ECE Pep Rally this September in Atlanta, Georgia! Tickets: themcknightmastery.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAadquQYUSBch7C7F_rlWRA3Bvva0HaufQmqYuwfBgoqgRAUYqliky47Bzm2pqw_aem_4S4MO6I_GakD-edF4qgvzw And listen all the way to the end of the episode for a special discount code available TODAY ONLY when you purchase your ECE Pep Rally ticket! Tell your story. Use your voice. Create the opportunity. 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.

August 13, 202648 min

620 Play Isn’t Just for Kids: Anthony Toombs on Joy, Leadership & Men in Early Childhood

Send us Fan Mail What happens when we stop treating play as something only children need? In this engaging and energizing conversation, Erica Saccoccio sits down with Anthony Toombs of the Life is Good Playmaker Project to talk about where early childhood education is right now, where we are headed, and why joy, connection, and play are critical to the future of our field. Anthony shares his journey, the work he is doing with educators across the country, and why creating space, opportunity, and meaningful pathways for more men in early childhood education matters. Together, Erica and Anthony explore what happens when educators reconnect with the parts of themselves that laugh, move, create, take risks, build relationships, and actually enjoy the work again. This conversation is about more than having fun. It is about leadership, belonging, representation, culture, and creating environments where both children and adults can thrive. When educators lose their joy, our programs feel it. When leaders intentionally create space for connection, play, optimism, and authentic relationships, that energy ripples through classrooms, teams, families, and communities. Erica and Anthony also look ahead at what early childhood education can become when we think differently about the people doing the work. How do we attract and retain passionate educators? How do we create stronger pathways for men in ECE? How do we give adults permission to play again? And how can leaders build cultures where joy is not an extra, but part of the way we lead? This episode is a reminder that play isn’t just for kids, joy matters, representation matters, and the future of early childhood education will be shaped by the people willing to bring their whole selves into the work. Learn More About Anthony Toombs Learn more about Anthony Toombs and the work of the Life is Good Playmaker Project at: Website: Playmaker Project: Why Playmakers | Life is Good Instagram: @lifeisgoodplaymakers Follow along for more resources, inspiration, professional learning, and a closer look at the work Anthony and the Playmaker team are doing to bring more joy, optimism, connection, and play into the lives of educators and children. And, as always, if this conversation speaks to you, share the episode with another early childhood professional, subscribe to the Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast, and keep using your voice to help move our field forward. 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.

August 12, 202646 min

619 Before the Doors Open: The Leadership Reset Every ECE Team Needs with Melonie Karrem

Send us Fan Mail A successful school year doesn’t begin with decorated classrooms, completed checklists, or perfectly organized supply closets. It begins with the way we lead. In this episode, Erica Saccoccio and Melonie Kareem go beyond traditional back-to-school preparation to talk about what early childhood leaders really need to reset before children and families walk through the doors. From communication and team buy-in to clear systems, emotional regulation, and leadership presence, this conversation challenges directors and administrators to think differently about how they prepare their people—not just their programs. Because when leaders create clarity, consistency, and calm, teams are better equipped to thrive. If you’re ready to stop simply surviving the start of another school year and intentionally build the culture, systems, and leadership habits that can carry your team all year long, this episode is for you. To learn more about Melonie follow on IG: www.instagram.com/letstalkearlyyears/ Listen to Let's Talk Early Years Podcast Let's Talk Early Years - Podcast - Apple Podcasts 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.

August 11, 202650 min

618 The Power of Advocacy with Tim Kaminski

Send us Fan Mail Child care leaders are often expected to follow rules created by people who may not fully understand what it takes to run a program. In this episode, Erica sits down with Tim Kaminski , child care operator, advocate, and Texas Licensed Child Care Association leader, to talk about what happens when owners, directors, and educators stop sitting on the sidelines and start using their voices to influence the future of the industry. Tim shares how he went from feeling intimidated by advocacy to building real relationships with legislators, agencies, and business leaders—and why those relationships matter when policies directly affect staffing, funding, ratios, pre-K expansion, and the sustainability of private child care programs. Together, Erica and Tim dig into the realities policymakers often miss and why child care must be talked about as workforce infrastructure, not simply a service . They also discuss the power of data, association involvement, and everyday advocacy—and why speaking up does not begin at the state capitol. It begins with understanding your story, knowing your numbers, and being willing to tell decision-makers what is really happening inside your program. If you are a child care owner, director, educator, or association leader who has ever felt like decisions were being made about you without you , this episode is for you. To learn more about TLCCA Texas Licensed Child Care Association - Home 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.

August 10, 202633 min

617: When the Job Costs You Your Health with Dr. Yvette Ledford

Send us Fan Mail How many times have we put our jobs before our health and convinced ourselves that it was simply part of being committed? In this powerful episode, Erica sits down with Dr. Yvette Ledford, author of Teacher by Day: The No-Guilt Guide to Setting Boundaries, for an honest conversation about burnout, boundaries, and the pressure educators and childcare leaders feel to keep pushing even when their bodies are telling them to stop. They discuss why so many professionals feel guilty for resting, how unhealthy workplace expectations become normalized, and what it really means to choose yourself without abandoning the work you love. This episode is a reminder that your job needs your skills, but the people who love you need you healthy, present, and whole. To purchase your copy of Teacher By Day here ORDER BOOK Follow on IG (2) Instagram 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.