The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast
Episodes
579 Why Great Directors Still Feel Overwhelmed
02 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailMost child care directors aren’t struggling because they don’t care or aren’t working hard enough—they’re overwhelmed becaus...
578 The Secret Behind Whole Leadership
01 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailWhat if the reason you're feeling overwhelmed as a director isn't because you're doing too much—but because you'...
577 Stop Standing on the Sidelines: The First Step to the Leadership Life You Want
27 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailHow many dreams are sitting inside educators who are too afraid to start?In this powerful episode, we challenge educators to stop wait...
576 It’s Not Too Late: Educators 50+ Building Bold New Lives
26 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailWhat happens when decades of teaching, leading, and serving others finally meet a quiet question: “What do I want for me?”It’s N...
The Power of the Right Room: Ruth Baugh’s Leadership Journey
25 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailOne connection can change everything.In this inspiring episode, we spotlight Trailblazers Leadership Group member Ruth Baugh and her j...
574 Movement, Leadership & Burnout Prevention in Early Childhood
21 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast, Erica Saccoccio explores how movement is not just a classroom strategy—...
573 Pedagogy Leadership & the Power of Movement
20 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast, host Erica Saccoccio explores why pedagogy leadership is one of the most...
571 What Great Leaders Hear That Others Miss
15 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Childcare Directors Chair, we dive into one of the most overlooked—but most powerful—leadership skills in e...
572 Collected With Purpose: Why Great Leaders Remember People
14 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailWhat if one of the most powerful leadership skills isn’t strategy—but remembering people?In this episode of The Childcare Director...
570 The Future Called… It Wants Better Leadership
14 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Childcare Directors Chair, we’re talking about the message the field keeps sending loud and clear—the futur...
569 Leadership Missed the Memo: ‘I’m Having a Baby, I Can’t Open the Center Today’
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan Mail“I’m having a baby… I can’t open the center today.”That should be the most obvious message in the world—but in this real l...
568 Are You the Boss They’re Recovering From?
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send 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,...
567 Grateful Leadership: The Culture-Shaping Power Most Leaders Overlook
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Childcare Directors Chair Podcast, we explore what happens when leaders shift from correction-driven leadership...
566 Intentional Growth: Why Great Leaders Don’t Grow by Accident
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send 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...
565 Quiet Leadership: Why the Best Childcare Leaders Don’t Need the Spotlight
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Childcare Directors Chair Podcast, we explore the power of quiet leadership in early childhood education—wher...
564 Stop Motivating—Start Modeling: The Truth About Leadership Impact
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Childcare Directors Chair Podcast, we explore the research-backed truth that leadership behavior—not policies...
563 This One Shift and You’ll Transform Your Leadership Overnight
27 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailMost childcare directors aren’t overwhelmed because they’re unorganized—they’re overwhelmed because they’re trying to contro...
562 20 Creative Ways to Boost Revenue in Your Childcare Center (Without Raising Tuition)
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailLooking to grow your childcare business without relying solely on tuition hikes? In this episode, we dive into 20 innovative and pract...
561 When Your Star Employee Becomes Your Biggest Culture Problem
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan Mail What happens when your top performer—the one hitting every metric and driving results—starts quietly eroding your team culture? ...
560 When Did Doing Your Job Deserve a Bonus?
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan Mail After a powerful week at the Texas Child Care Association Spring Conference, this episode dives into a conversation many directors a...
559 Why Saying No Makes You a Stronger Leader
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send 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...
558 Finding Your Voice in Early Childhood Education: A Call to Action
16 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailEver leave a meeting thinking, “I should have said something…”? You’re not alone—and your voice in early childhood education...
557 Make Room for New Voices: From Classroom Teacher to Early Childhood Education Speaker
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailWhat if the next great voice in early childhood education is already in the classroom?In this episode, we explore the powerful shift f...
556 Where Does the Money Go?
14 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailEpisode Title: Where Does the Money Go?If you’ve ever looked at your childcare center’s revenue and wondered why there’s so litt...
555 Leading with Heart: Sustaining a Positive Team Climate in Your Childcare Center
10 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailCreating and sustaining a positive team climate in your childcare center isn’t about surface-level morale—it’s about building tr...
554 Turning Conflict into Collaboration: Strengthening Your Childcare Team
09 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailConflict in childcare teams is inevitable—but it doesn’t have to divide your staff. In this episode of the Child Care Director’s...
553 Intentional Bonds: Building Stronger Connections Within Your Childcare Team
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailWhat if stronger relationships—not more policies—were the key to a more successful childcare program?In this episode of the Child ...
552 Mapping the Connections: How Strong Team Dynamics Transform Your Childcare Center
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailWhat’s really driving the success—or stress—inside your childcare center?In this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair Po...
551 What’s Happening in Your Staff Room Is Shaping Your Classrooms
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailWhat’s the real driver of classroom quality? It might not be your curriculum—it might be your team.In this episode of Childcare Di...
550 Clean Smarter, Not Harsher: Safe Sanitation for Childcare Classrooms
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailWe all know why keeping childcare classrooms clean matters—but how do you do it effectively without relying on harsh chemicals or ov...
549 More Than Cameras: Supporting Teachers, Celebrating Moment
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to today’s episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair. I’m joined by the team from Watch Me Grow to talk about how tech...
547 Designing Magic: In the Director’s Chair with Dr. Sandra Duncan
22 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send 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 Co...
Let's Go Leaders Live from Memphis
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send 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...
546 Stay Focused, Don’t Get Bitter, Get Better: Elevate Your Worth in Early Childhood Education
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send 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 ...
546 Share the Sauce: No Gatekeeping in Childcare
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textChildcare leadership is hard enough—so why make it harder by going it alone?In this episode, we’re talking about why gatekeeping doesn’...
545 Caring for the Caregiver: Teacher Wellness That Works
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textIn this inspiring episode, Annette Eberhardt—family child care provider and passionate advocate—shares practical, real-world strategies...
544 Behind the Policy: What Early Childhood Leaders Are Telling Washington
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textWhat happens when early childhood leaders take their voices all the way to Washington, D.C.? In this episode, we sit down with Alyson Panza...
543 Leading With Joy: Cultivating Fulfillment and Legacy as an Early Childhood Leader
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textIn this episode, Erica Saccoccio explores how early childhood leaders can find joy within themselves, reconnect with their purpose, and cre...
541 All In: Spreading Joy and Engagement Across Your Team
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textEpisode 3 of our Sparking Joy in Your Team series dives into the heart of true engagement and what joy really means for early childhood pro...
540 The Fun Factor: Creating a Culture of Joy and Big Smiles in Your Team
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textIn 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. Lea...
539 Spark Joy in Your Team: Creating a Culture of Fun and Engagement
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send 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 cult...
Big Conference Announcement: The Early Education Empowerment Conference is Back—Now in English & Spanish
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textWe are so excited to share a big announcement for this year’s Early Education Empowerment Conference in Rhode Island! This year we are pr...
538 Replay Is a Growth Strategy: Why Listening Again Changes Everything
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send 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 co...
537 The Power of Playful Leadership
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textWhat does it mean to lead with playfulness?In this episode, Erica sits down with Play Coaches Wendy and Dani to explore how joy, curiosity,...
536 HR Is Not the Enemy: How to Lead, Hire, and Thrive in Childcare
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textFrom navigating today’s ever-changing workforce climate to building a people-first culture that actually works, Tameenah Adams breaks dow...
535 Mentorship Matters: Building Confidence, Clarity & Stronger Educators
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textWhat if the key to reducing burnout, building confidence, and strengthening retention in early childhood education wasn’t working harder—...
534 Unstoppable: Your Leadership, Your Dreams, Your Rules
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textThis episode is a bold reminder that your growth as an early childhood leader matters. If you’ve been thinking about expanding your child...
533 Your Leadership Has a Ceiling—Break It
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a text Your leadership sets the ceiling for your center’s success. In this episode of the Childcare Directors Chair Podcast, we explore how aw...
532 You Made It… Now What?
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textRunning a childcare center is no small feat—you’ve built something incredible, but leading it long-term requires more than just keeping...
531 From Chicago Classrooms to Active Alphabet: Patrick’s Journey to Moving & Grooving Through Literacy
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textWhat happens when a Pre-K teacher decides worksheets just aren’t cutting it anymore?In this energizing episode of the Childcare Directors...
530 Capturing the Moments That Matter: Reimagining Observations with Famly
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textWhat if classroom observations became a bridge instead of a burden? In this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair, Erica welcomes Me...
529 Pivot or Get Left Behind: Strategic Planning That Keeps Childcare Strong
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textThe pandemic forced childcare leaders to react fast—but reacting isn’t the same as leading. In this episode of the Child Care Director’...
528 No Time, No Breaks, No Energy? Time Management for Classroom Teachers
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textIf your prep time disappears, your lunch is rushed (or skipped), and you’re taking work home again, this episode is for you. Erica is joi...
527 When Behavior Speaks: What Children Need Us to Hear
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textChallenging behavior isn’t about defiance, discipline, or “bad kids”—it’s communication. In this episode of the Child Care Direct...
526 Not a Box to Check: Designing an Eclectic Curriculum That Actually Works
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textWhat happens when we stop picking sides in early childhood education and start designing with intention? In this episode of the Child Care ...
524 Stop Training, Start Transforming: How to Make Skills Stick in Your Program
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textYou’ve trained your staff—but are the skills actually sticking? On this episode of Childcare Director’s Chair, we’re talking about ...
525 When Every Second Counts: Emergency Safety in Childcare
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text Emergencies in childcare can happen in a heartbeat—but how prepared are you really? In this episode of The Child Care Director’s C...
523 Stop Talking, Start Teaching: Methods That Make Staff Training Work
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textAre your staff meetings leaving you frustrated—and your team stuck in the same place week after week?On this episode of Childcare Dire...
522 You’re Not Repeating Yourself—You’re Teaching Adults
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIf you’ve ever walked out of a staff meeting thinking, “I explained this… why are we still struggling?” —this episode is for y...
521 Leadership in Motion: The Power of Who We Lift
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textLeadership doesn’t always announce itself. It often shows up in quiet choices, shared responsibility, and the way we show up for other...
520 Beyond Behavior: Emotional Development in Action
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textBehavior is just the tip of the iceberg. In this episode of the Child Care Directors Chair Podcast, Erica and Dr. Mahri Wrightington div...
519 Clarity, Confidence, Command: Your Leadership Upgrade
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textAre you ready to stop doubting yourself and step fully into your leadership role? In this episode of the Child Care Directors Chair Podc...
518 Bye-Bye 5 AM Freakouts: Staff Solutions That Work
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textAre you a child care director who wakes up to 5 AM texts, calls, and inbox panics? You’re not alone—and there is a better way.In thi...
517 Winning Cultures Start Here: Build a Team That Stays
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textStruggling to keep your child care staff happy and engaged? It’s not about perks—it’s about culture.In this episode of the Child C...
516 All You Need to Begin: The Desire to Lead in Early Childhood
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textAre you ready to step into your leadership, but feel stuck, unsure, or unprepared? In this solo episode of The Childcare Director’s Ch...
521 Money, Policy, and Survival: Childcare in a Changing World”
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Directors Chair podcast, Erica sits down with Jerletha McDonald to explore the rapidly changing worl...
514 Off the Runway: Building Strong Leaders in Early Childhood with Dr Kimberly Krzanowski
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textLeadership in early childhood education can’t stay stuck on the runway. In this episode, we sit down with guest Dr. Kimberly Krzanowsk...
513 Invisible Isn’t an Option: The Real Cost of Childcare Marketing Mistakes
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this must-listen episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast, Erica Saccoccio sits down with childcare marketing expert Mark...
512 More Than a Job, It’s a Calling: Purpose-Led Leadership in After-School Programs
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this heartfelt episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, Erica Saccoccio sits down with Jamie Wagler to explore the true power of...
511 Women Leading Women: Trust, Trauma & Emotional Intelligence in Early Childhood Education
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this impactful episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, Erica Saccoccio sits down with two powerhouse leaders in early childhood...
510 Stop Running a Charity: How Childcare Owners Get Profitable (Without the Guilt)
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair, Erica sits down with childcare tax strategist David Encarnacion to have the conve...
509 Burnout? Been There. Lead Anyway: Dr. Jamie Lewis on Resilience
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textSometimes life—and leadership—throws the kind of curveballs you never see coming. In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Cha...
509 Speak Up or Burn Out: Why Educators Need Safe Spaces
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text In this no-holds-barred episode of The Child Care Director's Chair, host Erica Saccoccio sits down with educator Ruth A. Baugh to...
508 Stop the Chaos—Start the Music: Transform Your Classroom Today
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textMusic and movement aren’t just fun—they’re game-changers in early childhood classrooms! In this episode of The Child Care Director...
507 Play Like a Kid, Think Like a Genius
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textPlay isn’t just fun—it’s the foundation for learning, especially in those critical early years! In this episode of The Child Care ...
506 High Fives, Hard Talks, & Trust: Partnering with Families
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textFamily partnerships aren’t just about smiles at drop-off—they’re about showing up for the high fives and the hard conversations. I...
505 The Magic Is in the Message: Connection Through Conversation
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this heartfelt and practical episode, Erica sits down with Mr. Jay to explore the power of meaningful conversations in early childhoo...
504 From ABCs to “Aha!”: Using Data to Build Real Readers
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textReading doesn’t happen by luck—it happens with intention. In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, Erica sits down with...
503 Let Them Lead: Yes Spaces, Play, and Purposeful Practice
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this energizing episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair podcast, host Erica sits down with early childhood visionary Carla Ward ...
502 C is for Collaboration
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWhat happens when leadership stops operating in silos and starts building with their teams instead of above them?In this episode of the ...
501 Stop Avoiding Conversations: How Tough Talks Can Unlock Your Program’s Potential
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this episode, Erica Saccoccio dives into the conversations you’ve been avoiding—the ones that are silently holding your program b...
500 The Leader You’re Becoming: Legacy, Alignment, and the Next Chapter
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this episode, Erica Saccoccio dives deep into the leader you’re becoming—the one who shows up with clarity, courage, and purpose ...
499 Leadership Presence: Why Confidence, Clarity, and Calm Matter More Than Words
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text Leadership presence is what people feel before you ever speak. In this solo episode, Erica explores how confidence, emotional regulati...
498 The Language of Leadership: Why the Way You Speak Changes Everything
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text If you want 2026 to look different than 2025, the way you lead—and speak—has to change. In this solo episode, Erica breaks down th...
497 Stop Waiting to Be Chosen: How Real Authority Is Built
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text Too many leaders wait for permission before they lead—and it’s costing them confidence, influence, and impact. In this episode, Er...
496 Leadership Starts With Onboarding Your Team Right
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text Strong teams don’t happen by accident—they’re built from day one. In this episode, inspired by a listener question from Colby Ka...
495 Running a Childcare Center During Christmas Week: What Really Matters
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textChristmas week in a childcare center can feel overwhelming—attendance is unpredictable, staff are exhausted, routines are off, and dir...
494 Your Brand, Your Voice, Your Leadership
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text Your voice matters—and so does your personal brand. In this episode of The Child Care Directors Chair, Erica talks with Renee Carbon...
493 From Nice to Necessary: The Feedback Shift That Builds Trust
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textJoin Erica on The Childcare Director’s Chair for an honest conversation about feedback, leadership, and why clarity is one of the grea...
492 I Just Have to Say…I Love You, Listeners!
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textHey friends! Today I’m taking a pause from all the leadership tips and childcare strategies to do something I’ve been meaning to say...
491 Running on Unsteady Ground: Funding, Staffing, and the Sustainability Crisis in Childcare
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textChildcare programs aren’t struggling because leaders lack passion or skill — they’re struggling because the system is built on uns...
490 Your Most Aligned Year Yet: A Director’s Guide to Centered, Strategic Leadership
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textStart your new year with confidence, clarity, and direction. In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair Podcast, we dive deep i...
489 The Power of Pause: Building Better Classrooms Through Reflective Practice
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text What happens when educators pause long enough to reflect on their teaching, their children, and themselves? Everything. Join us for a...
488 Love First, Lead Second: Why Relationships Are the Real Curriculum
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair, Erica Saccoccio gets to the heart of what truly drives quality in early learning: r...
487 Spoiler Alert: Kids Don’t Grow in a Bubble — Let’s Talk Culture, Language & Real Life
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair, Erica Saccoccio dives deep into one of the most powerful truths in early childhood ...
486- Understanding Child Development: The Leadership Bridge Every Director Must Build
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair, Erica takes you deep into one of the most important—and often overlooked—leader...
485 Leadership as the Engine of Quality Improvement
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair, we dive into one of the most powerful forces behind high-quality early childhood ...
484 Intentional Teaching Starts with Intentional Leadership
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textIn this episode, Erica slows down the noise of day-to-day operations and invites directors to take a thoughtful look at what’s really ...
483 Coaching Teachers With Confidence: Building Skill, Trust & Real Growth in Your Center
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textI n this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair, Erica breaks down what confident coaching really looks like inside a thriving earl...
482 Calm in the Candy-Cane Chaos: Your Holiday Rush Survival Guide
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a text The holidays are here, and so is the chaos! In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair, Erica shares her essential survival g...