Advertise on podcast: The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Send us Fan Mail Who is making decisions about the future of early childhood education, and why aren't more childcare directors, daycare owners, and educators part of the conversation? On this episode of The Child Care Director's Chair Podcast, Erica Saccoccio sits down with Dr. Judy Prime, president of SECA, to talk about childcare advocacy, early childhood leadership, professional respect, and why our voices matter. In this episode, we discuss: Why childcare directors and educators need a seat at the table.How SECA and professional associations support early childhood education.Why advocacy starts beyond legislation, right in our own communities.The fight for better wages, recognition, and respect in the childcare profession.How daycare owners, teachers, and directors can turn frustration into action.If you care about the future of childcare, this is a conversation you don't want to miss. We know the challenges. Now let's talk about what we can actually do to change things. Listen, subscribe, and share this episode 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.

Send us Fan Mail What if the resources your childcare program needs are already in your community, but you're overlooking them? Too many childcare directors and owners are spending hours searching for grants, struggling with enrollment, and trying to fund improvements without realizing that some of their biggest opportunities may come from relationships, partnerships, and simply learning how to tell their program's story. In this episode of The Child Care Director's Chair Podcast, Erica Saccoccio sits down with Shannon a problem-solving consultant who works with Head Start programs and early childhood organizations to talk about finding solutions, building community connections, and getting creative when it comes to funding, marketing, and growing your program. We're talking about real challenges that directors face every day and practical ways to stop spinning your wheels and start making progress. In this episode, we explore: Why chasing grants isn't always the best place to start when your program needs funding.How to identify the real problem before spending time and money trying to fix it.Where to look for funding beyond grants, including sponsorships, community foundations, and local organizations.How to build relationships with businesses and community partners who want to support children and families.Why your program's story might be your most powerful marketing and fundraising tool.Creative fundraising ideas for playgrounds, classroom materials, special projects, and program improvements.How to use social media, testimonials, and classroom experiences to show families and supporters the incredible learning happening in your program.Why directors don't have to carry every challenge or find every solution alone.And here's something worth thinking about: Are you spending so much time looking for resources that you're missing the people who could help you find them? Whether you're running a Head Start program, managing a childcare center, or trying to grow your early childhood business, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about the opportunities surrounding your program. Because sometimes the solution isn't another grant application or another fundraiser. Sometimes it's the right conversation, the right connection, and a better plan. Don't just listen! Share this episode with a fellow childcare director or early childhood leader who could use some fresh ideas and practical solutions. For more conversations about early childhood leadership, business strategies, and the challenges facing our industry, visit 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.

Send us Fan Mail Are you really leading your teachers, or are you just managing your program? Some of the most important leadership moments don't happen in meetings or behind an office door. They happen in the classroom, during challenging transitions, unexpected staff callouts, and everyday moments when your educators need to know you've got their backs. In this episode of The Child Care Director's Chair Podcast, Erica Saccoccio sits down with Mariela Lopez, Director of the Preschool Lab at Miami Dade College, for an honest conversation about what it really means to lead from the classroom floor. We're talking about more than stepping in when a teacher calls out. We're talking about building trust, recognizing burnout before it happens, developing confident educators, and creating a culture where staff feel supported instead of supervised. In this episode, we explore: Why an open-door policy isn't enough if leaders aren't building real relationships.The difference between supporting teachers and simply monitoring their performance.Why directors need to spend time in classrooms to understand what's really happening.How your attitude, body language, and communication set the tone for your entire program.Why constantly solving problems for your team can actually prevent educators from growing.How meaningful one-on-one conversations build trust, accountability, and stronger teams.Why leadership challenges sometimes start at the top, not in the classroom.Mariela also shares a personal leadership experience that changed how she approaches supporting educators and building a stronger team. Here's something to think about: If your teachers only see you when something goes wrong, what message are you sending? This episode is for childcare directors, owners, administrators, and emerging leaders who want stronger teams, better communication, and a workplace where educators feel valued, supported, and inspired to stay. Because the culture of your program isn't built by what you say in a staff meeting. It's built by how you show up for your people every single day. Don't just listen. Share this episode with a fellow educator or director who needs to hear this conversation! Visit www.childcaredirectorschair.com for more real conversations, leadership strategies, and practical solutions for early childhood education. 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.

Send us Fan Mail What if the answer to some of your biggest classroom behavior challenges isn't another rule, reward chart, or consequence? What if children simply need more opportunities to MOVE? The child who can't sit still, the one constantly crashing into things, or the child struggling through every transition may be telling us something important. And as educators, we need to start paying attention. In this episode of The Child Care Director's Chair Podcast, Erica Saccoccio sits down with Preston Blackburn, founder of Pop, Hop & Rock and Pivot to Play, to challenge the way we approach behavior, movement, and learning in early childhood classrooms. Preston shares how purposeful physical activity supports children's self-regulation, attention, body awareness, and readiness to learn. We're talking about real classroom challenges and simple solutions educators can start using tomorrow, without expensive equipment or completely changing their schedules. In this episode, we explore: Why children who struggle to sit still may need more movement, not more consequences.How movement supports brain development, behavior, and classroom learning.Simple activities like bear crawls, frog jumps, and animal walks that help children reset.How to make movement part of transitions, circle time, and everyday routines.When children may benefit from additional occupational therapy support.What directors can do to help teachers create environments that support children's individual needs.Here's the question every educator should be asking: Are we expecting children to control their bodies before we've given them enough opportunities to use them? This conversation will have you looking at classroom behavior, daily schedules, and the power of play a little differently. Learn more about Preston Blackburn and her work at Pivot to Play: https://pivottoplay.com If you're a childcare director, preschool teacher, or early childhood professional, this is an episode you'll want to share with your entire teaching team. Don't just listen. Share this episode with a fellow educator! Let's get more classrooms moving and give children the opportunities they need to thrive. Visit www.childcaredirectorschair.com for more conversations about early childhood education, leadership, and practical solutions for our field. 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.

Send us Fan Mail What if the behavior you're trying to stop is actually a child trying to tell you something? Supporting children with autism in early childhood programs takes more than patience. It takes understanding, the right classroom strategies, and educators who feel confident and supported. In this episode of The Child Care Director's Chair Podcast, Erica sits down with  Matt Clifford from the Trudeau Center. We talking about what directors and teachers need to know to help children with autism thrive. From understanding behaviors and sensory needs to creating inclusive learning environments, navigating transitions, and building stronger partnerships with families, we're getting into the real challenges happening in our classrooms. We're also talking about the support our educators need. What training should staff receive? What strategies actually help? And how can directors make sure teachers have the resources and guidance they need instead of leaving them to figure it all out on their own? Every child deserves an opportunity to succeed, and every educator deserves the tools to help make that happen. Tune in, then share this episode with a fellow educator. These are conversations we need to be having across early childhood education. 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.

Send us Fan Mail Every childcare director knows the feeling. It's 6:00 a.m., your phone starts ringing, two teachers have called out, and suddenly you're rearranging classrooms, calling everyone on your contact list, and wondering how you're going to make it through the day while maintaining ratios.  Sound familiar?  In this episode of The Child Care Director's Chair Podcast, we're talking about one of the biggest challenges facing early childhood leaders: finding reliable substitute teachers when you need them most.   We're exploring the future of substitute staffing, the challenges facing today's early childhood workforce, and a potential solution that could change how directors and owners handle those unexpected absences.  Could we finally be moving toward a better way to manage staffing without the daily scramble?  If you're an owner, director, or administrator who's ever spent a Monday morning desperately searching for coverage, this conversation is for you.  Don't just listen—share this episode with a fellow early childhood leader who knows exactly what those Monday mornings feel like! To learn more about our guest and their services visit: teachersfortoday.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.

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to bring hundreds of early childhood professionals together, and are conferences like these helping move our profession forward? I'm sitting down with RIAEYC President Joe Pinsonneault for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the planning, passion, and people behind Rhode Island's early childhood conference. But we're going beyond the conference floor to talk about the bigger picture: where early education is succeeding, where we're still struggling, and what needs to happen next. Whether you're leading a program in Rhode Island, Texas, California, or anywhere in between, this is a conversation about the future of our profession and the role we all play in shaping it. 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.

Send us Fan Mail If you work in early childhood education, you know how much of this work happens in the little moments—helping a child feel safe, showing up for your team, and making a classroom feel like a place where everyone belongs .In this episode, Erica Saccoccio talks with a Rhode Island educator and child care director who has worked across the field, from the classroom to leadership. Together, they get real about what children and teachers need, how directors can support staff without micromanaging, and why consistency, recognition, and strong relationships matter so much. Whether you’re an educator, a director, or someone who cares about the future of early learning, we hope this conversation helps you feel seen and reminds you that the work you do makes a difference. Please share this episode with a fellow educator—and let’s help ECE Voices reach 6,000 downloads by the end of October! 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.