The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast

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What makes great teachers stay, and what causes them to walk away?

Recorded live at FLAEYC 2026, Erica Saccoccio welcomes Tamara Preston, Director of Early Learning at Crossroad Academy Charter School, for a conversation every child care director and early childhood leader needs to hear.

With 26 years in early childhood education, Tamara knows that strong programs begin with strong relationships, supported teachers, and leaders who recognize the value of the people in their classrooms.

Together, they explore teacher burnout, staff retention, the importance of early learning, and why investing in educators is just as important as investing in children.

Tamara also shares lessons from her leadership journey, the value of coaching, and why flexibility and resilience matter when moving from the classroom into administration.

Because building a strong early childhood program isn't just about preparing children for the future. It's about creating a workplace where great educators want to stay.

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 http://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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Why are early childhood educators still fighting for the respect they deserve?

Recorded live at FLAEYC in Florida, Erica Saccoccio sits down with Gainesville VPK teacher Samantha Barclay for an honest conversation about teacher pay, professional respect, play-based learning, and the future of early childhood education.

Samantha shares how a Head Start teacher inspired her career, why early childhood education extends from birth through age eight, and why educators need leaders who listen, support, and value their voices.

From advocating for better working conditions to helping new teachers find their confidence, this conversation is a reminder that early childhood educators do far more than play. They build the foundation for lifelong learning.

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 http://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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Who supports the leaders who spend every day supporting everyone else?

Erica Saccoccio sits down with Mariah Burnley, president of the West Virginia Association for Young Children (WVAYC), and Executive Director Kristy Ritz to talk about the real challenges of early childhood leadership, from staffing and financial pressures to advocacy, mentorship, and building a community of support.

And we're taking this conversation beyond the podcast!

I'm excited to be a keynote speaker and leadership expert at the West Virginia Directors Retreat, November 12–13, alongside my friends Kate Woodward Young, sharing her expertise on the business side of child care, and Annette Eberhart, focusing on building resilience in early childhood educators.

Together, we're bringing real conversations, practical strategies, and meaningful connections to directors who give so much of themselves every day.

This isn't just another professional development event. It's an opportunity for leaders to be supported, inspired, and reminded that they don't have to do it alone.

Join us! Register at wvayc.org.

Because even the strongest directors need someone in their corner.

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 http://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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Trailblazers, we've spent almost a year growing together, working through challenges, sharing experiences, and becoming stronger leaders. This month, I want us to focus on something different.

I want us to appreciate how far we've come, the people who have supported us, and the lives we're building beyond our programs.

This episode is a personal reminder that while we're busy making a difference for everyone else, we deserve to find joy in our own lives, too.

Take some time for yourself, listen, reflect, and think about one small change you can make this November.

I'm grateful for each of you and the community we're building together.

With gratitude, Erica

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 http://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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Why are child care directors attending professional development conferences while their teachers stay behind?

Recorded live at the MaineAEYC Conference in Bangor, Maine, host Erica Saccoccio sits down with Jennifer Michaud, President of the MaineAEYC Board of Directors, to discuss early childhood leadership, educator advocacy, and why investing in your entire team matters.

From operating a family child care program to opening a child care center, Jennifer shares her leadership journey and how Maine's LEAP educator advocacy program helped her find her voice and become an advocate for early childhood educators.

Together, Erica and Jennifer explore the importance of professional development for preschool teachers, the power of advocacy, and how child care directors can build stronger teams by creating opportunities for educators to learn, connect, and grow.

Jennifer's challenge to directors: Stop being the only one at the conference. Bring your teachers, invest in their growth, and give them a seat at the table.

Whether you're a child care director, preschool teacher, child care owner, or early childhood education advocate, this conversation will inspire you to lead beyond your own professional development and create opportunities for the educators you lead.

Because stronger educators build stronger teams, and stronger teams build a stronger future 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 http://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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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 http://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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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 http://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 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 http://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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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 http://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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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 http://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 http://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 http://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 http://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!

http://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 http://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!

http://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 http://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.

http://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 http://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 http://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 http://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 http://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 http://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 http://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 http://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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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.

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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 http://www.watchmegrow.com/.

Thank you to WatchMeGrow for supporting our mission to inspire, equip, and empower child care leaders around the world.