The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast
Because childcare leadership deserves a real conversation.
If you're looking for another leadership podcast filled with corporate buzzwords and theories from people who haven't stepped inside a childcare center in years... this probably isn't it.
I'm Erica Saccoccio—a multi-center childcare owner, leadership coach, keynote speaker, and podcast host who still leads in the work every single day.
This podcast is for childcare directors, daycare owners, assistant directors, preschool leaders, and early childhood professionals who are ready to find their voice, build confidence, strengthen their teams, and create programs where children, families, and educators thrive.
Each week, you'll hear honest conversations, practical leadership strategies, and inspiring stories from childcare directors, owners, educators, authors, and industry leaders who understand what it really takes to lead in early childhood today. We'll tackle the conversations others avoid, celebrate the wins that matter, and give you practical ideas you can take back to your center tomorrow.
Around here, we don't chase perfection—we build confident leaders, multiply future leaders, and create a ripple of impact throughout the early childhood profession.
Pull up a chair. Find your voice. Lead with confidence. Create lasting impact.
🎤 Let's Grow Leaders Together
Looking for a keynote speaker, breakout session presenter, leadership retreat facilitator, professional development trainer, or leadership coach for your childcare organization?
Erica partners with conferences, state associations, childcare organizations, school districts, and leadership teams across the country to deliver engaging presentations that are practical, relatable, and transformational. Every session is designed to inspire audiences, spark meaningful conversations, and equip leaders with strategies they can immediately implement in their programs.
Connect with Erica for:
- 🎤 Keynote Presentations
- 🎓 Conference Breakout Sessions
- 🏫 Professional Development Days
- 🌱 Leadership Coaching
- 👥 Leadership Retreats
- 🎙️ Podcast Guest Opportunities
🌐 www.childcaredirectorschair.com
Pull up a chair. Find your voice. Lead with confidence. Create lasting impact.
The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast
619 Before the Doors Open: The Leadership Reset Every ECE Team Needs with Melonie Karrem
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A successful school year doesn’t begin with decorated classrooms, completed checklists, or perfectly organized supply closets. It begins with the way we lead.
In this episode, Erica Saccoccio and Melonie Kareem go beyond traditional back-to-school preparation to talk about what early childhood leaders really need to reset before children and families walk through the doors. From communication and team buy-in to clear systems, emotional regulation, and leadership presence, this conversation challenges directors and administrators to think differently about how they prepare their people—not just their programs.
Because when leaders create clarity, consistency, and calm, teams are better equipped to thrive.
If you’re ready to stop simply surviving the start of another school year and intentionally build the culture, systems, and leadership habits that can carry your team all year long, this episode is for you.
To learn more about Melonie follow on IG: www.instagram.com/letstalkearlyyears/
Listen to Let's Talk Early Years Podcast Let's Talk Early Years - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
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.