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Reading doesn’t happen by luck—it happens with intention. In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, Erica sits down with Tangee Peak, The Toddler Tutor, to talk about how informed data can turn everyday preschool moments into powerful literacy wins.

This isn’t about drowning in assessments or staring at spreadsheets. It’s about knowing what to look for, noticing the small clues children give us, and using that information to support language, early reading skills, and confidence—right when it matters most. Together, they break down how data helps move children from memorizing ABCs to those magical “aha!” moments where literacy really clicks.

If you’re ready to stop guessing, teach with purpose, and build real readers while keeping play at the center, this episode is for you.

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We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately.

Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.

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In this energizing episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair podcast, host Erica sits down with early childhood visionary Carla Ward to unpack the powerful concept of yes spaces—environments designed to empower children through autonomy, trust, and emotional safety.

Together, they explore what it really means to shift from a mindset of control to one of connection, and how thoughtfully designed spaces can spark critical thinking, confidence, and meaningful play. Carla shares practical insights on helping educators and families understand the why behind play-based learning, the importance of representation in early learning environments, and why in-person connection among educators still matters more than ever.

This conversation is full of heart, honesty, and “aha” moments for leaders ready to rethink their spaces, strengthen family partnerships, and say yes to a more intentional, child-centered approach.

Support the show

We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately.

Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.

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What happens when leadership stops operating in silos and starts building with their teams instead of above them?

In this episode of the Childcare Director’s Chair, we’re breaking down “C Is for Collaboration” and why true collaboration between administrators and instructional staff isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s essential for building strong, sustainable early childhood programs. Too often, decisions are made in offices while the real magic (and real challenges) live in the classrooms. That disconnect costs morale, retention, and program quality.

Joined by Coach Rea, we dig into what real collaboration actually looks like in early childhood settings — beyond staff meetings and suggestion boxes. We explore how to create shared ownership, build trust across roles, and design systems where teachers feel heard, supported, and empowered to help move the entire program forward.

✨ This episode is a sneak peek into one of the powerful workshop conversations happening May 7th, 8th, and 9th at the https://eceempowermentconference.com/meet-your-speakers/ hosted at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, Rhode Island. These are the real conversations leaders are craving — honest, practical, and rooted in real-life early childhood leadership.

🎟️ Don’t wait! This month only, it’s Buy One Ticket, Get the Second Free when you use code ECEBOGO at checkout. If collaboration, culture, and leadership growth are on your radar, this is your sign to join us.

Because better programs — and stronger teams — are built together.

Support the show

We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately.

Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.

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In this episode, Erica Saccoccio dives into the conversations you’ve been avoiding—the ones that are silently holding your program back. Learn how to identify toxic behaviors, address challenging staff and parent situations, and lean into tough discussions with confidence, clarity, and compassion. These conversations aren’t obstacles—they’re opportunities to grow your leadership, strengthen your team, and create lasting impact.

Ready to step into 2026 with bold, fearless leadership? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference, May 7–9 in Warwick, Rhode Island. For January only, use code ECEBOGO to buy one ticket and get a second free—all three days for just $299! Connect with fellow early childhood leaders, gain practical strategies, and leave inspired to lead with courage and influence.

Support the show

We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately.

Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.

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In this episode, Erica Saccoccio dives deep into the leader you’re becoming—the one who shows up with clarity, courage, and purpose every day. We explore how to step into your authority, navigate tough conversations, break old leadership habits, and create a lasting impact on your team, your program, and the children you serve.

If you’re ready to invest in yourself and take your leadership to the next level in 2026, join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference, May 7–9 in Warwick, Rhode Island. For January only, use the code ECEBOGO to buy one ticket and get a second free—all three days for just $299! Connect with other early childhood leaders, gain practical strategies, and leave inspired to lead with confidence and influence.

Support the show

We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately.

Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.

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 Leadership presence is what people feel before you ever speak. In this solo episode, Erica explores how confidence, emotional regulation, and clarity shape trust, influence, and culture in early childhood leadership. Building on the language of leadership, this episode dives deeper into how aligned, grounded leaders create stability, hold boundaries, and lead effectively—especially in high-stress environments. If you’re ready to step off the hamster wheel, strengthen your leadership presence, and make 2026 a year of real growth, this episode will challenge you to lead from who you are, not just what you say. 

Get your tickets here Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference use the code ecebogo to get your ticket for free when you purchase one for a friend.

Support the show

We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately.

Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.

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 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 the language of leadership and how your words, tone, and consistency shape trust, culture, and confidence long before policies or titles do. You’ll learn what leadership language really looks like, why clarity builds authority, and how intentional communication helps you stop reacting and start leading. This episode is for educators and directors who are ready to step off the hamster wheel, lead with confidence, and invest in becoming the leader their team needs. 

Get your tickets to the 2026 Early Education Empowerment Conference Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference use our discount code ecebogo to grab your free ticket with a purchase of one for a friend.

Support the show

We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately.

Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.

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 Too many leaders wait for permission before they lead—and it’s costing them confidence, influence, and impact. In this episode, Erica breaks down how real authority is built from the inside out, not granted by a title or approval. You’ll learn practical ways to overcome self-doubt, people-pleasing, inconsistency, and the fear of being disliked—so you can lead with clarity, confidence, and consistency. If you’re ready to stop shrinking, start deciding, and step fully into leadership in 2026, this episode will meet you right where you are. 

Support the show

We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately.

Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.

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 Kanas, we break down the leadership lessons behind effective onboarding and how to create training manuals that give new staff clarity, confidence, and consistency across infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms. If you want your leadership to show up before a teacher ever steps into the classroom, this episode is for you. 

Support the show

We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately.

Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.

Send us a text

Christmas week in a childcare center can feel overwhelming—attendance is unpredictable, staff are exhausted, routines are off, and directors are carrying the weight of it all.

In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair, we spill the real tea about what leadership actually looks like during Christmas week. This is your permission slip to let go of perfection and focus on what truly matters: stability for children, support for staff, and strong relationships with families.

We talk about why simplifying is not lowering standards, how to support your team like humans (not superheroes), and how focusing on connection over routines builds trust that lasts far beyond the holidays. If you’re feeling the pressure to “do it all” this week, this episode will help you breathe, reset, and lead with clarity and confidence.

If you’re a childcare director who wants real support, real conversations, and real leadership strategies, join us inside our private Childcare Director’s Chair Leadership Group—because you don’t have to lead alone.

🎧 Listen in, share with a fellow director, and don’t forget to leave a review—it helps this community grow.

Support the show

We invite you to join our community of dedicated listeners by supporting our podcast with a monthly subscription. Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to continue producing valuable content that empowers you to effectively lead your team and childcare business to success. By subscribing, you not only gain access to exclusive benefits, but you also help us in our mission to provide you with practical and actionable bite-sized strategies on a daily basis that you can implement immediately.

Investing in our podcast is an investment in your own growth and the success of your business. We firmly believe that by prioritizing the well-being of your team, you are paving the way for long-term success. Join us in this journey towards excellence and subscribe today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and resources that will propel you towards your goals. Your support means the world to us, and together, we can achieve greatness. Thank you for considering a monthly subscription to our podcast.