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After 27 years in early childhood education, I’ve seen it all—and learned what really works to start the school year off strong. In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair, I’m sharing my Top 10 Tips for Getting Ready for Back-to-School—practical strategies that help childcare directors get organized, support their staff, and welcome families with confidence and joy.

✨ You’ll learn how to:

• Set staff up for success with clear schedules and roles
• Prepare classrooms that are engaging, organized, and welcoming
• Communicate effectively with families from day one
• Organize paperwork, calendars, and emergency procedures
• Lead with energy, intention, and positivity to set the tone for the year

If you’re ready to make the first week smooth, memorable, and fun for your team, students, and families—this episode is for you! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts—your feedback helps me create more tips and strategies that support childcare directors like you.

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.

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Back-to-school week doesn’t have to be boring—or stressful! In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair, we’re taking a bold, fun approach to leading your childcare center. I’m sharing out-of-the-box strategies to support your teachers, connect with families, and bring the joy back to your classrooms from day one.

✨ You’ll learn how to:

• Set the tone for the year with energy and excitement
• Turn routines into playful, memorable experiences for kids
• Involve families in creative ways that build trust and connection
• Celebrate small wins to boost morale for your team
• Lead with presence, heart, and a little flair—because boring is not allowed

Plus, I’ll show you how tools like Jackrabbit Care can simplify communication so you can focus on what really matters—building relationships, culture, and joy.

Tune in and get ready to spark joy in your center while starting the year strong, confident, and unapologetically fun!

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

Apple Podcast Description:

Back-to-school season is here, and yes—it can feel like a hot mess sometimes. But leaders, this is your moment to shine! In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair, I’m giving you the real talk on how to support your teachers, keep families in the loop, and set the tone for a year of excellence.

✨ We’re diving into how to:

• Coach your teachers with intention so they feel confident, not overwhelmed
• Create a welcome strategy that actually makes parents feel relieved, not stressed
• Communicate like a pro—so everyone knows what’s happening (without yelling!)
• Model the energy you want to see all year long
• Keep your eyes on the bigger picture while surviving the chaos

Plus, I’ll show you how Jackrabbit Care can be your secret weapon for seamless parent communication, freeing you up to focus on what really matters—your people and your program. Tune in, take notes, and let’s kick off this school year like the leaders we were born to be!

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

Take off that mask — you're not perfect, and guess what? You don’t have to be. In this episode, we’re getting real about what it means to lead with transparency as a childcare director. When you let your families and staff see the real you, that’s when true leadership shows up.

We’re joined by Falishia Campbell for an episode that’s as raw and real as it gets. We're talking transparency, accountability, and leading without the pressure to have it all together. Step into your role boldly — flaws and all.

Big shoutout to our sponsor, Jackrabbit Care. If you're tired of platforms that almost get it right, it’s time to stop settling. Be unapologetic and make the move to a platform that’s actually built to help you succeed. Jackrabbit Care is ready when you are. Set up your free demo today https://bit.ly/4kpScUD?r=qr and tell them the Childcare Director’s Chair Podcast sent you!

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

 Running a childcare center takes heart—but it also takes smart money management. In this episode, Erica is joined by Kathy Jensen from Jackrabbit Care to spill the real tea on keeping tuition, billing, and forecasting stress-free. You’ll get five easy tips to stay consistent with revenue, keep your pipeline full, and finally feel in control of your finances. Whether you’re tired of chasing payments or nervous about forecasting the future, this conversation will give you tools you can put into practice right away.  Set up your free demo today https://bit.ly/4kpScUD?r=qr and tell them the Childcare Director’s Chair Podcast sent you!

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 a text

Running a childcare center takes heart—but it also takes smart money management. In this episode, Erica is joined by Kathy Jensen from Jackrabbit Care to spill the real tea on keeping tuition, billing, and forecasting stress-free. You’ll get five easy tips to stay consistent with revenue, keep your pipeline full, and finally feel in control of your finances. Whether you’re tired of chasing payments or nervous about forecasting the future, this conversation will give you tools you can put into practice right away. Plus, learn how Jackrabbit Care can simplify your systems and give you back the time and peace of mind you deserve. 

Support the show

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Want families lining up to enroll without feeling pushy? In this episode, we’re spilling the real tea on turning your enrollment process into a smooth, stress-free, trust-building experience. Learn how to follow up like a pro, simplify the paperwork, and lead with heart so families—and your team—can’t help but say, “Yes!”

💡 Joined today by Kathy Jenson from the team at Jackrabbit Care! Ready to level up your enrollment process? Head over to Jackrabbit Care, Set up your free demo today https://bit.ly/4kpScUD?r=qr and tell them the Childcare Director’s Chair Podcast sent you!

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

 Today on The Childcare Director’s Chair, we’re talking all things state visits — the kind that pop up when you're mid-diaper change, short-staffed, and your copier just broke. Yep… that visit. But here’s the truth: excellence doesn’t need to prepare — it stays ready.

I’m joined by none other than the state lady herself — and we’re pulling back the curtain on what licensors really look for when they walk through your doors. Spoiler alert: it’s not your bulletin board. We’re talking daily practices, documentation, classroom ratios, staff communication, and how to build systems that keep you cool, calm, and compliant every single day — not just when you think someone’s coming.

We’ll even chat about how to turn those visits into opportunities (yes, seriously) and how to build a culture of readiness without stressing your team out 24/7.

💥 Big shoutout to our sponsors at Jackrabbit Care — helping you keep your back office just as tight as your classrooms. From daily reports to attendance, tuition, and enrollment tools, they make sure you’ve got nothing to hide. Set up your free demo today https://bit.ly/4kpScUD?r=qr and tell them the Childcare Director’s Chair Podcast sent you!

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

Today on The Childcare Director’s Chair, we’re getting into the kind of lesson planning that actually works — not the overpriced, color-coded nonsense that looks good on Instagram but doesn’t help your kids grow. Whether you're a parent, running a home daycare, or managing a full center, this episode is packed with smart, simple ways to build lessons that hit milestones and keep kids engaged.

Joined by guest Leora Cowart, aka the Lesson Planning Guru, we’re talking about planning with purpose, following children’s interests, and using everyday items to spark big learning moments. Oh — and let’s stop cutting everything out for the kids. It’s time to hand over the scissors and let them learn the skills they’re ready for. Seriously.

💥 Huge shoutout to our sponsors at Jackrabbit Care — your back-office BFFs. From filling your classrooms to making sure tuition’s paid on time, they help you get your business tight and right. Want to save money and sanity? Book your free demo today.

So grab your lesson planner, turn up the volume, and let’s talk about ditching the drama and doing what actually matters in the classroom.

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

Feeling like something’s shifting in your childcare journey? Whether you're burned out, booked out, or ready to boss up to the next level, this episode spills the real tea on what to do when the season changes. Do you keep building what you’ve started, hand over the keys and sell it, or go all-in and grow something even bigger?

We’re talking legacy moves, emotional readiness, and the not-so-glamorous details behind each choice — because every path comes with its own challenges and opportunities. No fluff, no sugarcoating. Just straight-up strategy from someone who's walked the walk.

Thank you to our sponsors at Jackrabbit Care. Set up your free demo today https://bit.ly/4kpScUD?r=qr and tell them the Childcare Director’s Chair Podcast sent you!

So grab your coffee (or wine — no judgment), and let’s talk about which season you’re really in... and what to do about it.

👠 Because in this business, you don’t just run a center — you run the show.

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.