The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast

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 In this powerful episode, global keynote speaker and behavior specialist Prena Richards joins us to unpack what children with challenging behaviors really need—and why it starts with bold, compassionate leadership. We’re diving into what school leaders must know to support not just students, but also the teachers and families walking alongside them. Expect real talk, expert insights, and a sassy reminder: if you want better outcomes, model better leadership. 

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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 In this powerhouse episode, Chanie Wilschanski joins us to spill the tea on what it really takes to lead an early childhood center from hot mess to high-performing. We’re talking bold leadership, fierce empathy, and setting standards that scream, “This is who I am!” From spotting future rockstar leaders to plugging those sneaky money leaks draining your energy (and budget), Chanie doesn’t hold back. Oh—and ladies in leadership? It’s time to rise, grow, and own your worth. Tune in and get ready to boss up! 💁‍♀️🔥💼

🚨 FREE DOWNLOAD ALERT: 6 Money Leaks Diagnostic 💸
Are hidden money leaks draining your center’s energy and your bank account? 👀 It’s time to find 'em, fix 'em, and start leading smarter—not harder.

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This powerful tool will help you identify where your resources are slipping through the cracks—and how to plug them for good. Pair it with Chanie Wilschanski’s expert leadership insights from the episode and get ready to lead with clarity, confidence, and cash flow.

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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 In this episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair, we’re joined by the fabulous Nicole Rich Bryne—a veteran educator who’s been guiding families through early intervention and special ed like a total pro. Nicole brings her no-fluff wisdom on leading with heart, navigating tricky transitions, and building real-deal relationships with local schools. She dives into how to communicate with families (not at them), why documentation matters more than you think, and how self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s leadership. If you’re ready to lead with purpose, confidence, and a clear sense of helpfulness, this episode is your go-to guide for supporting families, empowering your team, and keeping your cool through it all. 

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

"Director Bootcamp: What They Didn’t Tell You About Year One"

 Stepping into leadership and already questioning your life choices? Welcome to the wild world of childcare directing—where the licensing rules are confusing, the staff room drama is real, and the budget never quite budgets. 😅

In this episode, we’re joined by Latisha Corley—childcare consultant, leadership trainer, and straight-shooting guide for overwhelmed new directors. She’s breaking down the biggest mistakes rookies make, how to avoid burnout, and why mindset is your secret weapon.

This is the pep talk you didn’t know you needed—filled with real talk, practical tips, and a whole lot of “you’ve got this” energy. Whether you’re already in the hot seat or still easing in, grab your coffee (or something stronger)—this episode is your survival guide. 💼

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

🎙️ The Childcare Director’s Chair Podcast with Erica Saccoccio

As a childcare director, you're constantly pouring into others — but who’s pouring into you? In this empowering episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair Podcast, host Erica Saccoccio dives into the importance of self-care, travel, and time off for early childhood education leaders.

We’re talking about why it’s time to stop feeling guilty and start booking that vacation, how exploring life outside of your center can spark new creativity, and why prioritizing rest is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. 💆‍♀️🌴

Whether you’re dreaming of a weekend getaway or a full-on escape, this episode will remind you that taking care of yourself is the best way to show up for your team, your students, and your mission.

✨ Join our thriving leadership community: www.childcaredirectorschair.com
Connect with fellow directors, access exclusive content, and get the support you deserve.

Remember: Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s survival.

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

In this episode, Erica discusses the importance of creating a proactive behavior support system in childcare settings. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear expectations, consistency among staff, and effective reinforcement strategies to foster positive behavior in children. The Erica provides practical tips for directors to implement these strategies and reflects on the significance of intentional behavior management practices.

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

 Aggression in young children—whether it’s biting, hitting, screaming, or throwing—isn’t just a “phase” to ignore. It’s a signal that a child is struggling to manage emotions, communicate needs, or feel in control. As a childcare director, your role is to support your team in responding with compassion, skill, and consistency—so we can teach kids what to do, not just what not to do. In this episode, we’re diving into how to prevent aggressive behaviors, respond effectively in the moment, and build a team that’s confident in handling big emotions. 

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 parents and teachers work together, children thrive. But when communication breaks down or expectations don’t align, it can feel like you’re both rowing in opposite directions—and the child is stuck in the middle.

This episode walks you through how to build strong, respectful, and consistent partnerships between home and school so that behavior strategies stick and children get the support they deserve. As the director, you’re the bridge—so let’s talk about how to lead those relationships with clarity, confidence, and collaboration.

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

🎙️ Game On in the Child Care Director’s Chair! 🏆

Lace up those sneakers and grab your whistle, because this episode is bringing serious MVP energy! Erica Saccoccio teams up with the dynamic Latrice Galloway to break down the Born to Teach Conference — and trust us, it’s not your average professional development snoozefest.

With an all-star sports theme, this conference is where early childhood pros go to LEVEL UP. We’re talking real strategies, high-energy sessions, and a major focus on teamwork (because let’s be real, no one wins in early ed alone). Latrice spills all the tea on what makes this event inclusive, electric, and absolutely unmissable — including the ESPYS-style awards show that’ll have you cheering from your seat!

Ready to join the starting lineup of passionate educators? 🏅
 Head over to HOME | Born To Teach   and use promo code ERICA to score a sweet discount on your tickets. Don’t sit this one out — the court is calling!

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

You’ve seen it all — the tantrums, the meltdowns, the “NO!” shouted from across the room. But what if we told you that every behavior is a message? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on why kids act out and what you, as a childcare director, really need to know to help your team decode the drama.

Join us as we explore the real reasons behind challenging behaviors — from sensory overload and emotional dysregulation to trauma and attachment issues. You'll learn how to guide your staff in identifying patterns, spotting triggers, and creating action plans that support both the child and the teacher.

We’re not just managing behavior here — we’re understanding it, getting curious, and leading with empathy. So grab your coffee and your clipboard, Director — it’s time to dig deeper, lead stronger, and turn chaos into connection.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✔️ How to spot emotional, environmental, and developmental triggers
✔️ Practical tips for observing and tracking behavior like a pro
✔️ Why trauma, attachment, and sensory issues might be driving behavior
✔️ Strategies for training and supporting your staff to respond with empathy and intention

💡 Pro Tip: The more you understand the why behind the behavior, the more empowered your team becomes in managing it with confidence and care.

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.