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In this quick 5-minute episode, we’re breaking down what it really takes to be the teammate everyone wants on their side. Being great at your job is important — but being a great teammate? That’s where true leadership shines.

You’ll discover:

• How to support your colleagues in meaningful ways
• The daily habits that build a positive team culture
• How to handle conflict like a pro
• How to show up for your team, even on the hard days

Plus, get quick wins and real talk to help you lead from wherever you are.

💬 Ready to grow alongside other childcare leaders? Join our private Facebook group, The Childcare Director’s Chair Leadership Group. Because leadership is better when we build it together.

Sponsored by Jackrabbit Care
Want to make your operations smoother and free up more time to lead? Schedule your free demo today at jackrabbitcare.com and see how Jackrabbit Care can support your childcare center. Learn more here  https://bit.ly/4kpScUD?r=qr

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📱 Follow us on Instagram for tips, behind-the-scenes, and director motivation:
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Let’s be real — just because you’re in charge doesn’t mean your team automatically trusts or respects you. That stuff is earned, not handed out with your job title.

In this quick 5-minute episode, we’re breaking down how to build real trust and lasting respect within your team — without begging for it, faking it, or burning yourself out.

You’ll learn:

• Why follow-through is your leadership superpower
• How to keep it real without oversharing
• What active listening really looks like
• How consistency (not popularity) earns respect
• And why celebrating your people changes everything

💬 Want more no-fluff leadership growth? Join our private Facebook group, The Childcare Director’s Chair Leadership Group. It’s where strong leaders come to grow — with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of real talk.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Jackrabbit Care, the official sponsor of The Childcare Director’s Chair podcast! If you’re ready to ditch paperwork headaches and simplify your childcare operations, Jackrabbit Care is here to help. Their easy-to-use software frees up your time so you can focus on what really matters — leading your team and nurturing kids. Schedule your FREE demo today at jackrabbitcare.com/demo and see how they can help your center run smoother than ever.

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📱 Follow us on Instagram for tips, behind-the-scenes, and director motivation:
👉 @ccdcpodcast

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Let’s get real — slapping “kindness” and “respect” on your center’s wall doesn’t mean a thing if your team isn’t living it out loud. In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, host Erica Saccoccio is calling it like it is and diving deep into how to actually walk the talk when it comes to core values in your childcare program.

From hiring with intention to training with purpose (and yes, rewriting those dusty old policies), Erica shares how to create a culture where values aren’t just pretty words — they’re the heartbeat of your center. You’ll hear why leadership modeling matters, how to spot when your values are going off track, and what it really takes to build a team that’s all-in on your mission.

This episode is your no-fluff, all-action wake-up call to lead with authenticity and make sure your values show up in every classroom, every day.

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📱 Follow us on Instagram for tips, behind-the-scenes, and director motivation:
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👉 Director Resources | Child Care Director

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👉 The Childcare Directors Chair Leadership Group | Facebook

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In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, we’re diving into one of the biggest leadership glow-ups you can make: shifting from micromanaging to mentoring. ✨

It’s time to move past the habit of just correcting mistakes and start coaching your team for real growth. We’re breaking down what it means to lead with intention, build meaningful growth plans, and create a culture of support, trust, and accountability.

You’ll learn how to:

• Spot the difference between correction and coaching
• Set clear, personalized growth goals with your team
• Track progress in a way that motivates, not monitors
• Celebrate wins that actually build morale
• Strengthen trust and connection with your staff

This episode is your guide to building a leadership style rooted in development—not just direction. If you're ready to stop managing every detail and start mentoring with purpose, this one’s for you.

🎧 Hit play, and let’s reimagine leadership together.

Don’t forget to follow, rate, and leave a review—we love hearing what’s working for you!

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📱 Follow us on Instagram for tips, behind-the-scenes, and director motivation:
👉 @ccdcpodcast

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👉 The Childcare Directors Chair Leadership Group | Facebook

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Support the show

📱 Follow us on Instagram for tips, behind-the-scenes, and director motivation:
👉 @ccdcpodcast

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Calling all directors who are tired of being the unofficial superhero, janitor, therapist, and substitute teacher all in one day — this episode is for you. In “Do Less, Build More,” Erica Saccoccio breaks down why doing everything isn’t a flex — it’s a fast track to burnout.

This episode is a masterclass in getting out of your own way and stepping into true leadership. Erica dishes out real talk about over-functioning, control issues (yes, we’re going there), and why your center’s success depends on your ability to delegate like a boss and build a team that actually leads.

You don’t need more hours in the day — you need a better system and a stronger team. Grab your coffee, get out your notes app, and prepare to start doing less so you can build more.

💬 What We’re Talking About:

• Why doing everything yourself is not leadership
• How over-functioning is costing you your time, energy, and team trust
• The micromanagement trap — and how to stop falling into it
• Delegation hacks that actually work (and don’t end in disaster)
• How to spot future leaders hiding in plain sight
• The blueprint for building a leadership pipeline in your center
• What it really means to lead — hint: it’s not being the busiest person in the room
• How to step back without your center falling apart
• Actionable steps to build a culture of ownership and independence

🔥 Real Talk Takeaway:
Stop doing it all. Start building people up. Real leaders know how to let go, level up their team, and create a center that doesn’t revolve around them.

🎧 Subscribe + Review:
Loving the no-nonsense leadership advice? Hit that subscribe button and leave a review on Apple Podcasts so we can keep bringing the heat to child care leaders like you.

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📱 Follow us on Instagram for tips, behind-the-scenes, and director motivation:
👉 @ccdcpodcast

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You didn’t come this far in early childhood to wake up one day and wonder, “Do I still even like this?” But when the stress is high and the support feels low, even the most passionate child care leaders can find themselves running on fumes.

In this raw and energizing episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, host Erica Saccoccio sits down with the one and only Tonya Muhammad, creator of Daycare Chronicles 101, for a much-needed conversation on purpose, passion, and protecting your peace.

Tonya brings her signature straight talk, humor, and heartfelt wisdom to the mic to explore what it really takes to stay engaged, excited, and emotionally sane while leading a child care program in 2025.

Whether you’re new to leadership or a seasoned vet who’s quietly questioning how long you can keep this up—this is your reminder that your purpose still matters, your voice still counts, and it’s OK to take care of you too.

You’ll learn:

• How to reconnect with your “why” when your fire feels faded
• The real difference between burnout and boredom (yes, there is one!)
• What to say to yourself when you're ready to quit—but know you won’t
• Warning signs you’re on the edge—and how to course-correct
• Creative ways to keep your joy in a field that never takes a break
• Why passion doesn’t mean perfection—and how to give yourself grace

This episode is your permission slip to reset, refuel, and recommit to the mission that brought you here in the first place.

👂 Ready to feel seen, supported, and re-ignited? Hit play.

🎧 Listen now and tag us on IG @ccdcpodcast and @daycare_chronicles_101 to share your biggest takeaway!

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📱 Follow us on Instagram for tips, behind-the-scenes, and director motivation:
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Overwhelmed by the idea of AI in early childhood education? This episode is your warm, judgment-free intro to using artificial intelligence to make your day easier, not harder. Perfect for directors, owners, and educators ready to take their first step into smart tech — no experience required!

📄 Full Episode Description:
If the words “artificial intelligence” make you want to run and hide behind the sandbox, this episode is your new best friend. In this fun and approachable conversation, we break down what AI really is (no tech jargon here!) and how childcare directors, owners, and lead teachers can use it to simplify operations, boost learning, and actually reclaim some of their time.

You’ll learn:

• What AI is — and what it isn’t
• Simple, practical ways AI can help with daily tasks like lesson planning, parent communication, and documentation
• Real-life examples of AI tools making life easier for early educators
• How to get started with zero overwhelm

Whether you're tech-savvy or still figuring out how to turn on your computer, we’re here to show you that AI isn’t just for Silicon Valley — it’s for the classroom, the office, and your peace of mind.

So grab your favorite mug, get comfy, and let’s get byte-sized with AI — one tiny step at a time!

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📱 Follow us on Instagram for tips, behind-the-scenes, and director motivation:
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Description:
Is your waitlist just... waiting? Not anymore! In this spicy episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, host Erica Saccoccio and the ever-fabulous Gerin Thomas serve up bold truths and smart strategies for flipping that dusty waitlist into a goldmine of enrollments. We’re talking leadership that leads, communication that connects, and customer experiences that leave parents saying, “Sign me up!” Tune in for real talk, sharp insights, and a whole lotta sass on how to make your waitlist the hottest ticket in town. 💁‍♀️✨

Episode Notes:
In this episode, we cover:

• How to shift your mindset about waitlists
• The connection between brand reputation and parent engagement
• Innovative ways to keep potential families in the loop
• Tips for preparing for enrollment peaks
• Real-world stories from Gerin’s leadership journey

Guest:
Gerin Thomas – Childcare expert, center leader, and all-around enrollment queen 👑

Get your free waitlist checklist below:

Mama Magnet Checklist by keepitsimplegerin.pdf - Google Drive

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📱 Follow us on Instagram for tips, behind-the-scenes, and director motivation:
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You’ve got the vision, the clipboard, the team—and now it’s time for that conversation. 😬
You know the one. The awkward, emotionally-charged, “Can we chat for a sec?” kind of convo that makes you want to hide in the supply closet.

In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, host Erica Saccoccio is breaking down how to navigate tough talks without losing your cool (or your compassion). Whether it’s correcting a team member, addressing tension, or just delivering honest feedback without the waterworks, we’re getting into the real deal of communication with confidence.

You’ll learn:

🧠 Why emotional intelligence is your secret weapon in leadership
 💬 How to say what needs to be said—without guilt or sugarcoating
 👂 What to do before the conversation to set it up for success
👊 How to stay grounded when things get awkward (because they will)
✨ Scripts for keeping things clear, kind, and professional
🤝 And why hard conversations build stronger teams (yes, really!)

If you’re tired of avoiding issues or tiptoeing around feelings, this episode is your permission slip to lead with courage, clarity, and zero drama.

📲 Follow us on Instagram @ccdcpodcast for daily inspo, done-for-you scripts, and behind-the-scenes leadership realness.

Support the show

📱 Follow us on Instagram for tips, behind-the-scenes, and director motivation:
👉 @ccdcpodcast

👥 Join our FREE private Facebook group just for childcare directors and leaders like you:
👉 The Childcare Directors Chair Leadership Group | Facebook