The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Louisiana family child care providers are leaving money, support, and growth opportunities on the table - and Sierra Amar shows you exactly how to stop. If you run a home-based program, this conversation breaks down the licensing, registration, CCAP, academic approval, and tax credit pathways that can turn a small operation into a high-quality business with real funding behind it. Erica Saccoccio and Sierra Amar unpack what it actually takes to grow a family child care home in Louisiana, from the difference between being registered and licensed to the steps that unlock state inspections, background checks, trainings, and referrals. Sierra explains how providers can move through the system without getting overwhelmed, and why the right credentials can open doors to grant funding, coaching, toy giveaways, professional development, and reimbursement streams many providers never realize they qualify for. You’ll discover: Why Louisiana providers should ask "what level of approval fits my business?" instead of "do I need to be licensed?" How CCAP certification connects to funding, required trainings, and serving more families What academic approval is and how it can lead to coaching, observation, CDA support, and the school readiness tax credit How childcare where, military-related care, VA, hospital, and private-sector partnerships create new enrollment opportunities Why research, networking, and NAFCC membership matter if you want to lead at a higher level Sierra also shares the real-world impact of Louisiana’s ecosystem for family child care, including how CCR&R support, Louisiana Pathways, and state-level partnerships can help providers become stronger, more compliant, and more visible to families and employers. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to build a high-quality home program with more than just private pay, this episode gives you the map.Essential listening for family child care owners, home-based providers, and anyone trying to understand how licensing, quality, and funding connect. If you’re in Louisiana, or you want to replicate this model in your own state, this one is packed with practical next steps. Erica Saccoccio hosts The Childcare Directors Chair Podcast . Sierra Amar is the Louisiana State Representative for the National Association of Family Child Care and CEO of Intelligent Kid Minds and Intelligent Geographic, where she supports home-based providers and multicultural curriculum. 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 of Child Care Directors Chair, Erica sits down with Sheika Petteway to break down the HR side of childcare leadership. They discuss what actually falls under HR in an early childhood program, the most common documentation and compliance mistakes, how SOPs can protect your team, and when it’s time to bring in an HR specialist. If you’re an owner or director trying to balance operations, compliance, and the day-to-day needs of your staff, this conversation offers practical guidance to help you build stronger systems and avoid costly problems. 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 What happens when you’ve poured your heart into teaching, built relationships with children and families, and then suddenly hear the words: “Your contract will not be renewed”? In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Panico for an important conversation about something we do not talk about enough in education: what it feels like to be a teacher who is not renewed and what comes next. We talk about the emotional side of non-renewal, how quickly it can shake your confidence, and why one decision does not define your ability as an educator. Stephanie shares her experience, the lessons she learned, and how she moved forward when the path she expected suddenly changed. We also look at this conversation through the leadership lens. How should leaders handle non-renewals professionally and compassionately? Are we giving employees enough feedback before making these decisions? Have expectations been clearly communicated? And when someone is not the right fit for one program, could they still be an incredible educator in a different environment? This episode is for the teacher wondering, “What do I do now?” and for the leader who has ever had to make a difficult staffing decision. Sometimes a closed door is not the end of your story. It may be the moment that pushes you toward the place where you are supposed to grow next. To connect Stephine on IG (5) Instagram Membership Group Underdog 2 Unstoppable 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 For years, child care leaders have been trying to recover from staff turnover, burnout, constant hiring, and the disruption that changed so many programs after COVID. Maybe you had a dream team once. Maybe your center ran with a rhythm that felt easier, stronger, and more connected. But what if the goal is not to get that old team back? What if this is your opportunity to build something even better? In this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair, Erica talks about what it really takes to rebuild a child care program for the season you are in now. We are talking about culture, intentional hiring, stronger onboarding, leadership development, classroom quality, family relationships, and the systems that may have fallen apart while you were simply trying to survive. This conversation is for the leader who is ready to stop patching holes, stop comparing today’s team to the one they had years ago, and start intentionally creating a program where great educators want to come, grow, lead, and stay. Your best team may not be behind you. It may be the one you are building right now. 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 What happens when early childhood professionals stop working in silos and start building stronger connections across classrooms, programs, and professional associations? In this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast, Erica Saccoccio sits down with Carolyn Bobby Green for a conversation about leadership, professional growth, mentorship, and the power of staying connected in early childhood education. Carolyn shares why great training needs follow-through, how mentorship helps educators grow after the workshop ends, and why professional associations play such an important role in helping teachers, directors, and owners feel supported instead of isolated. They also discuss what leaders can learn from classroom educators, why toddler teachers often understand behavior in ways others may miss, and how tools such as video, feedback, and emerging AI technology can support stronger coaching and staff development. If you are an early childhood teacher, director, owner, or emerging leader looking to strengthen your team, build meaningful professional connections, and continue growing as a leader, this episode is for you. Learn more at www.childcaredirectorschair.com . Learn more about out guest: Instagram Training U To Succeed™ — Get your sparkle back 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 of the Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast , Erica Saccoccio sits down with Danni Christine , who shares her journey from assistant teacher to home daycare owner to operating four childcare centers in New York. Danni opens up about the leadership lessons that shaped her growth, including why relationships should come before correction, how to build a leadership team you can trust, and why owners have to stop trying to do everything themselves. You’ll also hear how she uses YouTube, SEO, and intentional marketing to reach families, along with the systems she relies on to manage multiple locations and more than 60 team members. In this episode, you’ll learn: How strong leadership supports childcare business growth Why relationships matter before coaching and correcting How to work successfully with family in business Why clear roles and responsibilities are essential How YouTube and SEO can help families find your program How to grow without sacrificing quality Why building leaders is one of the most important parts of expansion If you are a childcare owner, director, aspiring owner, or early childhood leader looking to grow your program and strengthen your team, this conversation is filled with practical leadership lessons you can use right away. Learn more and join the ECE Leadership Trailblazers Membership Group at www.childcaredirectorschair.com . To learn more about our guest: (6) Instagram About Us | ChildCareSites.com (6) Instagram #ChildcareLeadership #ChildcareBusiness #ECELeadership #DaycareOwner #EarlyChildhoodEducation 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 of Child Care Directors Chair, Erica Saccoccio sits down with Shelbra McKnight to unpack one of the biggest challenges in child care ownership: how to stop building yourself a job and start building a true business. Shelbra shares how systems, leadership development, and a CEO mindset can help child care owners step out of the daily fires and create more freedom, profit, and legacy. They talk about the difference between being needed and being effective, why strong systems matter before stepping back from operations, and how to identify leaders who can carry responsibility. Shelbra also shares honest insight on scaling, the hidden costs of multiple locations, and why sometimes one strong center is better than several stretched-thin ones. If you’ve ever felt like your center can’t run without you, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger about your time, your business, and your future. To grab your tickets to the ECE Pep Rally: themcknightmastery.com/homeecepeprally 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 of Childcare Directors Chair, Erica sits down with Julie Amy to explore why great childcare is about much more than getting through the day. Julie shares how her “Best Day Ever” framework helps leaders build sustainable programs rooted in consistency, strong relationships, and intentional systems that support children, educators, and families alike.Together, they dig into why childcare is a vital part of workforce and community infrastructure, how culture is built through daily practices, and what it really takes to create environments where people want to stay and grow. From staff retention to family trust to leadership development, this conversation is packed with practical insight and heartfelt encouragement for childcare leaders who want to create lasting impact. To learn more about Julie visit her website at About Julie Amy - Julie Amy Website 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 Every year, this small group of educators comes back to the mic for a Power Hour conversation about leadership, play, growth, and the evolving journey of the educator. This year, the conversation goes even deeper. Carla Ward, Kate Woodward Young, Jamie Wagler, Sueie Beghin, Laura Shea, Adva Hanan, and Melysa Mei share what happened when they allowed their work in education to grow beyond the classroom. From stages to pages, these women have written books, launched and expanded businesses, stepped away from teaching positions, built new platforms, and created opportunities they once never imagined possible. They talk openly about the risks, the pivots, the lessons, and the moments that pushed them to ask, What else could this become? Their stories are a reminder that being an educator does not have to mean staying in one role, one classroom, or one version of your career. If you’re feeling the pull toward something more—whether that means starting a business, writing the book, sharing your voice, stepping into leadership, or simply exploring what might be next—this Power Hour is filled with inspiration and possibility for your next chapter in education. To learn more about Erica and our guests head on over to IG and give them a follow: Kate Woodward Young Instagram Carla Ward (3) Instagram Jamie Wagler (3) Instagram Susie Beghin (3) Instagram Laura Shea (3) Instagram Adva Hanan (3) Instagram Melysa Mei (3) Instagram Erica Saccoccio (3) Instagram 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 What if the opportunity you’ve been waiting for is one you’re supposed to create? In this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast , Erica sits down with Shemeka Maddox for an energizing conversation about confidence, telling your story, building your brand, and using your voice beyond the four walls of your program. Shemeka shares how she moved from surviving to building legacy, why your experience has value, and why educators need to stop waiting for permission to step into bigger rooms. We also talk social media, creating content, choosing the right platforms, and showing up authentically in a very noisy online world. If you’ve ever wondered, “Who am I to speak, teach, post, or share my story?” this episode is your reminder: your voice matters, your story matters, and someone needs to hear it. Connect with Shemeka Maddox Website: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Flearn.webuildlegacybrands.com%2Fccc-live%3Futm_source%3Dig%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_content%3Dlink_in_bio%26fbclid%3DPAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAaexNmjlRe74L5NkM41fq7sdGE22SeDb4hek3KjQbAzspDBXodmAREpLUkuM7Q_aem_WIM6BdbKuEc5E8Sf1o5nUg&e=AUBydhpktmzmHetZgS7VzJjrE90_3G6sLUkTLVXVfZ2-sYfxJtMFzV9bPe0yKG1mHp0tOJjqDhLR10hOA_FqduP6H-GvHHZtrNY9EOLnqCw3eeolyJlkOdmtZoWXJoBo1-ETJBJxiH-TC0gNrDIP0tU Instagram: @webuildlegacybrands Come Join Us in Atlanta! Erica and the Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast will be at the ECE Pep Rally this September in Atlanta, Georgia! Tickets: themcknightmastery.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAadquQYUSBch7C7F_rlWRA3Bvva0HaufQmqYuwfBgoqgRAUYqliky47Bzm2pqw_aem_4S4MO6I_GakD-edF4qgvzw And listen all the way to the end of the episode for a special discount code available TODAY ONLY when you purchase your ECE Pep Rally ticket! Tell your story. Use your voice. Create the opportunity. 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 What happens when we stop treating play as something only children need? In this engaging and energizing conversation, Erica Saccoccio sits down with Anthony Toombs of the Life is Good Playmaker Project to talk about where early childhood education is right now, where we are headed, and why joy, connection, and play are critical to the future of our field. Anthony shares his journey, the work he is doing with educators across the country, and why creating space, opportunity, and meaningful pathways for more men in early childhood education matters. Together, Erica and Anthony explore what happens when educators reconnect with the parts of themselves that laugh, move, create, take risks, build relationships, and actually enjoy the work again. This conversation is about more than having fun. It is about leadership, belonging, representation, culture, and creating environments where both children and adults can thrive. When educators lose their joy, our programs feel it. When leaders intentionally create space for connection, play, optimism, and authentic relationships, that energy ripples through classrooms, teams, families, and communities. Erica and Anthony also look ahead at what early childhood education can become when we think differently about the people doing the work. How do we attract and retain passionate educators? How do we create stronger pathways for men in ECE? How do we give adults permission to play again? And how can leaders build cultures where joy is not an extra, but part of the way we lead? This episode is a reminder that play isn’t just for kids, joy matters, representation matters, and the future of early childhood education will be shaped by the people willing to bring their whole selves into the work. Learn More About Anthony Toombs Learn more about Anthony Toombs and the work of the Life is Good Playmaker Project at: Website: Playmaker Project: Why Playmakers | Life is Good Instagram: @lifeisgoodplaymakers Follow along for more resources, inspiration, professional learning, and a closer look at the work Anthony and the Playmaker team are doing to bring more joy, optimism, connection, and play into the lives of educators and children. And, as always, if this conversation speaks to you, share the episode with another early childhood professional, subscribe to the Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast, and keep using your voice to help move our field forward. 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 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 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 Child care leaders are often expected to follow rules created by people who may not fully understand what it takes to run a program. In this episode, Erica sits down with Tim Kaminski , child care operator, advocate, and Texas Licensed Child Care Association leader, to talk about what happens when owners, directors, and educators stop sitting on the sidelines and start using their voices to influence the future of the industry. Tim shares how he went from feeling intimidated by advocacy to building real relationships with legislators, agencies, and business leaders—and why those relationships matter when policies directly affect staffing, funding, ratios, pre-K expansion, and the sustainability of private child care programs. Together, Erica and Tim dig into the realities policymakers often miss and why child care must be talked about as workforce infrastructure, not simply a service . They also discuss the power of data, association involvement, and everyday advocacy—and why speaking up does not begin at the state capitol. It begins with understanding your story, knowing your numbers, and being willing to tell decision-makers what is really happening inside your program. If you are a child care owner, director, educator, or association leader who has ever felt like decisions were being made about you without you , this episode is for you. To learn more about TLCCA Texas Licensed Child Care Association - Home 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 How many times have we put our jobs before our health and convinced ourselves that it was simply part of being committed? In this powerful episode, Erica sits down with Dr. Yvette Ledford, author of Teacher by Day: The No-Guilt Guide to Setting Boundaries, for an honest conversation about burnout, boundaries, and the pressure educators and childcare leaders feel to keep pushing even when their bodies are telling them to stop. They discuss why so many professionals feel guilty for resting, how unhealthy workplace expectations become normalized, and what it really means to choose yourself without abandoning the work you love. This episode is a reminder that your job needs your skills, but the people who love you need you healthy, present, and whole. To purchase your copy of Teacher By Day here ORDER BOOK Follow on IG (2) Instagram 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 Being a childcare director can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be one of the hardest leadership roles in early childhood education. In this honest and relatable episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair , I sit down with Jolynn Wendt, one of the most real childcare directors sharing her journey today. Jolynn loves the work she does, but she is also open about the pressure, responsibility, and emotional weight that come with leading a childcare program. We talk about what it is like to step into leadership as a younger director, navigate licensing expectations, support families, manage parent concerns, and still make sure your teaching team knows you have their back. This is not a polished conversation filled with perfect answers. It is a real discussion between two childcare leaders who truly understand the day-to-day challenges directors face. This episode is for every director who has ever felt pulled in every direction, questioned whether they were doing enough, or needed a reminder that they are not alone. To learn more about Jolynn and follow her leadership journey, find her on TikTok at @wendforgrowth . 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 How can music and movement help young children build stronger language and literacy skills? In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair , I sit down with Alyssa Jewell, MLIS, and Melissa McCall to explore how songs, rhythm, movement, and playful classroom experiences can support early literacy development in preschool and Pre-K classrooms. We talk about practical ways educators can use music to strengthen vocabulary, phonological awareness, listening skills, memory, and language development. Alyssa and Melissa also share tips for choosing materials, building literacy-rich routines, and creating engaging learning experiences that help children connect words, sounds, stories, and movement. Melissa also shares more about her newly released song and how educators can intentionally use music as a teaching tool throughout the day. This conversation is filled with simple ideas that childcare directors and teachers can immediately bring back to their classrooms to make literacy learning more joyful, active, and meaningful. 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 What happens when you stop waiting for permission and finally decide to bet on yourself? In today’s episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair , I sit down with Adva Hanan for an honest conversation about believing in your skills, recognizing the value of what you already know, and building opportunities beyond the classroom. We talk about what it feels like to leave the comfort of working for someone else, take the leap into entrepreneurship, and begin creating a business and life that reflect your purpose. This episode is for every educator or leader who knows they are capable of more but is still waiting for the perfect time to begin. You do not need to have every step figured out. Sometimes you simply need enough confidence to take the first one. Book a call with Adva api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/preschoolconsulting #BetOnYourself #ChildCareDirectorsChair #EarlyChildhoodLeadership #EducatorEntrepreneur #WomenInLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #EarlyChildhoodEducation #Entrepreneurship #BelieveInYourself 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 Organizational growth does not begin with a new program, a bigger building, or a longer strategic plan. It begins with developing the people who will help carry the vision forward. In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair , Erica sits down with Niki Da’Jon to discuss the connection between internal confidence, leadership development, and strategic planning. Together, they explore why directors must look beyond the immediate needs of the day and intentionally prepare their teams for the future. This conversation examines how leaders can recognize potential, build confidence, create meaningful growth opportunities, and help educators see themselves as part of the organization’s long-term success. Erica and Niki also discuss why strategic planning should include people development, succession planning, professional goals, and clear pathways for emerging leaders. When you invest in your people, you create stronger teams, reduce dependence on one leader, and build an organization that is prepared to grow. This episode will challenge directors and owners to ask an important question: Are you simply managing the people you have today, or are you intentionally developing the leaders your organization will need tomorrow? 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 What does it truly mean to lead learning in an early childhood program? In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair , Erica sits down with Jessica Karpathios, a forest school practitioner, pedagogical leader, presenter, and the voice behind The Curious Educator Collective, for a meaningful conversation about pedagogical leadership. Together, they explore how early childhood leaders can move beyond managing schedules, paperwork, staffing, and compliance to become more deeply connected to teaching, learning, and educator growth. Jessica shares how curiosity, reflection, intentional questioning, and collaboration can help leaders strengthen their practice and create environments where both educators and children feel empowered to explore, take risks, and grow. This episode also dives into what pedagogical leadership looks like in everyday practice, how leaders can help educators fine-tune their craft, and why meaningful reflection is essential for professional growth. You will hear practical ideas for asking better questions, supporting educators without simply giving them all the answers, and creating a culture where learning is viewed as an ongoing process rather than a checklist. Whether you are a childcare director, owner, administrator, coach, or classroom educator, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about leadership. Pedagogical leadership is not limited to a job title. It is about how we show up, how we remain curious, and how we create the conditions for meaningful learning to take place. 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 Your best teacher may be dependable, respected, and amazing with children, but that does not always mean they are prepared to lead adults. In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair Podcast, Erica breaks down why strong teachers often struggle when they move into supervisory roles. From navigating friendships and difficult conversations to learning how to delegate, give feedback, and make decisions, this episode explores the leadership skills that are often missing after a promotion. If you are a childcare owner or director trying to step away from the day-to-day, this episode will help you understand how to stop simply filling positions and start intentionally building leaders who can help carry your organization forward. Love the show? Give us a follow on our social media (2) Instagram 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.