Grab your coffee (or your third cup of the day—no judgment here) and pull up a seat, because The Childcare Director’s Chair is where fierce, fabulous, and focused childcare leaders come to talk real talk. Hosted by heart-centered leader Erica Saccoccio, this daily Monday-through-Friday podcast drops fresh episodes at 1:00 AM—so it’s ready when you are (whether you're an early riser or listening while prepping your classroom with one hand and sipping caffeine with the other). This show is you ...
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Welcome to the Practical Bizz Podcast! In this podcast, we offer practical advice and tips for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to grow their businesses. Our guests are industry experts who share their insights and experiences on topics such as marketing, sales, finance, leadership, and more. Join us every week as we dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship and provide actionable advice to help you take your business to the next level. Hosted by Erica Saccocio, a small business ...
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363 Lead Like It Matters: Building a School of Excellence from the Inside Out"
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33:33Send us a text 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…
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362 Leading with Purpose: Helping Families Rock Special Ed Transitions
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23:22Send us a text 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 …
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361 Director Bootcamp: What They Didn’t Tell You About Year One
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41:34Send us a text "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…
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360 Take the Trip, Girl: Why You Deserve a Break (and How It Makes You Better at Work)
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28:03Send us a text 🎙️ 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 educati…
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Send us a text 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…
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358 No Hitting, No Biting, No Thank You: Tackling Aggression.
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10:00Send us a text 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 ca…
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357 The Parent-Teacher Dream Team: Let’s Get on the Same Page, People
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12:28Send us a text 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 …
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Bouns Track Behind the Scenes of the Born to Teach Conference with Latrice
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19:26Send us a text 🎙️ 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 al…
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356 Why Kids Act Out: Get to the Root of That Drama
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22:59Send us a text 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 th…
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355 "No Mess, Just Culture: Building a Center That Feels Like Family"
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34:15Send us a text Today on The Childcare Director’s Chair, host Erica Saccoccio welcomes the incredible Chrissandra Mosby, a.k.a. The Culture Queen, for a straight-up powerful conversation about transforming your center’s culture—from the inside out. We’re not sugarcoating it. We’re talking about what to do when: Your staff is burnt out Your center’s …
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354 "Real Talk: Milestones, Maybes & Meltdowns"
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27:11Send us a text In this no-fluff episode of The Childcare Director’s Chair, host Erica Saccoccio teams up with child development pro Dr. Jamie Lewis for a real, raw conversation about one of the trickiest parts of your job: helping parents understand their child’s developmental milestones. From casual check-ins to those tougher “we need to talk” mom…
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353 Climbing Together: What Great Director–Lead Teacher Partnerships Look Like
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10:58Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Directors Chair podcast, Erica discusses the vital partnership between directors and lead teachers in early childhood education. She emphasizes the importance of trust, communication, and shared vision in building a strong team culture. The conversation explores strategies for effective collaboration…
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352 From Vision to Impact: How Innovation is Reshaping the ECE Workforce
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38:30Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Kimberly Krzanowski discusses the transformative changes in early childhood education, focusing on innovative workforce solutions and the importance of building career pathways for educators. She highlights the challenges of staffing and retention, the need for leadership and business skills in early childhood ed…
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351 What Children Teach Us (If We’re Paying Attention)
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11:50Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Director's Chair, the host emphasizes the invaluable lessons that children teach us and how these insights can reshape leadership styles in childcare settings. By observing children, leaders can learn about patience, creativity, and emotional presence, which are essential for effective management and…
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350 Building Brains Through Everyday Moments
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11:06Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Directors Chair podcast, host Erica Saccoccio emphasizes the importance of everyday moments in early childhood education, highlighting how these interactions contribute to brain development. She discusses the critical role of play in learning and the necessity of building strong relationships between…
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349 Support Speaks Louder: Why Showing Up Matters Most
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25:39Send us a text In this episode of the Childcare Directors Chair podcast, Erica reflects on the recent conference and emphasizes the importance of focusing on others in leadership roles within early childhood education. She discusses how prioritizing the well-being of team members can lead to a more supportive and effective work environment. Erica s…
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348 Real Talk for Real Leaders: Owning Your Worth in the Director’s Chair
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19:54Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Director's Chair, host Erica Saccoccio discusses the importance of addressing negative mindsets in childcare leadership, including imposter syndrome and perfectionism. She emphasizes the need for self-compassion, open communication, and celebrating small wins to foster a supportive work environment. …
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347 Think Like a Leader: 3 Mindsets That Change Everything
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18:29Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Directors podcast, the host discusses three essential mindsets that differentiate good leaders from transformative leaders: the resilient mindset, the empowering mindset, and the solution-oriented mindset. The conversation emphasizes the importance of these mindsets in overcoming challenges, fosterin…
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346 Mindset Matters: Why Growth Doesn’t Stop at the Top
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15:17Send us a text In this episode, Erica discusses the importance of cultivating a strong leadership mindset for veteran childcare directors. She emphasizes the need for reflective practices, the significance of a supportive network, and the value of continuous learning. Erica encourages directors to invest in themselves strategically and to model gro…
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Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Director's Chair podcast, host Erica Saccoccio discusses the critical mindset needed for effective leadership in childcare. She emphasizes the importance of sustainability, vision, and emotional regulation in leadership roles. The conversation covers practical strategies for aligning goals with visio…
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Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Directors Chair Podcast, the host discusses the pressing issue of staff disengagement in childcare settings. The conversation delves into the complexities behind this disengagement, including burnout, lack of recognition, and unrealistic expectations. The host then presents high-level strategies to r…
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Send us a text In this episode of the Childcare Directors Chair podcast, Erica discusses the often counterintuitive strategy of downsizing childcare programs. She explores the reasons why consolidating locations can be beneficial, especially in uncertain economic times. The conversation covers the pros and cons of downsizing, including improved ope…
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342 Ratios, Relief, and Reality: Solving the Staffing Struggle
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15:12Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Director's Chair podcast, the host discusses the challenges childcare providers face with staffing and scheduling, particularly when staff call out unexpectedly. The conversation emphasizes the importance of assessing current scheduling systems, effective communication with staff, and implementing ac…
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341 No-Show, No Problem: Creative Fixes for Staffing Gaps
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13:14Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Directors Chair Podcast, host Erica Sacoccio discusses the challenges of managing staff call-outs in childcare settings. She shares personal experiences and insights from a recent conference, emphasizing the importance of maintaining legal staff-to-child ratios and the impact of call-outs on both sta…
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340 Sensory Play, Brain Growth: Unlocking Early Development
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32:12Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Director's Chair podcast, Erica Saccoccio discusses the critical role of sensory activities in supporting brain development for infants and toddlers with experts Lena and Sanja. They explore how sensory play is essential for cognitive, emotional, and physical development, especially in the early year…
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339 Vacation Vibes & Conference Hype: Erica’s Florida Getaway + Exciting Updates!
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4:43Send us a text Join us for a special episode as our host, Erica Saccoccio, takes a well-deserved vacation with her family in sunny Florida! While she's away, we’ve got exciting updates on upcoming shows and sneak peeks of what's to come at our Early Childhood Empowerment Conference. Tune in for all the latest news, fun vacation stories, and a sneak…
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Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Director's Chair Podcast, Erica sits down with Ruth Mealy, a family child care owner and children's author, to discuss the vital role of kindness in early childhood education. They explore how teaching kindness can shape children's development, the importance of empathy, and practical strategies for …
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337 Being the CEO of Your Childcare Business: Impact, Income, and Advocacy with Jerletha McDonald
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25:12Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Director's Chair podcast, host Erica Saccoccio and guest Jerletha McDonald discuss the vital role of women in childcare leadership, the importance of economic mobility, and the need for business development in early childhood education. They emphasize the significance of diversity, networking, and se…
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336 Mentor Magic: Coaching Secrets Every Director Needs
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17:18Send us a text In this episode, Erica Saccoccio and Rashawn Webb discuss the critical roles of coaching and mentoring in childcare leadership. They explore the differences between coaching and mentoring, the importance of building relationships, and the challenges faced by leaders in guiding their teams. Rashawn shares practical steps for childcare…
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335 Money, Programs, & Magic: Transforming Your Child Care Center
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22:37Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Director's Chair podcast, host Erica speaks with Khadijah Lewis-Khan, a leader in early childhood education, about the challenges and strategies in managing a childcare center. They discuss the importance of diversifying funding sources, building quality programs, and engaging with state-funded initi…
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334 Transforming Leadership Through Daily Habits
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10:35Send us a text In this episode of the Childcare Directors Chair podcast, host Erica Saccoccio discusses the importance of upgrading daily routines for childcare directors. She emphasizes that leadership is not just about major decisions but also about the small, intentional habits that can either fuel growth or lead to stagnation. The episode encou…
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333 Mindfulness in Early Childhood Education: A Path to Balance
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24:06Send us a text In this episode, we explore the importance of mindfulness in early childhood education with expert Brenda Limaldi . We discuss the impact of the pandemic on educators, the science behind stress responses, and practical mindfulness techniques that can be integrated into daily routines. Brenda shares insights on creating a mindful clas…
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332 Mindset Mastery for Effective Leadership
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19:19Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Director's Chair podcast, host Erica Saccoccio delves into the critical role of mindset in effective leadership within early childhood education. She emphasizes the importance of cultivating a growth mindset, utilizing positive affirmations, and implementing advanced strategies to enhance leadership …
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331 Embracing Discomfort: A Path to Leadership Growth
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15:12Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Director's Chair podcast, host Erica Saccoccio discusses the importance of embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth in leadership. She shares eight actionable tips for childcare directors to step outside their comfort zones, including naming fears, starting with small wins, reframing failure, fi…
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Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Director's Chair podcast, host Erica Scoccio emphasizes the importance of celebrating small wins in early childhood education. She shares creative and engaging ways to recognize achievements among children and staff, fostering a positive culture within childcare centers. The episode also highlights t…
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329 "Raising the Lid: 3 Key Strategies to Unlock Your Leadership Potential in Early Childhood Programs"
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26:26Send us a text In this episode of The Childcare Director Chair Podcast, we’re diving deep into The Law of the Lid from John Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. If you’re a childcare leader, your leadership capacity directly influences the effectiveness of your program. Today, we’ll focus on three specific strategies you can use to raise yo…
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328 Transforming Monday Blues into Monday Joy
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12:07Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Directors Chair Podcast, host Erica Scoccio discusses the common phenomenon of 'Monday blues' among childcare staff and offers practical strategies to transform the start of the week into a more positive experience. By focusing on planning, self-care, team engagement, and celebrating small wins, chil…
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327 Empowering Early Childhood Educators: The Conference You Can't Miss
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22:54Send us a text In this episode, Erica Saccoccio and Noelle D'intino discuss the upcoming Early Childhood Empowerment Conference, sharing insights about their backgrounds, the vision for the conference, and the importance of collaboration and community in early childhood education. They highlight the diverse topics and speakers that will be featured…
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Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Director's Chair podcast, Erica Sokosho discusses the concept of leading with intention in childcare leadership. She emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with purpose, building trust within teams, and finding like-minded individuals who share the same mission and values. The conversation exp…
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325 Start with Why the Golden Circle in Early Childhood Leadership
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17:01Send us a text Support the show 🔗 Stay Connected & Grow With Us! 🎉 Love what you’re hearing on The Childcare Director’s Chair? Here’s how to join our amazing community of passionate, growth-minded childcare leaders: 📱 Follow us on Instagram for tips, behind-the-scenes, and director motivation: 👉 @ccdcpodcast 🎤 Want to be a guest on the show? We’re …
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324 The 5 Levels of Leadership: A Guide for Early Childhood Leaders
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16:06Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Director's Chair podcast, host Erica Secoccio explores the five levels of leadership as outlined by John Maxwell. She discusses how these levels apply to childcare leadership, emphasizing the importance of evolving from leading by title to leading by legacy. The conversation provides actionable insig…
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323 Creating Harmony: 8 Simple Tips for Better Interactions with Kids and Families
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13:36Send us a text In this episode, Erica discusses the importance of creating a warm and supportive environment in childcare settings. She emphasizes the significance of positive interactions not only with children but also with parents and coworkers. Erica shares eight practical tips to strengthen these relationships, including active listening, empa…
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322 Building Confidence and Striving for Excellence: Empowering Children to Stand Out with Scott Jablonski
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34:01Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with award-winning author, teacher, and songwriter, Scott Jablonski, to discuss his powerful children's book *STAND OUT! STAND OUT!* and how educators and childcare directors can play a pivotal role in nurturing self-esteem and inspiring children to strive for excellence. Scott's book provides a creative …
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321 Reflective Supervision: A Powerful Tool for Growth and Effective Leadership
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15:45Send us a text Reflective supervision is an intentional and structured practice designed to support professional growth, foster self-awareness, and enhance leadership capabilities. By engaging in reflective practice, leaders and educators in early childhood settings can improve their ability to handle challenges, develop emotionally intelligent lea…
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320 Empowering Educators: The Role of Coaching and Mentoring in Scaffolding Teaching and Learning
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17:40Send us a text Coaching and mentoring are essential tools for supporting early childhood educators and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. By fostering a supportive and reflective environment, leaders can help educators continuously grow, implement best practices, and provide optimal learning experiences for children. In this session, w…
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319 Becoming a More Professional Childcare Leader: Key Strategies for Success
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11:41Send us a text In this episode, we explore key strategies that childcare leaders can use to become more professional, build trust, and create a positive work environment. Whether you’re already in a leadership role or aspiring to be one, these actionable tips will help you communicate effectively, make thoughtful decisions, and lead with integrity.…
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318 Developing Personal and Professional Self-Awareness: A Leadership Essential for Growth
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11:42Send us a text In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most vital competencies for leadership success—developing personal and professional self-awareness. Leaders who are aware of their own strengths, blind spots, and emotional triggers can build stronger relationships, make better decisions, and inspire their teams to succeed. Join us as we …
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317 Building a Positive Organizational Climate: A Key Competency in Administrative Leadership
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27:27Send us a text In today’s dynamic workplace, effective administrative leadership goes beyond managing tasks; it involves fostering a positive organizational climate that enhances collaboration, productivity, and employee well-being. This competency area emphasizes the essential skills and strategies needed to build an environment where employees fe…
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316 "Empowering Educators: 10 Key Strategies to Enhance Positive Interactions with Children"
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27:42Send us a text This conversation explores the transformative power of intentional interactions in early childhood education. The host, Erica Saccoccio, shares actionable tips for childcare directors and educators to enhance their communication and engagement with children. Key themes include leading by example, providing professional development, e…
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315 Resilience Redefined: Navigating the Unknown and Owning Your Path in Early Childhood Leadership
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32:00Send us a text In this episode of the Child Care Directors Chair Podcast, host Erica celebrates International Women's Day and welcomes Annette Eberhart, an advocate for early childhood education. They discuss the importance of embracing change in one's career, building confidence, and the value of mentorship in the field. Annette shares her journey…
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