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This episode is a bold reminder that your growth as an early childhood leader matters. If you’ve been thinking about expanding your childcare center, launching a new program, stepping into leadership beyond the classroom, or increasing your impact in early childhood education, this conversation will challenge you to stop waiting and start moving.

We dive into leadership mindset, personal growth, and what it really takes to act on the vision you keep coming back to. You’ll reflect on what you’ve already accomplished, what you truly want next, and why taking action now can transform both you and your program.

If you’re ready to elevate your leadership, build momentum, and create the future you see for your center, this episode will push you to take that first step.

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🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference

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Your leadership sets the ceiling for your center’s success. In this episode of the Childcare Directors Chair Podcast, we explore how awareness, skills, and intentional choices determine your leadership capacity. Learn how to identify what’s holding you back, expand your abilities, and make small but powerful changes that unlock your full potential as an early childhood leader.

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🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference

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Running a childcare center is no small feat—you’ve built something incredible, but leading it long-term requires more than just keeping things running. In this episode of the Childcare Directors Chair Podcast, we explore why investing in yourself as a leader is just as important as investing in your classrooms. From strengthening your team and improving morale to making strategic decisions and planning for the future, your growth directly shapes the success and sustainability of your center. If you’ve been wondering how to take your leadership to the next level, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration to help you lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference – Learn – Reflect – Collaborate

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🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference

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What happens when a Pre-K teacher decides worksheets just aren’t cutting it anymore?

In this energizing episode of the Childcare Directors Chair Podcast, we sit down with Patrick, founder of Active Alphabet, to talk about how a classroom in Chicago sparked a movement-based literacy revolution.

As a Pre-K teacher, Patrick saw firsthand what so many early childhood educators experience — young children being asked to sit still, trace letters, and complete worksheets that didn’t match their developmental needs. He knew there had to be a better way.

So instead of asking children to sit down and memorize letters, he got them up and moving.

Jumping for J.
Marching for M.
Twisting for T.

Through music, rhythm, and intentional movement, Patrick began teaching the alphabet in a way that honored how young children actually learn — through their bodies.

In this episode, we talk about:

• His journey from Chicago educator to founder of Active Alphabet
• Why worksheets don’t align with how Pre-K children develop
• The brain science behind movement and memory
• How directors can bring active literacy into their centers
• What happens when classrooms shift from passive to powerful learning

This conversation is a reminder that early literacy doesn’t have to mean sitting still — and that innovation often starts with one teacher asking, “What if we did this differently?”

If you’re looking for ways to energize your classrooms, support your teachers, and rethink how letters are introduced, this episode will leave you inspired to get your children moving and grooving their way to literacy success.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEUnsAkUHx

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🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference

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What if classroom observations became a bridge instead of a burden? In this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair, Erica welcomes Meg and Anders from Famly to discuss how thoughtful documentation strengthens relationships between educators and families.

They explore how intuitive technology makes it easy to capture milestones, celebrate progress, and keep everyone connected to a child’s learning journey. Tune in to discover why effective observation systems aren’t just about compliance—they’re about trust, transparency, and transforming early education.

Get a demo | Discover the Top-Rated Childcare Software

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🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference

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The pandemic forced childcare leaders to react fast—but reacting isn’t the same as leading. In this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair, Erica sits down with Joe Pinsonneault to talk about why strategic planning is no longer optional in childcare—it’s survival.

They break down what it really means to pivot in today’s early education landscape, how to move past the pandemic mindset, and why data, accountability, and stakeholder buy-in matter more than ever. Joe shares practical insight on maintaining quality while growing sustainably, diversifying revenue streams, and building a plan that protects your program long-term instead of putting out fires short-term.

This is a must-listen for childcare owners, directors, and leaders ready to stop guessing and start planning with intention.

🎟️ If you’re ready to turn strategy into action, join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference. Get your tickets now before they sell out and put yourself in the room with leaders who are shaping what’s next for childcare. Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference

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🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference

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If your prep time disappears, your lunch is rushed (or skipped), and you’re taking work home again, this episode is for you. Erica is joined by Adva Hanan to talk directly to classroom teachers about the real-time management struggles no one prepares you for.

This honest conversation breaks down practical strategies teachers can actually use—setting boundaries in the classroom, creating focused planning time, managing the never-ending demands of the day, and finding space for self-care without the guilt. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters and protecting your energy so you can show up for your students.

They also share how teachers can continue this learning at the Early Education Empowerment Conference, a space designed to support educators with tools, connection, and strategies that make teaching more sustainable.

🎟️ Get your tickets to the Early Education Empowerment Conference today before they sell out and invest in yourself—because great classrooms start with supported teachers. Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference

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🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference

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Challenging behavior isn’t about defiance, discipline, or “bad kids”—it’s communication. In this episode of the Child Care Director’s Chair, Erica sits down with Yolanda Richey to unpack what educators often get wrong about behavior and why managing behavior isn’t the same as truly guiding it.

Together, they explore how strong relationships, intentional language, and emotionally aware adults can completely shift classroom dynamics. This conversation dives into the role of language development, the classroom environment, adult emotions, and the common mistakes educators make when responding to challenging behaviors. It’s an honest, grounded reminder that real behavior support starts with care, connection, and growth—for adults too.

If this episode makes you rethink behavior, leadership, and how we show up for children, the conversation doesn’t stop here. Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference, where educators and leaders come together to learn, reflect, and level up—together.

🔥 Get your tickets today before they sell out and be part of the movement shaping the future of early education. Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference

Support the show

🎟 Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Join us at the Early Education Empowerment Conference for powerful sessions, real-world strategies, and meaningful connection with leaders from across the country. See the link to grab your tickets and secure your spot today! Purchase Tickets! – Early Childhood Education Empowerment Conference