637 Why Her After-School Program Became the Smartest Move She Made

Send us Fan MailThe quiet advantage in childcare ownership is not scale—it is fit. A director in Atlanta shares how she built a center around real demand, a homey culture, and the kind of trust families feel the moment they walk in. Erica Saccoccio catches up live at the ECE Pep Rally with a six-year childcare professional who bet on herself during COVID, opened a program for 25 children, and then expanded into a second shift when she saw a gap in her community. What starts as a simple Director’s Chair conversation turns into a sharp look at what it actually takes to run a center that works for families, staff, and the owner. You’ll hear how she thinks about serving working parents, why her favorite age group is pre-K, and how a smaller, converted-home center can create the kind of connection families keep coming back for. She also shares how she builds trust with parents, why being active and present matters, and what makes a program feel personal instead of transactional. Erica also digs into the hard realities of ownership: pricing in a market where you’re competing with free care, using security cameras, balancing day-shift and after-school care, and leading a team like they are your own family. If you’re an early childhood owner, director, or aspiring program leader, this episode gives you a grounded look at what happens when purpose meets practical leadership. It is especially valuable if you’re trying to grow without losing the family feel that makes families trust you in the first place.Support the showThe 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.