646 What Educators Need From Their Directors

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What makes an educator feel truly supported by their director?

In this episode of The Child Care Director’s Chair, Erica Saccoccio sits down with Reva Deonarine, a teacher assistant at Southfield Children’s Center, for a candid conversation about leadership from the educator’s side of the classroom.

Reva shares why compassion, flexibility, trust, and transparency matter, and what it meant to have a director stand beside her during a difficult family interaction. She also talks about the power of small leadership moments: listening when a teacher needs a break, recognizing someone’s strengths, planning together, and simply saying, “I’m proud of you.”

The conversation also explores play-based learning, giving children meaningful responsibilities, and understanding the emotional realities educators carry into the classroom each day.

For directors, this episode is an important reminder that strong programs are built when educators feel seen, trusted, supported, and valued.

If you lead educators, ask yourself: Do the people on my team know I have their back?

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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.