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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.