NAFCC Quality Ambassador Training

Time: 8:00am – 5:00pm

Join a dynamic network of professional leaders committed to advancing the power of family child care! The Quality Ambassador Training is an immersive two-day workshop designed to equip participants with the skills, tools, and knowledge necessary to support family child care (FCC) educators on their journey toward NAFCC Accreditation.
This training is ideal for professionals with experience in home-based early learning settings who are passionate about quality improvement, coaching, and professional development. As a Certified NAFCC Accreditation Trainer, you will gain the expertise to guide FCC educators through the accreditation process, helping them navigate self-study, implement quality standards, and achieve national recognition for their commitment to excellence.

Facilitators: Pending

NAFCC Accreditation Observer Training

Time: 8:00am – 5:00pm

Join the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) in a comprehensive two-day Accreditation Observer Training designed for professionals committed to supporting family child care educators on their journey to accreditation. Observers play a critical role in ensuring that high-quality practices are recognized and validated through the accreditation process.

This interactive training provides participants with an in-depth understanding of the NAFCC Observation process, including key procedures, documentation techniques, and professional responsibilities. Through engaging discussions, case studies, and hands-on exercises, participants will develop the skills needed to conduct fair, objective, and reliable accreditation observations.

Facilitators: Pending

Power in Action: Owning Your Voice and Driving Advocacy at the Federal and Local stage/ Part 1 of 2

Time: 8:00-12:00pm

Description:Come learn to be the change you wish to see and join us for a dynamic two-part Advocacy and Policy session designed specifically for family child care educators ready to make an impact. This empowering experience will equip you with the tools to move from intention to action—arming you with the knowledge to navigate federal and state systems, influence decision-makers, and create sustainable change.

Together, we’ll explore what’s at stake at the federal level, unpack how to build effective local and statewide advocacy strategies, and strengthen your ability to organize and mobilize your community. You’ll also learn how to engage policymakers, leverage legislative processes, and advance equity-driven outcomes—especially in home-based child care settings. Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned leader, this session will help you turn your voice into a powerful force for child care justice.

Facilitator: Ronald Jarrett – NAFCC Director of Policy, Erica Gallegos – CC4EFN, Desiree Leclair and Ene Afufu – SEIU ESF, Leticia Mederos, Actum LLC

AI Demystified: How FCC Providers and Support Organizations Can Leverage AI

Time: 8:00-12:00pm

Level: Intermediate

Description: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, and family child care (FCC) is no exception. This session will break down AI in simple, accessible terms and explore how both FCC providers and the organizations that support them can harness AI to improve efficiency, streamline administrative work, and enhance provider resources.

Attendees will gain practical insights into how AI can assist with daily operations, communication, and professional development. The session will also emphasize building confidence in using AI as a tool, encouraging creative experimentation, and recognizing potential risks such as AI hallucinations and data privacy concerns.

By the end of this session, participants—whether FCC providers or those in supporting roles—will leave with a clear understanding of how AI can be leveraged in their work and will be able to identify at least one actionable way to start using AI effectively.

Program is designed for attendees comfortable with using email and web browsing. Participants are encouraged to bring laptops with WiFi access. WiFi enabled tablets are ok and smartphones can be used if need be, though the presenter can’t guarantee how well each tool discussed will work on a smartphone.

Facilitator: Bill Hudson, Executive Director Project Director, ASPIRE PreK Program Family Child Care Alliance of Maryland

Diversifying Revenue in Times of Scarcity

Time: 8:00am-10:00am

Level: Intermediate

Description: The most successful businesses don’t just slash expenses, they strategically invest in growth opportunities even during lean times. By carefully analyzing your financial situation and making data-driven decisions, you can navigate financial challenges and position your business for long-term success. Learn practical tips for cutting costs while also building revenue.

Facilitator: Marleen Tobi, Civitas Strategies, LLC, Senior Associate, Content

Advanced Tax Mitigation Strategies

Time: 10:00am-12:00pm

Level: Advanced

Description: Are you maximizing your opportunities for tax savings? Learn more ways to decrease your tax bill. This workshop takes your tax knowledge to the next level, focusing on advanced strategies specifically designed for child care business owners.

Facilitator: Jennifer Vail, Civitas Strategies, LLC, Director of Professional Learning

Ignite Leadership Track

Time: 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Cost: $125 per participant

Schedule:
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm Networking Lunch (Speaker: TBA)
1:15 pm – 2:45 pm Breakout Session 1
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Breakout Session 2

Description: The Ignite Leadership Track is open to all leaders in the NAFCC community. Join us for an engaging day of learning, networking, and celebration. Participants will gain practical tools for leading in their communities through an equity lens.

Note: Lunch is included in the registration cost, even if you choose not to attend the networking lunch.

Facilitator: Dr. Ellaine B. Miller, NAFCC Board President

Breakout Session 1
1:15pm-2:45pm

Title: The Leadership Journey and Board Builders: Transforming a Vision into Creating a Meaningful Impact

Description: Have you ever asked yourself: Am I fit for this group? Am I truly making a difference? Do my efforts really matter? Can I lead effectively when I’m uncertain? Many passionate family child care professionals wrestle with these questions. The fear of inadequacy, the worry of not meeting expectations, and the uncertainty of leadership can be paralyzing.

Embrace your potential, and lead with purpose!

This transformative session will empower every participant to recognize that leadership is not a fixed trait, but a skill set anyone can develop. Designed for aspiring and current board members in family child care, early care, and education, the session dismantles traditional leadership barriers by demonstrating that impactful leadership is accessible to all. By confronting harsh realities such as unclear vision, misaligned goals, and burnout, the session provides a strategic roadmap to building high-functioning, dynamic leadership boards that amplify mission, create sustainable change and distribute leadership responsibilities. Participants will receive practical tools and learn key strategies for identifying leadership gaps, developing clear communication protocols, and building a culture of mutual accountability that transforms individual and collective potential into meaningful, lasting impact.

Facilitator: Francia Wisnewski, M.Ed., NAFCC Director of Membership and Community Engagement
Co-Facilitator: TBD

Breakout Session 1
1:15pm-2:45pm

Title: Let The Numbers Tell the Story: Using Data to Communicate FCC Needs

Description: Whether for grant writing, strategic planning, advocacy work, or marketing, numerical data often convey messages more effectively than words. Collecting information from family child care business owners is essential for articulating their needs, challenges, and accomplishments to stakeholders. This session will present national FCC data, demonstrate how to employ this data to narrate the story, and identify the types of data crucial for making compelling appeals.

Facilitator: Patricia Dischler & Donna Fowler, Family Child Care Experts LLC

Breakout Session 1
1:15pm-2:45pm
Title: Power in Action: Owning Your Voice and Driving Advocacy at the Federal and Local stage | Part 2 (Part I is from 8a-12p session)This session will offer simultaneously interpretation

This session will offer simultaneously interpretation.

Description: Come learn to be the change you wish to see and join us for a dynamic two-part Advocacy and Policy session designed specifically for family child care educators ready to make an impact. This empowering experience will equip you with the tools to move from intention to action—arming you with the knowledge to navigate federal and state systems, influence decision-makers, and create sustainable change.

Together, we’ll explore what’s at stake at the federal level, unpack how to build effective local and statewide advocacy strategies, and strengthen your ability to organize and mobilize your community. You’ll also learn how to engage policymakers, leverage legislative processes, and advance equity-driven outcomes—especially in home-based child care settings. Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned leader, this session will help you turn your voice into a powerful force for child care justice.

Facilitators: Ronald Jarrett – NAFCC Director of Policy, Erica Gallegos – CC4EFN, Desiree Leclair and Ene Afufu – SEIU ESF, Leticia Mederos, Actum LLC

Breakout Session 2
3:00pm-4:30pm

Title: Association Advantage
Description: Family child care educators frequently find themselves working extended hours in insolation. Establishing a support group for idea-sharing and collaborative problem-solving can bring a sense of connectedness and belonging. If you’ve ever wondered about how to start or revitalize a family child care association at the local level, this session is for you. We will delve into the tangible benefits of forming an association, guide you on the initial steps to kickstart the process, and provide insights into navigating the inaugural year of its existence.
Facilitator: Dr. Ellaine B. Miller, NAFCC Board President

Breakout Session 2
3:00pm-4:30pm (Spanish, no interpretación)

Título: La Jornada del Liderazgo y Participación en Juntas Directivas: Transformando una Visión hacia un Impacto Significativo

¿Alguna vez te has preguntado: ¿Encajo en este grupo? ¿Realmente estoy haciendo una diferencia? ¿Mis esfuerzos tienen verdadero impacto? ¿Puedo liderar de manera efectiva cuando no estoy seguro/a? Muchas/os profesionales apasionados por el cuidado infantil familiar enfrentan estas preguntas. El miedo a no ser suficiente, la preocupación por no cumplir las expectativas y la incertidumbre sobre el liderazgo pueden ser paralizantes.

¡Abraza tu potencial y lidera con propósito!

Esta sesión transformadora empoderará a cada participante para reconocer que el liderazgo no es un rasgo fijo, sino un conjunto de habilidades que cualquiera puede desarrollar. Diseñada para miembros actuales y aspirantes a formar parte de juntas directivas y de liderazgo en el ámbito del cuidado infantil familiar, la educación y el cuidado temprano, la sesión derriba las barreras tradicionales del liderazgo, al demostrar que un liderazgo impactante está al alcance de todas las personas.

Al entender las realidades que generan conflicto personal y en grupo como la falta de una visión clara, metas desalineadas y el agotamiento, esta sesión ofrecerá un plan estratégico para construir juntas de liderazgo dinámicas y de alto rendimiento que amplifiquen la misión, generen cambios sostenibles y distribuyan las responsabilidades de liderazgo. Los participantes recibirán herramientas prácticas y aprenderán estrategias clave para identificar brechas de liderazgo, desarrollar protocolos de comunicación claros y fomentar una cultura de responsabilidad mutua que transforme el potencial individual y colectivo en un impacto significativo y duradero.

Facilitadora: Francia Wisnewski, M.Ed., NAFCC Directora de Membresía y Participación Comunitaria
Co-Facilitadora: TBD

Breakout Session 2
3:00pm-4:30pm
Title: Fundraising, Community Partnerships, and Storytelling Fundamentals for Family Child Care Associations and Networks

Description: This powerful pre-conference session is designed for family child care association and network leaders who are ready to strengthen their impact through fundraising, community partnerships, and the art of storytelling.

Jerletha McDonald, National Family Child Care Leader and Leaders Shaping Leaders Facilitator, will guide participants through real-life, innovative strategies that move beyond traditional fundraising. This session features a compelling case study featuring Vantoinette Savage, a NAFCC Leaders Shaping Leaders Fellow and respected association leader.

Together, they will share insights on how storytelling can elevate your message, how to cultivate and maintain strong partnerships, and how to identify funding opportunities that align with your mission.

You’ll walk away with:

• Innovative, real-life fundraising strategies
• Storytelling techniques to engage funders and your community
• Practical tools for building and sustaining partnerships
• Grant writing basics and resources
• A clear action plan to move your fundraising efforts forward

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain tools, inspiration, and actionable steps that will strengthen your organization’s impact!

Facilitators: Jerletha McDonald, National FCC Consultant, ADFW NAFCC Affiliate, and Vantoinette Savage, Family Child Care Center Enrichment Foundation NAFCC Affiliate