The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) is proud to announce a new partnership with TOOTRiS, the nation’s largest child care platform, aimed at lifting up and supporting Family Child Care (FCC) educators across the country. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to strengthening the early childhood education system by recognizing and investing in the essential role of home-based child care providers.

Through this partnership, NAFCC and TOOTRiS will work together to increase visibility, access, and support for Family Child Care professionals, ensuring families can more easily connect with high-quality, nurturing care in home-based settings. The collaboration also seeks to elevate the voices of FCC educators and highlight their critical contributions to the child care workforce and to the healthy development of young children.

““This partnership shines a powerful spotlight on Family Child Care educators and elevates the essential role they play in delivering high-quality child care to families,” said Erica Phillips, Executive Director of the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). “We are extremely grateful for the TOOTRiS partnership and the recognition of Family Child Care as a vital part of the early child care system. Their commitment comes at a critical time, as our nation works to support the workforce and ensure families have access to the nurturing, home-based environments where children thrive.”

“Partnerships like this are powerful catalysts for strengthening Family Child Care across the nation,” said Zakenya Neely, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Market Solutions at NAFCC. “When we bring together innovative technology and the deep-rooted expertise of home-based educators, we elevate Family Child Care as a cornerstone of our economic workforce and a vital support for children and families. Our collaboration with TOOTRiS will help Family Child Care educators increase their enrollment, sustain and grow their businesses, and gain the visibility they deserve. We are excited to partner with TOOTRiS to ensure Family Child Care educators are recognized, supported, and positioned to thrive.”

“NAFCC has long been the national voice for Family Child Care and the providers who make an extraordinary impact in their communities,” said Alessandra Lezama, CEO of TOOTRiS. “By pairing their leadership with our real-time technology and employer connections, we can help thousands of home-based programs reach more families, fill more seats, and grow sustainably.”

Family Child Care providers serve millions of children nationwide, offering flexible, culturally responsive, and relationship-based care that meets the diverse needs of families. Despite their importance, FCC educators are often underrecognized and underresourced. This partnership aims to change that by amplifying awareness, expanding access to tools and resources, and reinforcing FCC as a cornerstone of a strong and equitable child care system.

NAFCC, the only national organization dedicated exclusively to representing Family Child Care, has spent decades advocating for policies, standards, and supports that empower FCC educators. By partnering with TOOTRiS, NAFCC continues its mission to advance high-quality Family Child Care and ensure providers have a seat at the table in national conversations about child care and workforce development.

Together, NAFCC and TOOTRiS are committed to driving meaningful impact for providers, families, and communities—today and for the future of early care and education.

As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a year marked by hard truths and hopeful progress. While progress at the federal level has been limited, with funding delays and a prolonged government shutdown, states have taken the lead. Across the country, bold action and policy victories at the state level remind us that change is possible when educators, families, and advocates organize together. These local wins offer valuable lessons and a clear path forward for building a stronger and more equitable child care system.

This year, family child care (FCC) educators had a seat at the table—meeting with congressional staffers, joining Hill visits, and mobilizing for A Day Without Child Care. Their voices shaped national conversations and strengthened the call for bold, sustained investment in the early care and education system.

Big Wins in State Policy

New Mexico
On November 1, New Mexico became the first state in the nation to guarantee universal child care for all residents, regardless of income. Families stand to save up to $12,000 annually in child care costs and committed to a mixed delivery system that includes family child care educators, family, friend, and neighbor caregivers, and other community-based programs.

NAFCC State Representative Olga Grays played a powerful role in the movement for change. A family child care educator in Albuquerque, Olga helped fight for more than a decade to make this possible. You can read more about her advocacy and impact in our recent blog: In Their Own Words: Olga Grays, New Mexico.

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Connecticut

Approved the creation of an Early Childhood Endowment to expand the state-funded Early Start program. The endowment is projected to grow to over $1 billion within 3–5 years, supporting educator wage increases, a health care subsidy, 20,000 new infant/toddler and Pre-K spaces, eliminating copays for families under $100,000, and capping costs at 7 percent for families with higher incomes.

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Texas

Finalized a state budget that includes $100 million in unexpended TANF funds to support child-care scholarships administered by the Texas Workforce Commission—helping reduce waitlists for families across the state.

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Massachusetts

In 2025, the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care increased reimbursement rates for child care providers who accept state Child Care Financial Assistance. This increase strengthens financial stability for family child care educators and expands access for families statewide.

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Accross the Nation

States are creating dedicated trust funds for early care and education, recurring stable, long-term funding beyond yearly budgets. The Alliance for Early Success reports progress on early-childhood policies in all 50 states, including wage raises, expanded eligibility, and new funding sources for family child care and early learning.

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Family Child Care Wins

California – Home-Based FCC Providers’ Contract

Home-based providers in California, through the union Child Care Providers United (CCPU), ratified a 2025–2028 contract that secures stabilization pay, cost-of-living adjustments, health care coverage, and retirement benefits for family child care educators.

Read Statement

Michigan

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) awarded $2.6M to support the creation of Family Child Care Network Hubs across the state. These hubs will provide technical assistance, business support, and professional development tailored specifically to family child care educators.

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Continued Momentum for Early Care & Education

Child care continues to be a winning issue. Voters in multiple communities approved new funding mechanisms for early care in 2025, showing that investment in child care resonates at the local level.
(Children’s Funding Project)

A national review of state legislative sessions found that 47 states had an opportunity to pass budgets last year, and many included meaningful supports for child care and early learning despite the absence of new federal relief.
(Child Care Aware of America)

New York City elected a mayor who ran on a platform of universal childcare. Connecticut, New Mexico, Texas, and Virginia have made bold investments that demonstrate what’s possible when early educators, families, and advocates collaborate to build power at the state level.

These victories send a clear message to Congress: families are demanding action, and the time for federal investment is now.

NAFCC Engages Educators at CDA Early Education Learning Conference in Orlando

The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) had a strong presence at the CDA Council for Professional Recognition Early Education Learning Conference in Orlando, Florida, connecting with educators, sharing resources, and celebrating family child care leadership. Erica Phillips, NAFCC Executive Director, joined a panel with Dr. Angela Perla-Almodovar (CEO, Early Childhood Initiative of America), Andrea Maldonado (NAFCC Director of Quality Assessment and Recognition), Dezire’e Mattocks (NAFCC Director of Professional Development), and Francia Wisnewski (NAFCC Director of Membership) to present on how accreditation and professional credentials strengthen quality and elevate the family child care sector. The panel emphasized the importance of investing in standards, professional development, and recognition of excellence to ensure every child in a home-based setting receives high-quality early learning experiences.

Throughout the conference, NAFCC team members connected with attendees at the vendor booth, sharing information about membership benefits, accreditation, professional development opportunities, and resources to support family child care providers. The team enjoyed answering questions, sharing insights, and celebrating the essential role of family child care educators in communities nationwide. The conference concluded with a special dinner reception, bringing together NAFCC members and early childhood professionals for an evening of networking, conversation, and celebration, highlighting the community, collaboration, and shared commitment that make the family child care field so impactful.

Connecticut Family Child Care Advocates Meet with Senator Murphy’s Office

Maria Amado, NAFCC State Representative for Connecticut, met with Mike Fallon, Outreach Director, and Erin McBride, Outreach Assistant, from Senator Chris Murphy’s district office to discuss the pressing issues affecting family child care. Joining her was NAFCC Director of Membership, Francia Wisnewski, along with a group of dedicated educators who shared firsthand experiences and offered clear insights into the policy changes needed to sustain and strengthen home-based care in Connecticut.

The conversation highlighted the power of educator-driven advocacy and underscored the importance of showing up—both locally and nationally—to make a difference.

Family Child Care Leaders Host First NAFCC State Representatives Retreat in Washington, D.C.

Family child care leaders Tiffany Taylor (NAFCC Membership Council Delegate & New York State Representative), Vantoinette Savage (NAFCC Affiliate Council Delegate & North Carolina State Representative), and Cynthia Davis (NAFCC State Representative, Washington, D.C.) hosted the first-ever NAFCC State Representatives Retreat in Washington, D.C.

The retreat brought together passionate leaders from across the country to connect, collaborate, and strengthen their collective voice in support of family child care. We extend special thanks to our sponsors—Alliance For Early Success, National Women’s Law Center, First Five Years Fund, Community Change, and NAFCC—for making this event possible.

Together, we are building stronger connections and advancing leadership across the family child care community.

Elevating Family Child Care: NAFCC Partners with All Our Kin in NYC

Andrea Maldonado, NAFCC’s Director of Quality Assessment and Recognition, attended the All Our Kin Accreditation Resource Fair in the Bronx, celebrating the launch of Accreditation Plus—an initiative designed to support family child care educators in achieving NAFCC Accreditation, the Gold Standard of quality and excellence.

Building on All Our Kin’s Thriving Providers Project, which strengthens the economic well-being of educators through direct cash assistance and community support, this partnership highlights the resources and collaborations that help family child care providers thrive. As the project concludes in 2025, NAFCC and local partners are shining a spotlight on the shared efforts that empower educators and elevate the profession.

We’re proud to collaborate on this important work to strengthen quality, empower educators, and celebrate family child care leadership nationwide.

NAFCC Was in the Building at the NARA Conference!

NAFCC had a great time connecting with leaders, advocates, and educators at the NARA Conference in Norfolk, VA. Dezireé Mattocks, Ed.S., Director of Professional Development, proudly represented NAFCC and shared our mission to uplift and empower Family Child Care educators nationwide.

Attendees stopped by the NAFCC booth on Monday, September 15, to spin the wheel and win exciting prizes. The excitement continued on Tuesday, September 16, with a Grand Prize Raffle—congratulations to Noelia, winner of one free 2026 NAFCC National Conference ticket and three hotel nights in Chicago.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to connect, learn more about NAFCC, or simply say hello. Your energy and support made this event unforgettable.

NAFCC Amplifies Family Child Care Voices at Reimagining Child Care Network Convening

NAFCC participated in the Reimagining Child Care Network convening in Raleigh, North Carolina. Interim Director of Policy and Movement Building, Eboni Delaney, and Director of Development, Lolita Jerido, joined family child care advocate Corrine Hendrickson to highlight NAFCC’s work in shifting the national narrative around family child care.

The team also connected with leaders across North Carolina, including Senator Jay Chaudhuri and NAFCC State Representative Vantoinette Savage, strengthening partnerships to ensure that the power and value of family child care are recognized, heard, and celebrated.

NAFCC State Representatives on the Move!

NAFCC State Representatives Lenise Parker, Sharon Jackson, Arleen Lambert, and Vantoinette Savage are attended the Child Care For Every Family Network Grassroots Assembly in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

They connected with fellow advocates and leaders from across the nation to advance equitable, high-quality child care for all families and to ensure Family Child Care voices are at the table in shaping solutions that work for children, educators, and communities.

NAFCC Highlights Family Child Care Excellence in Orlando

NAFCC Interim Director of Policy & Movement Building, Eboni Delaney, recently visited Overcomer Kids 3E in Orlando, Florida, led by family child care educators Christina and Quiara Brown. Christina and Quiara were featured in the regional Emmy-nominated We Are Family Child Care documentary, where their powerful story brought national attention to the essential role of family child care.

During the visit, the warmth of their environment, the intentionality of their practice, and the joy of the children they serve were clear reminders of why family child care is vital to families and communities. Moments like these underscore the importance of elevating the voices and leadership of FCC educators nationwide.

NAFCC at the National Black Child Development Institute Conference

Eboni Delaney, NAFCC Interim Director of Policy & Movement Building, attended the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) National Conference to engage with leaders and professionals in early childhood education.

Her participation highlighted NAFCC’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and supporting family child care educators across diverse communities, while fostering connections and sharing best practices to strengthen the field.

During the conference, Eboni, along with Dr. Joan Lombardi, also uplifted the NAFCC Global Learning Convening, reflecting on its role in advancing knowledge and collaboration in early childhood care.

NAFCC Participates in Care Can’t Wait Coalition Retreat

Eboni Delaney, Interim Director of Policy and Movement Building, and Yesy Robles-Brown, Chief of Staff, are attending the Care Can’t Wait Coalition Retreat this week in Washington, D.C.

The retreat brings together national partners dedicated to advancing care policies that support families, caregivers, and early educators. Participants are reviewing shared successes, discussing ongoing challenges, and identifying priorities to strengthen collective advocacy efforts in the year ahead.

NAFCC remains committed to ensuring that family child care educators are represented in every national care conversation. Through partnerships like Care Can’t Wait, we continue to elevate their voices, center their experiences, and advance a more equitable care infrastructure for all.

NAFCC at the Urban League 2025 Empowerment & Policy Conference

Mischell Davis, NAFCC Leaders Shaping Leaders (LSL) Policy Program Regional Manager for Louisiana, attended the Urban League 2025 Empowerment & Policy Conference, themed “Unite”, connecting with leaders supporting family child care and early childhood leadership. She wrapped up the day at a Mixer hosted by the Early Childhood Leaders of Color Collaborative, alongside LSL LA participant Cierra Amar and team members Emelyn Acosta and Yanina Puerto, reconnecting with long-time friends from NOLAPS, LA Children’s Museum, and the Parent Leadership Collaborative.

NAFCC Engages with the Global HBCC Coalition at the United Nations

Erica Phillips, NAFCC Executive Director, attended a lunch with the Global Home-Based Child Care (HBCC) Coalition in New York City during the United Nations meeting.

The gathering provided an opportunity to connect with international leaders, share insights, and advance the visibility and impact of family child care worldwide. NAFCC’s participation underscores its commitment to elevating home-based child care and fostering global collaboration in early childhood education.

NAFCC Visits Precious Moments Childcare in Maryland

Eboni Delaney, Interim Director of Policy and Movement Building at NAFCC, recently visited Precious Moments Childcare in Rockville, Maryland, owned and operated by NAFCC Maryland State Representative Tiffany Jones.

Joined by family child care educator and former Policy Fellow Kenia Reinoso, the visit provided an opportunity to connect with educators and hear firsthand about their experiences providing care during challenging times. The conversation highlighted the strength, collaboration, and community that continue to define family child care nationwide.

LSL Louisiana at the Louisiana Department of Education Early Childhood Conference

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) hosted its annual **Early Childhood Conference – Early Foundations, Endless Possibilities! ** bringing together child care providers, teachers, and administrators from across the state for a weekend of learning, collaboration, and professional growth.

Mischell Davis, NAFCC Leaders Shaping Leaders (LSL) Policy Program Regional Manager for Louisiana, attended the conference, engaging with early childhood professionals and sharing resources to strengthen quality and leadership in family child care. The event offered valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, celebrate progress, and inspire continued commitment to ensuring that every child in Louisiana has access to high-quality early learning experiences.

By Eboni Delaney, Interim Director of Policy and Movement Building, NAFCC 

“I have no regrets. This journey has been full of laughter, joy, and upside-down wonders.”

For Carolyn Collins, a veteran early childhood educator in St. Paul, Minnesota, family child care began as a temporary solution, but it grew into a lifelong calling. What started in 1983 as a plan to stay home with her youngest child quickly evolved into a powerful and enduring career.

“I couldn’t leave my child in a care setting where I wasn’t sure she’d be loved and safe,” Carolyn recalls. “So, I thought, what if I started my own?” Driven by both love and necessity, Carolyn opened her own child care program. Decades later, she’s still running it and still impacting lives.

From the beginning, Carolyn’s approach emphasized empathy and connection. Having witnessed poor care experiences for her older children, she vowed to create something better for her daughter and for the many children whose parents shared her worries. “I knew other families were nervous about their children’s safety and well-being. I wanted to give them peace of mind.”

Carolyn’s program quickly became more than a business. It became a community. Over the years, she’s welcomed infants, guided preschoolers, supported families through milestones, and celebrated her former students’ achievements as they grew into thriving high school graduates.

But Carolyn’s journey did not stop with providing care. In 2004, she connected with the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center and met a child care coordinator who introduced her to the CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential and NAFCC accreditation. That moment transformed her path.

“I loved the idea of elevating myself in the field,” Carolyn recalls. She pursued both credentials with determination and was later featured on the cover of a NAFCC pamphlet by Resources for Caring, now known as Think Small. Over time, she became a CDA advisor and proudly maintained NAFCC accreditation for more than 20 years, setting a standard of excellence for herself and inspiring others to follow.

Still, Carolyn was not finished. Although she had built a career full of impact, she felt a deeper desire for recognition, not just from others but within herself. “I realized I had come far,” she shares, “but not far enough to truly receive the respect of my position.”

She made a bold decision to earn her college degree in Early Childhood Education Studies. With the support of the TEACH program, she enrolled at Metro State University while balancing full-time child care, coursework, and her responsibilities as a foster parent.

“It was not easy. I studied at night, went to school on weekends, and spent hours in the study labs. But I would not stop until I earned that degree.” Carolyn’s dedication paid off. After completing her internship and final review, she walked across the graduation stage feeling, in her words, “nervous, excited, and overjoyed.”

Carolyn’s story reflects a journey that many family child care educators are navigating today: pursuing higher education while running their businesses, raising families, and meeting licensing and accreditation requirements. This aligns with a core NAFCC policy goal: removing barriers to higher education, especially for educators who are working full time or returning to school later in life.

Carolyn’s determination to turn years of lived experience into a formal degree is more than inspiring. It represents a workforce that deserves real investment, recognition, and support. Her graduation was not only a personal milestone, it transformed her practice. Carolyn redesigned her program from top to bottom, improving her environment, supplies, and curriculum. Today she proudly holds a 4-Star Parent Aware Rating and continues to refine her work with a strong focus on early learning.
“National Accreditation was the anchor behind my achievements,” she says. “It helped me build the foundation that made all of this possible.”

Carolyn now stands as a shining example of what it means to lead with purpose, grow with intention, and never stop believing in your own potential. Her story is a reminder that family child care is not a fallback. It is a profession, a passion, and a powerful force in the lives of children and families.

We were thrilled to feature our amazing Leaders Shaping Leaders at the National Parent Leadership Institute (NPLI) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the Welcome Reception! Mischell Davis, NAFCC Leader’s Shaping Leaders (LSL) Policy Program Regional Manager of Louisiana, was there proudly representing our organization and connecting with parent leaders from across the country.

We joined the Help Me Grow National Forum in Hartford, CT, alongside leaders including Maria Amado, Yukiyo Iida, and Alison Wunder-Stahl. Deputy Commissioner Elena Truworthy and OEC staff also attended, strong supporters of NAFCC and our accreditation work.

The forum kicked off with a keynote at Dunkin’ Park, celebrating Connecticut’s recent $300 million investment in early childhood education and sparking important conversations for the field.

Behind the Scenes: NAFCC Staff at the 2025 Conference
Excitement built as NAFCC staff prepared for the 2025 NAFCC Conference! From setting up the venue to coordinating materials and ensuring every detail was ready, our team worked hard to create an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

What an unforgettable time we had in Dallas!

This year’s NAFCC Annual Conference — “Bigger, Better, Bolder: A New Legacy for FCC!” — was full of energy, connection, and inspiration. From powerful workshops and heartfelt conversations to dancing, learning, and celebrating each other, the spirit of family child care shined through every moment.

Highlights included our keynote speaker Sonia Manzano, over 100 engaging sessions, and plenty of time to recharge and reconnect with fellow educators from across the country. Thank you for being part of something truly special. Together, we’re building a bold new legacy — and this is just the beginning!

Conference Day 1

Conference Day 2

Conference Day 3

NAFCC Conference: Staff Snapshots & Smiles

August Advocacy is Action returned this year with incredible energy and impact. Throughout the month, family child care educators, allies, and community leaders came together to make bold, unified calls for change. From legislative visits to powerful spotlight stories, August became a resounding platform for amplifying the voices at the heart of early care.

Vantoinette Savage, Founder and CEO of the Family Child Care and Center Enrichment Foundation, along with members of her Foundation and Eboni Delaney, Interim Director of Policy and Movement Building at The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC), met today in Washington, D.C., with a representative from the office of Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, PhD.

They engaged in powerful advocacy on behalf of family child care, highlighting its vital role in supporting children, families, and communities nationwide.

Francia Wisnewski, Director of Membership and Community Engagement visiting a FCC in DC.

She is also an accredited educator… Andrea and team, she spoke with pride about being accredited and supporter. She participates actively from many of our programs. It was great to tour her facility.

DC Family Child Care Association Hosts Successful 2nd Biennial Walk-A-Thon!

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the DC Family Child Care Association proudly held its 2nd Biennial Walk for Family Child Care Walk-A-Thon, bringing together child care providers, families, advocates, and community supporters for a morning of unity, purpose, and fun.

Thank you to everyone who walked, donated, volunteered, and cheered us on. Your support helps elevate the voices of family child care providers and strengthens our mission.

Closing Out August: Advocacy in Action Month

We wrapped up August Advocacy in Action Month with an impactful day of CT advocacy, including an office visit to Senator Murphy. Our efforts were strengthened by the presence of partners from the union and AOK, making this a powerful day of collaboration and advocacy for early childhood education.

We need to hear from you!

The 2025 NAFCC Survey is now live and we are looking forward to hearing from you! If you’re a home-based child care educator/business owner, we are gathering input on what it’s like running your business, your policy concerns, and your feedback on NAFCC Membership.

Our annual survey results are used to communicate to stakeholders about the health of FCC businesses and to guide our policy efforts. To thank you for taking the time to complete the survey we are offering a raffle, where 25 people will win a $100 gift card!

Originally published by by Bainum Family Foundation, by Shayna Cook

At the end of July, early childhood leaders from around the world came together in Dallas, Texas, for a two-day gathering as a part of the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) conference. The event titled, the NAFCC Home-Based Family Child Care Global Learning Convening, brought together educators, advocates, and systems leaders to exchange ideas, share promising practices, and build community rooted in a shared purpose.

The convening welcomed participants from across the U.S. and around the world — including many of our local and global partners:

This unique gathering offered an opportunity for our domestic and global early childhood partners to connect in-person. While their work typically occurs in separate geographies and political environments, participants quickly recognized the common threads that run through their efforts to support young children and the early childhood educators who care for and educate them.

Two of our team members — Virginia Gentilcore, Director of Family Philanthropy, and Breanna Byecroft, Senior Manager, Family Philanthropy — reflected that being together in-person allowed participants to experience a “shared purpose, sense of community, and exchange of ideas among leaders deeply engaged in this field in different parts of the world.”

The central focus of the convening was home-based child care. This form of early childhood education reaches millions of children and families across the world. Home-based child care professionals, often women, offer smaller group settings, trust, stability, and connection rooted in the cultural and social fabric of their communities. As Erica Phillips, Executive Director of NAFCC, noted in her written welcome message to the convening participants, “Your leadership has brought you here. You are advancing the field, shaping policy, and lifting up home-based child care in powerful ways.”

Our WeVision EarlyEd Solutions Lab sites, who are demonstrating that the ideal child care system is possible in the United States, shared insights from their on-the-ground work. Tiffany Jones, a home-based early childhood educator and advocate from Maryland, spoke to the challenges U.S. educators face, especially related to regulatory complexity and insufficient funding. She also highlighted how systems must be designed with rather than for early childhood education programs and families.

Global partners, meanwhile, brought lessons from vastly different contexts. OneSky’s responsive caregiving training in Vietnam, iACT’s refugee-led programs in Chad, and EDCAN’s international advocacy demonstrated how systems change can be rooted in relationship-based practice, cultural responsiveness, and locally led solutions around the world. Domestic participants saw clear parallels between the challenges and opportunities faced by home-based providers globally and in the United States

Joan Lombardi, Ph.D., an international early childhood expert, articulated the heart of the convening’s purpose when she shared that “caring for young children unites us across borders” and that spending time with leaders from both the United States and abroad was “a unique and deeply rewarding experience.” Her words captured the spirit of the event, which created space for deep mutual respect, learning, and solidarity.

The convening itself was designed to do more than simply share best practices. The gathering aimed to “lift up lived experience” and “co-create solutions grounded in justice, , and respect for educators at the heart of this work.” Whether it was a family child care provider from Florida or a facilitator representing Chad, every voice was treated as vital to the collective vision.

The convening affirmed that system transformation is not just a policy goal, it is a people-centered movement. Whether through the WeVision EarlyEd Solution Lab sites or through global partnerships, the foundation has a long-term commitment to building systems that reflect the real lives and real strengths of children, families, and early childhood educators. This convening made it clear that supporting home-based providers is not just a strategy. It is essential to building an early childhood system that families and educators want.

As Erica Phillips shared so powerfully in her welcome letter, “Together, we can build a future where every child thrives, every family is supported, and every home-based child care provider is valued.” This convening was a bold step in that direction, and a reminder that when we come together across nations, we can imagine and build systems all children and families need to thrive.

Dezire’e Mattocks, Director of Professional Development at the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) represented NAFCC at the National Convening on Children’s Racial Learning, held in Chicago during the month of May. The event brought together educators, researchers, and advocates to explore how young children learn about race and how adults can guide that learning with intention and care. Dezire’e participated in thought-provoking sessions and engaged with national leaders committed to equity in early childhood. NAFCC is proud to contribute to conversations that center race, identity, and the power of early learning.

Francia Wisnewski, Director of Membership and Community Engagement at the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) joined the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood’s 40th Birthday Celebration and Institute Launch Party during the month of May, in Schaumburg, IL 80’s style! Hosted during the Leadership Connections conference, the event honored four decades of McCormick Center impact with fun, festivities, and meaningful connections. Francia had the chance to reconnect in person with Business Series participant Alethea Ethinoff, celebrating the powerful partnerships that fuel growth in family child care. Cheers to 40 years of leadership, learning, and legacy in early childhood education!

Dezire’e Mattocks Francia Wisnewski and Jerletha McDonald represented NAFCC at the McCormick Center’s Leadership Connections Conference in Schaumburg, Illinois, in May 2025. The duo led powerful presentations and hosted an engaging exhibit table, connecting with early childhood leaders and sharing resources that elevate family child care. Their presence highlighted NAFCC’s commitment to advocacy, professional development, and collaboration across the field. Together, they brought visibility, voice, and vibrant energy to the national conversation on early learning. (Mrs. Erma Jackson, NAFCC Illinois State Representative, also pictured)

What an unforgettable night in New Orleans! The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) was thrilled to host the Light Up Louisiana Family Child Care Networking and Mixer, led by our very own Zakenya Perry Neely, Director of Partnerships, and Mischell Davis, Leader’s Shaping Leaders (LSL) Policy Program Regional Manager of Louisiana.

We were honored to be joined by Interim Executive Director Yesy Robles-Brown and Director of Development Lolita Jerido, as well as our amazing partners from BUILD Initiative, including Tameika Leslie and Danielle Fuentes. Their presence and support helped make the night a true celebration of the strength and spirit of Family Child Care.

This event wasn’t just a party—it was a powerful step toward building a stronger, more connected FCC community across Louisiana.
A huge thank you to all the incredible organizations who stood with us, including TrainingGrounds, Inc., Power Coalition, For Providers By Providers, TORSH, New Orleans Main Library, Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, Beloved Community, and so many others working daily to support early educators.

Let’s keep the momentum going!

NAFCC Quality Ambassador Training in Raleigh, NC

Jocelyn Jones, NAFCC Training Specialist, Rosa Rosa Valenzuela, Accreditation Manager of Operations, and members of the NAFCC Accreditation Council recently facilitated a powerful Quality Ambassador Training and Meet & Greet in Raleigh, NC during the month of May.

The event brought together new and prospective Quality Ambassadors for a dynamic day of networking, learning, and collaboration. Together, they explored how to elevate family child care and champion quality across the region.
We’re excited to see the impact these dedicated ambassadors will have as they support family child care educators on their accreditation journeys!

Congratulations to Vantoinette Savage, Founder and CEO of Family Child Care Center and Enrichment Foundation—an Affiliate of NAFCC—for successfully hosting their first annual conference in North Carolina!

We’re proud to share that Andrea Maldonado, our very own Director of Accreditation, participated in a powerful panel discussion highlighting the importance of family child care and the value of NAFCC Accreditation.

Cheers to lifting up quality, leadership, and community in family child care!

And the winner is….

Eboni Delaney, Assistant Director of Narrative and Movement Building at the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)received the Pioneer Leadership Award for her Leadership Efforts in Pioneering the Texas Child Care Apprenticeship Program at Camp Fire in Fort Worth Texas!!

Zakenya Neely director of strategic partnerships and Mischell Davis, Louisiana Leaders Shaping Leaders Program Manager at The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) joined our amazing Louisiana partners, TrainingGrounds, Inc., for a lively and festive evening celebrating Family Child Care professionals. From vibrant conversations to building connections that matter, this event truly lit up the path for Home-Based Child Care professional development across the state!

A huge THANK YOU to our incredible hosts — Melanie Richardson, Christine Neely, and the entire Training Grounds team — for organizing such a dynamic and meaningful gathering, sponsored by BUILD Initiative.

We’re especially excited to share that Training Grounds gifted 6 NAFCC memberships to members of their Spanish Cohort and Alumni — an incredible step in growing and strengthening our network!

With 40+ passionate participants, this was more than a mixer — it was a movement.
Let’s keep the momentum going! Together, we’re Lighting Up Family Child Care and making our mark on the map!

Eboni Delaney, Assistant Director of Narrative and Movement Building at NAFCC, joined Christina and Quiara Brown of Overcomer Kids 3Es (Orlando, FL)—who are featured in the Emmy®-nominated documentary We Are Family Child Care—to host a screening and discussion at the Florida Family Child Care Home Association Conference. Their conversation highlighted the dedication, leadership, and community impact of family child care providers, reinforcing NAFCC’s commitment to amplifying their voices. The film’s recent nomination for a 2025 Regional Emmy® by Michigan NATAS added extra significance to the event.

The U.S. House of Representatives has now passed H.R. 1—a sweeping and dangerous budget bill that threatens the stability of family child care, public health programs, and basic nutrition support for millions of Americans.

We are devastated—but not defeated.

We’ve seen your action in recent days. You called Congress. You shared your stories. You mobilized your communities. Your voices matter. And they are still urgently needed.

We’re still here. We’re still essential. And we’re just getting started.
Together, we will protect child care.
Together, we will protect our communities.