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.
