Last month, we gathered in New Orleans and virtually for the 2021 NAFCC Annual Conference – “Hitting the High Notes.” It was an incredible feeling being able to meet again in person and network with so many family child care professionals from across the country. We even had attendees tuning in online from as far away as Japan.
You gave your time and yourselves, connecting with us and your peers through the power of family child care. What has truly inspired us the most is hearing your enthusiasm about taking your career, business and family child care to the next level.
“The speakers that were in the workshops were knowledgeable, experienced in childcare, interesting, and informative. The choice of speakers was a success.”
“The keynote speakers were very effective in making me feel valued and empowered. They validated my work and encouraged me to hold my head high as a valuable professional, not a babysitter. Hearing from provider from different States and some of the programs they have put together to support Family Child Care providers was very encouraging and has me wanting to ask question in my State has to why we don’t have those type of programs available here.”
Now it is August, and we are still hitting the high notes. You are using your voice as an advocate to #SaveChildCare and #SolveChildCare. Every story you tell, email you send and Facebook post shared is part of the incredible advocacy work that fulfills the power of family child care. Jerletha McDonald, Senior Manager for Membership & Volunteer Affairs, said in her keynote speech, “Your voice is your currency. If we don’t speak up, who else will?”
Every community has you to thank for always showing up and being the foundation of early education in this country. You dream big for America’s children and provide care for families. Now it’s time to ensure you are able to build something big for your own family.
Please continue to be part of the team that creates a new way forward for family child care. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Twitter and be sure to visit our website for news and information.
We see you, and we hear you. We are so glad you are with us.
Sincerely,
Louis A. Finney, Jr.
NAFCC Board President
Lanette M. Dumas
NAFCC Executive Director
