2025 NAFCC Elections

Her journey in education began with an Associate of Science in Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University. After holding multiple managerial and leadership roles in the corporate world, she followed her true calling and transitioned into early childhood education. In 2016, she earned her TECE I and II certifications, and in June 2024, she proudly obtained her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Currently, she is working toward her bachelor’s degree in early education, continuing her pursuit of excellence in the field.

In 2023, her interest in supporting family childcare providers led her to discover the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). As a committed member, she attended two national conferences and was honored to graduate from Cohort #3 of the NAFCC Leaders Shaping Leaders program. She co-founded the 1st State Family Childcare Association and advocates for providers across the state. She also serves as her local community board’s treasurer.

A devoted Christian, LaTonya lives by faith-based principles and strives to make a positive impact in both her personal and professional life. As a mother of three talented children, ages 25, 20, and 7, she finds inspiration in watching young lives evolve and grow. Her love for the outdoors, reading, swimming, music, and the beach reflects her deep appreciation for learning and exploration.

Guided by the belief that growth and change are essential, LaTonya remains a lifelong student, always striving to improve the early education system. Her leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to children and families make her a powerful advocate in the early childhood education community.

Arleen Lambert’s unwavering dedication to early childhood education and leadership is evident in her numerous significant roles. She is the president of the Florida Family Child Care Home Association, where she leads initiatives to improve the quality of family childcare homes in the state. As a state representative for The National Association for Family for Child Care, she advocates for the rights and needs of family childcare providers nationally. Her role at the Miami-Dade PTSA Early Childhood Office involves supporting the educational efforts to align early childhood education with the public school system. Her influence also extends to the Miami Dade College School of Education’s Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee, where she ensures that family childcare is included in Miami Dade College’s educational system.

Mrs. Lambert is a facilitator and Accreditation Director for The Business Leadership Institute (BLI). In her role, she leads BLI master class sessions, assisting early childcare business owners in managing and scaling their businesses using the BLI mission and core values. Additionally, she helps family home educators acquire the National Association for Family Child Care Association (NAFCC) accreditation and the Florida Gold Seal designation through her innovative program, Early Education Link Accreditation Made Simple: “The Turnkey Experience”. Furthermore, she mentors aspiring educators through her Mindful Mentorship Program using a four-key strategy focused on quality, sustainability and reflective teaching practices.

Arleen Lambert’s professional journey is underpinned by a solid educational foundation and a commitment to continuous learning. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Child Development, a concentration in Infants/Toddlers, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida. Her dedication to continuous learning is further demonstrated through her acquisition of a certificate in Infant and Toddler Specialization from Miami Dade College, as well as certifications as a Certified Florida Family Child Care Mentor, a Second Helping Trainer the Trainer, and The National Association for Family Child Care Quality Ambassador.

I look for opportunities to learn more about the different perspectives that represent the ECE industry, and I am not afraid to ask for clarification on policies and rules that govern the industry. I am a hard worker and embrace environments where continued learning will take place. I am not naive to think that I can do everything alone, but I am strong enough to bridge the gaps so that others can help share the load so our needs will be met.

I have enjoyed many positions on my leadership journey which include serving on the board of directors for three ECE nonprofit organizations. The roles range from membership chair, district representative, secretary, vice president, and president. I have been elected by the membership into those positions because of my dedication, engagement, involvement, and work ethic. I was not afraid of putting the work into the task and ensuring that the organization was seen to operate from a spirit of excellence. I ask for your vote so that Georgia can continue to rise up!

She has taught and cared for over 1,800 children. Patricia supports her children and families in whatever ways they need. Her motto, “It’s ALL about the children,” shows all about what she is about – Business. She puts her heart and soul into helping these children, providing adequate services to those in need. Patricia’s experiences have given her the vision to see the bigger picture. Her focus is to “tailor” the needs of Indiana home childcare in ways that will benefit our future surrounding communities. She’s not afraid to speak her mind spiritually, personally, and professionally. She has guided and mentored others into this profession of childcare. She is supported by her husband, family and friends who know this isn’t an easy task to handle. Patricia puts God first and allows Him to lead her gifts to rise from 0 to outstanding proportions throughout the years.

My experience as VP of Central Indiana’s INAEYC included presenting information about the wide range of roles that we play in order to operate a successful program and viable business, and how we need to be included in the rooms where policies that impact our field are made.

For years, I have spent my evenings and weekends meeting with other providers to hear their concerns, and to provide resources to alleviate them. As a 2024-2025 NAFCC Leaders Shaping Leaders Fellow, I have learned, and continue learning ways, to advocate on behalf of our field, and as such, founded a non-profit organization – Family Child Care Peer Coaching – to elevate our peers in terms of program practices and pay equity. I am passionate about these things, and will continue this work until there is no more work to be done.

Professional Credentials
Actively hold a CDA, an Infant Mental Health Endorsement (Kansas AIMH), and NAFCC Accreditation—reflecting a strong commitment to quality and professional growth.

Leadership & Advocacy

• Serve as a Member-at-Large on CCPC, advocating for statewide policies that elevate family child care.
• Participant in NAFCC’s Leaders Shaping Leaders program to enhance leadership skills and impact.

Community & Systems Engagement

• Collaborate with Manhattan Childcare Task Force and Chamber of Commerce on a business initiative to grow and support FCC.
• Organize annual Provider Appreciation events to uplift local educators.
• Engage in USD 383 Kindergarten Readiness Task Force to improve transitions to school, especially for children with special needs.

Mentorship & Workforce Development

• Partner with USD 383’s CTE program to provide early childhood work-based learning for high school students.
• Mentor Kansas State University students as an observation site, linking academic theory with real-world FCC practice.

As a mother, advocate, and professional, I recognize the importance of creating supportive environments for children and families. My work as a parent coach and my volunteer efforts with Children’s Trust on the Keeping Kids Safe initiative have strengthened my passion for child abuse prevention and awareness. I firmly believe that by collaborating with family childcare providers, public and private schools, and community organizations, we can create meaningful change that extends beyond our local reach. Children may be a part of our population, but they represent 100% of our future. It is our responsibility to provide them with a strong foundation for success. My goal is to foster an environment where children, families, and educators feel supported, valued, and empowered to work toward a shared vision of comprehensive early education. While I may not have all the answers, I am committed to learning, advocating, and working tirelessly to make a difference. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to a brighter future for all.

Mrs. Lee is the Owner of Precious Little Moments Childcare, LLC, a five-star rated Family Childcare business under Grow NJ Kids. and a former NAFCC accredited program. Beverly is also the founder of Family Childcare Association Instilling Tolerance & Hope (F.A.I.T.H) which is a nationally recognized non-profit organization focused on advocacy and education for Family Childcare owners. Beverly also participates as a board member of the Coalition of Infant Toddler Educators (CITE) and President of its University Chapter considered Northern New Jersey. She is the State Representative for the National Association of Family Childcare (NAFCC), Vice President of the counties she represents for AFSCME Family Childcare Union; currently she is recognized as an active member of both NCNWRaritan Valley section and New Jersey Early Care and Education Alliance (NJ ECE Alliance).

Beverly has served as the Youth President along with Visionary for youth outreach at her church for over ten years. Beverly encompasses a leader, a visionary, a go-getter, a self-sacrificing advocate, educator, and mentor. This is a testament to why she is recognized as an exceptional powerhouse. Empowered by Proverbs 22:6 Beverly has wholeheartedly provided the Childcare Community with the essential tools necessary to “Train up a child.”

Along with the above, Mrs. Lee is a life-long learner. She maintains best practice standards in infant and early care and education. Beverly has had FCCERS training, a preschool CDA, an AA and is working on a B.A. in Early Care and Education. She has also benefited from Montclair’s Keeping Babies and Children in Mind Series.

Along with her passion for the well-being of young children, Mrs. Lee enjoys being the voice for family child care professionals on the national, state and local levels.

Mrs. Lee is also the proud mother of two beautiful, professional children whom she and her husband adore.

She enjoys being a childcare educator. She has recently branched out into peer-to-peer education. Her long-term goal is to advance the professionalization of family childcare as a modality of practice in the field of early childhood education.

Jessica currently holds a master’s degree in early childhood education from National University and is in process of obtaining a second master’s in education in curriculum and instruction with a focus in SEL, mindfulness and yoga from Woolf university. She holds a 500-hour yoga teacher trainer certification (RYS500). She is currently in her second year as a CACFP ambassador with Hunger Solutions NY. She is an active VOICE/ CSEA member currently on the leadership team for Orange/ Sullivan and the statewide membership drive committee. As well as an executive board member with FCCANYS. Currently serving as the recording secretary. She is also a member of Quality Stars NY, NAEYC, NYEAYC and NAFCC. As well as a volunteer for several local community organizations

She resides in Sullivan County NY. She is a mother of three adult daughters and a grandmother of three. She is available for in person or zoom events, trainings and meetings. Jessica and her family are avid baseball fans, Lets Go Yankees. She loves the outdoors, kayaking, hiking, and gardening. She and her family also travel often. She is currently working on several book projects with predicted publishing dates in 2027.

I ‘ve earned a dual bachelor’s degree in management and education and a master’s degree in early childhood education, Montessori Teaching from Chestnut Hill College. In addition, I hold a Pennsylvania Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license, Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System as a certified PQAS trainer and AMS Montessori teacher, NAFCC trainer, and observer.

I am the owner of G & T Montessori Program, an early learning facility situated within a residential home and the founder and Executive Director of Mini Montessori Academy, a non-profit 501c3. I have successfully assisted in the process of more than 35 early learning programs becoming NAFCC accredited and has co-founded several non-profits that serve family childcare business, Family Child Care Coalition (Fc3) and Quality Influential Professionals (QIP) across Philadelphia.

Over the past 15 years, I have actively served on various boards and committees to ensure that the voices of family educators are heard and represented. These include the Southeastern Pennsylvania Early Childhood Coalition, the PHLpreK Provider Council, the State Advisory Council (SAC) Executive Committee and Professional Development Subcommittee, and the State Lead Free Promise Project Coalition.

I continue to advocate for and mentor early childhood professionals, offering seminars and support at both the local and state levels. My focus is on enhancing teaching practices for family early learning professionals, with an emphasis on business practices, curriculum development, self-worth, Montessori education, STEAM, and maintaining professionalism and accountability at the forefront of educators’ minds.

Throughout my career, I have received numerous accolades for my leadership and business practices, both within my community and across the state. These honors include recognition from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for Early Education, the Women Entrepreneurs Award, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for my exemplary business practices, and a Citation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for Montessori Education. Additionally, I have been honored with the ECE Trailblazer Award by First Up, the Voice of Children Award from PennAEYC, a Pennsylvania Citation from the House of Representatives, and a Congratulations Citation from the Senate of Pennsylvania

My top priorities for Pennsylvania early learning educators are to ensure that 100 programs achieve accreditation statewide by collaborating with organizations that support and strengthen our workforce. I am committed to improving access to business resources and benefits for educators, as well as enhancing the visibility of family childcare educators through active advocacy and support for their programs. Additionally, I am dedicated to honoring the accomplishments and unwavering dedication of family childcare educators within the early learning industry.

I am excited for the future! As the first Pennsylvania State Representative, I believe leadership comes from being present whenever needed. I look forward to continuing to work alongside my colleagues across the state to foster positive change. My commitment is to support family childcare educators in turning their business visions into reality. Together, let’s build a community where we can all be proud of—one where every program has the opportunity to succeed, and where we support each other, no matter what. Thank you for your time, your trust and support. Let’s make it happen together.

She is also an advocate and representative for FCC Educators in RI. She serves on various committees at SEIU 1199NE bringing her voice to ensure the voices of her peers are at the center. She participates in the negotiations between the union and the state. Emma is also a peer leader, mentor and facilitator with the SEIU Education and Support Fund where she supports her peers learning new skills and promotes strong community building. Emma’s passions go beyond her work with her family child care community, she is involved in spaces for the celebration of Mexican heritage, women empowerment groups, and supporting her fellow immigrant community.

Through advocacy and action, I’ve helped pass impactful legislation like the Fair Start for Kids Act. As a member of the ECE Design Team and your current NAFCC State Representative, I’ve fought for provider voices to be centered in every policy conversation.

I continue to serve as an NAFCC Observer, and I graduated from Leaders Shaping Leaders cohort II, opening more doors for others. Each year, I work to sponsor other providers to attend conferences, expanding opportunities to grow and learn together.
I lead with community, listen with heart, and show up purposefully. My top priorities are equitable funding, mentorship, and visibility for every family childcare provider in our state.

I seek your vote because advocacy isn’t just about raising our voices — it’s about challenging the systems that shape our work and recognizing how those systems impact us differently based on race, class, gender, and background. This intersectional understanding guides everything I do.

Let’s stand together and build a future where family child care is respected, resourced, and recognized.

Thank You, Sincerely!

As the founder of Learning 4 Life LLC, I have worked directly with children and their families, developing curriculum and offering professional development opportunities for early childhood providers. I understand the challenges of running a family child care business, from balancing operations to providing high-quality care. I also serve as Treasurer for the Wisconsin Family Child Care Association, manage a local support group, and represent family child care providers on several advisory boards.

I am passionate about shifting societal perceptions of the child care profession. It is time to bring these critical issues to the forefront and change the narrative surrounding child care—recognizing it as essential, valuable work that directly impacts our communities. If elected, I will work to strengthen Wisconsin’s presence in the national conversation and ensure our voices are heard in shaping future policies. By collaborating with other states and national organizations, we can create lasting change for family child care providers, improve the landscape of early childhood education, and build a brighter future for our children.

Thank you for your consideration and support. Together, we can amplify the voice of family child care in Wisconsin and beyond!