Each year, the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) recognizes outstanding family child care educators whose dedication, leadership, and commitment to quality make a lasting impact on children, families, and communities. The Accredited Educator of the Year Award celebrates educators who exemplify excellence in family child care and inspire others across the field.
We are proud to announce the three finalists for the coveted 2026 award. Through advocacy, mentorship, innovation, and a deep commitment to children and families, each finalist has each made extraordinary contributions to the profession.
Janna Rodriguez | Freeport, New York
Janna Rodriguez has operated a bilingual, inclusive daycare program in Freeport, New York, for more than 13 years. She plans to open a second program site, IDC II, in 2025.
Rodriguez serves as a Chapter Representative for CSEA VOICE Local 100A, advocating for child care providers in New York. She is also a first-generation college graduate pursuing a master’s degree in early childhood education.
Her approach to her work is reflected in the phrase: “A voice for the voiceless—creating opportunities that uplift children, strengthen families, and empower educators.”
Nancy Jimenez | Morris County, New Jersey
Nancy Jimenez founded Children’s Garden in 1998. The program is now nationally accredited through NAFCC.
In 2025, she received the Aletha R. Wright Award from the New Jersey Early Care & Education Alliance. Jimenez also founded the FCCE-H Mentoring Program for Family Child Care Educators.
She was also a founding contributor to the Start Strong NJ Blueprint Advisory Board.
Reflecting on her work in early childhood education, Jimenez says, “I love being part of building a strong foundation for children to thrive in the future.”
Teresa Lewis | Eight Mile, Alabama
Teresa Lewis is an author, educator, and neurodiversity advocate with more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education and professional development.
She is the author of Hidden Gift Book: Introduction to Able, a book focused on helping families recognize strengths in neurodivergent children.
Lewis is the founder and president of XOXO’s Mentorship for Childcare Providers, a nonprofit organization. She is also a trainer and workshop facilitator for educators and families.
Lewis’s work is guided by the belief that “Every child carries a hidden gift—waiting to be noticed, nurtured, and shared.”
Join Us at the 2026 NAFCC Annual Conference
The winner of the 2026 Accredited Educator of the Year Award, Observer of the Year, and the Accreditation Facilitation Project of the Year will be announced during the Toast to Quality event during the 2026 NAFCC Annual Conference, taking place July 16–18, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois.
We will also celebrate the graduates of the 5th Cohort of Leaders Shaping Leaders (LSL), NAFCC’s premier leadership development program. This special graduation ceremony will honor Family Child Care leaders from across the country whose dedication, growth, and leadership are helping strengthen the profession and shape its future.
The annual conference brings together educators, advocates, and leaders for professional development, networking, and recognition of excellence across the Family Child Care community. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate both this year’s Accredited Educator of the Year and the next generation of Family Child Care leaders.
Learn more about the conference and register at nafcc.org/conference.
