
Pre-Conference
Pre-Conference is July 15
Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago
Rosemont, Illinois
Enhance your conference experience by registering for one or more Pre-Conference sessions! These sessions offer a deeper dive into important topics before the main conference begins.
Pre-Conference registration is completed through a separate form from the main conference registration. You must be registered for the conference to attend, and some events have an additional fee.
NAFCC Accreditation Observer Training
Registration will be live soon!
Accreditation Quality Ambassador Training
The NAFCC Quality Ambassador Training is a 2-day, in-person leadership and advocacy institute designed for NAFCC-Accredited educators who want to extend their impact beyond their own FCC programs. This training prepares experienced educators to serve as mentors, community leaders, and advocates for Family Child Care. Participants will develop skills in peer mentorship, public speaking, leadership, community engagement, and strengths-based advocacy, all grounded in NAFCC’s philosophy of Many Right Ways.
NAFCC Membership Requirement: Participants must hold an active NAFCC membership at the time of registration and maintain membership throughout their Ambassador service.
Recommended Pre-requisites:
- Accreditation: Must hold current NAFCC Accreditation or be actively pursuing it.
- Professional Experience: Minimum 3 years as a licensed Family Child Care educator OR 5 years in early childhood education across any setting.
- Leadership Readiness: Demonstrated experience or interest in coaching, mentoring, committee participation, professional learning facilitation, or other leadership roles.
- Peer Support & Mentorship: Ability to serve as a supportive resource for other FCC educators, modeling professionalism, reflection, and continuous improvement.
- Professional Dispositions: Commitment to NAFCC’s Many Right Ways philosophy and culturally responsive, strengths-based practices.
Policy Session for ECE Systems Administrators & Leaders
Lunch Included
Family Child Care (FCC) is vital to state early childhood capacity but is often excluded from system design. This full-day session brings together policymakers, administrators, researchers, and network leaders to examine how subsidy policy, Universal Pre-K, reimbursement models, and infrastructure decisions affect FCC sustainability. Participants will explore strategies to create inclusive systems, stabilize FCC through policy, and strengthen network infrastructure. Speakers include national experts and FCC leaders, providing actionable insights and connections to advance FCC-inclusive system reform.
The Ignite Leadership Sessions are open to all leaders in the NAFCC community. Join us for an engaging day of learning, networking, and celebration. Specific workshop topics and session details will be announced soon.
Ignite Leadership Luncheon Add-On – $129
Join fellow leaders in the NAFCC community for a meaningful and energizing luncheon experience. This special gathering offers time to connect, reflect, and celebrate leadership while building relationships with peers from across the country.
Please note: Separate registration and payment are required to attend the Ignite Leadership Luncheon. Space is limited.
The Future of Family Child Care: Policy Shaped by You – July 15
Advocacy Institute for Family Child Care Educators
The future of family child care is shaped by policy—and by you. This interactive afternoon helps FCC educators understand current policy decisions on funding, eligibility, and quality, see how they impact their programs, and practice influencing decision-makers. Participants will learn to break down proposals, identify strategies to protect mixed-delivery systems, and engage confidently in advocacy at state and federal levels. Join this hands-on session to connect with other FCC educators and take action to ensure policies support a sustainable future for family child care.