Are you still taking in all of the highlights and gems that were shared at the 2023 National Association for Family Child Care conference? We certainly hope so! We hope this blog post finds you buzzing with excitement, and full of inspiration and knowledge.
As someone who played a significant role in the behind-the-scenes planning, I can confidently say that this year’s conference was a resounding success, reinforcing its importance for family child care (FCC) educators nationwide. This year saw a remarkable turnout, with over 1,000 attendees from across the country and Liberia, 146 workshops, and 56 exhibitors ringing endorsement of the importance of FCC.
The theme of the conference, “The Future Starts with Us,” was perfectly fitting. Attendees were warmly welcomed to a beautiful venue in Atlanta, GA that fostered an atmosphere of hospitality and inclusion. The event provided a valuable platform for child care educators to connect, exchange ideas, and engage in thought-provoking discussions that will shape the future of family child care.
One of the primary benefits of attending the NAFCC Annual Conference was the unparalleled networking opportunities it offered. Educators from diverse backgrounds and regions converged, promoting collaboration and camaraderie. Newcomers and seasoned veterans alike discovered a treasure trove of connections that will have a lasting impact on their professional growth.
The conference featured an impressive lineup of workshops, seminars, and keynote speeches by distinguished experts in the field of child care, including Amy Jacobs, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, Katie Hamm, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Childhood Development, Office of Early Childhood Development, Shawn Brown, founder and CEO of Role Model Productions, Inc., and distinguished family child care educators. Attendees eagerly soaked in knowledge, gaining fresh insights and practical tips to enhance their child care programs. For many, the conference served as a transformative learning experience, reigniting their passion for this important work.
The heart of any successful conference lies in the inspiration it provides. The NAFCC Annual Conference excelled in this aspect, with powerful success stories and visionary talks, including our Plenary Panel which addressed inequities in education, leaving attendees motivated and empowered. The collective enthusiasm and dedication displayed by participants reinforced the profound impact family child care educators have on young children and their families. We celebrated educators with award ceremonies that recognized the remarkable contributions and achievements made by individuals in the field of family child care. Congratulations again to:
- 2023 Accreditation Observer of the Year – Dr. Kiki Singletary
- 2023 Accreditation Facilitation Project of the Year – Florida Family Child Care Home Association
- 2023 Accredited Provider of the Year – Maria Amado
- 2023 Accreditation Council Leadership Award – Michael Bachman
- Honorable Mention for 45 years of outstanding achievements in Family Child Care – Debbie Grace
- Friends of FCC – Marcia Cox Mitchell from the Bainum Family Foundation and Nara Topp from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
- Ruby Brunson Community Advocate Award – Sheryl Hutzenbiler and Corrine Hendrickson
- Maria Otto Award – Dr. Louis A Finney, Jr.
The exhibit hall buzzed with activity, showcasing innovative products and services tailored to the child care industry. Attendees explored new resources and educational materials to enrich their programs and create nurturing environments for their young charges.
Beyond enriching experiences and networking, the conference also served as a platform for advocating for the family child care industry. Discussions addressed challenges providers face, emphasizing the importance of recognition and support for their essential contributions to early childhood education. Unified and empowered, attendees left the conference ready to drive positive change in their communities.
My favorite memories from the conference were seeing all the attendees being energized and engaged during our opening keynote general session. There was a whole lot of dancing going on! Also, the excitement on Saturday when I announced the 2024 and 2025 conference locations. But most of all, the teamwork our NAFCC staff exhibited during and after the conference and how we promoted a family environment for all conference attendees is something to remember.
In conclusion, the NAFCC Annual Conference is a pivotal event for anyone involved in the child care industry. It acts as a catalyst for professional growth, strengthens connections, and inspires providers to strive for excellence. As early childhood education continues to evolve, this conference remains a beacon of hope and unity, connecting communities of child care providers nationwide to shape a brighter future for young minds.
To those who attended this year’s conference, thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to our sponsors, staff, and volunteers whose dedication and support made this conference a reality.For those who couldn’t make it, we hope to see you next year in St. Louis, July 24th – 27th for an even more enriching and inspiring experience. Together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of children and families across the country.
