In this edition of On the Move, we’re proud to share highlights from a busy and impactful March and April at NAFCC. From launching our first-ever Regional Conference in Houston to powerful moments of advocacy at state capitols in Texas and Indiana, our team has been on the ground building momentum for family child care. We’ve connected with educators and partners at conferences across the country — from New Orleans to Pennsylvania to Stanford — lifting up voices, sharing resources, and shaping policy conversations. In the midst of all the travel, our staff came together in New York City for our annual retreat — a valuable time to reflect, strategize, and strengthen our shared commitment to this work. Whether organizing community events, supporting new ambassadors, or speaking on national panels, NAFCC remains deeply dedicated to elevating family child care in every space we enter.
Advocacy Day at the Texas State Capitol In March, NAFCC Texas State Representatives gathered at the Texas State Capitol for a powerful day of advocacy. Jerletha McDonald, founder and CEO of ADFW Family Child Care Network and affiliate of NAFCC, delivered a compelling speech in support of family child care. The photos from the day capture the energy and determination of educators working together to push for policies that support and uplift their profession. Jacquline Shaw & Tamitha Blackmon, NAFCC Texas State Reps were also in attendance.
Empowered Leadership: Nebraska State Rep. Takes on NAFCC Ambassador Role
This is a story of growth and leadership. For the first time, NAFCC Nebraska State Representative Elizabeth Arnold stepped up as a NAFCC ambassador at the Empowerment for Success for Early Childhood Educators conference. This is leadership in action — empowering others, sharing knowledge, and stepping into new opportunities. Jerletha McDonald, founder and CEO of ADFW Family Child Care Network and affiliate of NAFCC was the keynote speaker at this conference.
NAFCC at REST 2025: Building Community and Connection in New Orleans
At the end of April, NAFCC Partnerships Director Zakenya Neely traveled to New Orleans for the REST 2025 Conference, hosted by the Early Childhood Leaders of Color Collaborative. REST — Restoration, Enlightenment, Solidarity, and Transformation — creates space for early childhood leaders of color to connect, reflect, and renew. While there, Zakenya connected with inspiring leaders including Demetra from Promise and Melanie from Training Grounds, two New Orleans-based organizations leading powerful work in their communities.
Building Connections Over Breakfast in Houston
During the Houston Regional Conference, Lolita Jerido, NAFCC’s Director of Development, organized a powerful breakfast that brought together a packed room of funders, Texas Workforce Commission representatives, and community partners. The event created space for meaningful dialogue and shared commitment to family child care. A highlight of the morning: guest speaker Dessie Townes delivered an inspiring message that energized the room and set the tone for the day.
NAFCC Hosts First Regional Conference in Houston
In March, NAFCC hosted its first-ever Regional Conference in Houston, Texas! The event brought together family child care professionals, advocates, and partners for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration — all centered around strengthening the FCC community in the region.
NAFCC Leaders and Educators Advocate on Capitol Hill
Erica Phillips, Executive Director of NAFCC, and Ronald Jarrett, Director of Policy, joined NAFCC State Representatives Tiffany Taylor (NY) and Cynthia Davis (D.C.), along with dedicated FCC educators Alethea Etinoff (D.C.) and Shemik Dunn Sellars (VA), for a powerful day of advocacy in Washington, D.C.
United in purpose, the group elevated the voices of family child care educators—calling for fair policies, increased recognition, and the critical support needed to sustain this essential workforce.
NAFCC at RAPID at 5: Elevating Family Child Care
Yesy Robles-Brown, Chief of Staff at NAFCC, attended the Bearing Witness: RAPID at 5 event at Stanford University. She participated in a panel titled “The Community System: Building Systems of Care for Young Children,” where she emphasized the essential role of family child care in creating strong, equitable early childhood systems.
Celebrating Community and Advocacy in Connecticut
Francia Wisnewski, NAFCC Director of Membership and Community Engagement, joined Connecticut State Rep and Affiliate Leader María Amado, along with Melvette Hill — NPLI leader and Executive Director of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity — at the Hartford Foundation Centennial Celebration.
The event highlighted powerful community partnerships and advocacy in action. María also connected with Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam to elevate the role of family child care in local policy. Through support from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, María received funding to provide training and coaching for FCC educators — a win for children, families, and providers across the state.
NAFCC Quality Ambassador Training Meet & Greet – Raleigh, NC
In April NAFCC hosted the Quality Ambassador Training Meet & Greet in Raleigh, NC. The event brought together new and prospective Quality Ambassadors for a day of networking, learning, and collaboration as they embarked on a journey to support and elevate family child care across the region.
NAFCC Staff Retreat in New York City
In April, the NAFCC team gathered in New York City for our annual staff retreat — a time to reconnect, reflect, and refocus. From strategy sessions to team-building moments, the retreat energized our work and deepened our commitment to supporting family child care nationwide.
NAFCC at the NTI Conference in Tampa, Florida
NAFCC was in the building at the NTI Conference in Tampa! We were proud to exhibit and participate in a national panel on how Family Child Care (FCC) programs support Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). Dezire’e Mattocks, NAFCC’s Director of Professional Development, represented the organization and connected with partners around TPOT, TPITOS, and the Pyramid Model.
While there, Dezire’e caught up with Lynn Lubecki from New York — a former FCC educator who now holds a doctorate and teaches future educators. Lynn shared how her experience in FCC still shapes her approach to teaching today. A powerful reminder of the lasting impact of family child care!
NAFCC at the OCDEL Conference in Pennsylvania
NAFCC was on the ground in Pennsylvania as State Representative, Minnette Taylor attended the OCDEL Conference, sharing resources and engaging attendees at the NAFCC info table. Her presence helped spotlight the impact of family child care in early learning.
Leadership in Action: Leaders Shaping Leaders at Indiana’s ECE Day at the Statehouse
Members of NAFCC’s Leaders Shaping Leaders (LSL) Cohort 4 participated in Indiana’s Early Childhood Education Day at the Statehouse, joining statewide advocates to elevate the voices of early childhood educators and the families they serve.
Cynthia Vaughn, Director/Owner of Cindy’s Center for Young Learners and an LSL Cohort 4 member, had a powerful conversation with Governor Mike Braun about the crippling impact of wage disparities caused by structural issues in Indiana’s CCDF program. They also discussed the serious consequences families face when funding is delayed, reduced, or eliminated. It was a day of bold advocacy and leadership in action.
