In this edition of “On the Move,” we’re excited to spotlight the impactful work and milestones achieved by the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) in March and April. These highlights reflect NAFCC’s continued dedication to elevating family child care educators, fostering meaningful connections, and driving quality care nationwide.
Driving Impact Through the NAFCC Community Fellowship
The NAFCC Community Fellowship in New Orleans was nothing short of powerful. In partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and local organizations, NAFCC is helping advance family child care across Louisiana. The Fellowship created space for connection, shared learning, and honest dialogue about what’s next. This is how we build. This is how we grow. This is how we light up Louisiana family child care.
A standout moment was visiting a family child care site that reflected the quality, intention, and heart of the field, reminding us that this work is not just care, but leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact.
Special thanks to our partners: W.K. Kellogg Foundation, United Way of Southwest Louisiana, Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, TrainingGrounds, Inc., Save the Children Action Network, and MAZE Cocktail Lounge
Elevating Family Child Care Voices at the University of Montana ECE Summit
BriAnne Moline recently presented at the University of Montana’s Early Childhood Education Summit, where she facilitated a panel and contributed to conversations on equity, family partnership, and community-driven systems. Her panel, “Our Shared Story: Families, Community, and Inclusion,” highlighted how educators, community organizations, and state partners can work together to support children and families through inclusive, culturally grounded approaches. As a Professional Development Specialist with the National Association for Family Child Care and coordinator of the Leaders Shaping Leaders Fellowship, she brought a national family child care leadership perspective to a statewide audience.
Sharing the We Are Family Child Care Documentary in North Carolina
Eboni Delaney, Director of Policy and Movement Building, had the opportunity to travel to North Carolina for the Family Child Care and Center Enrichment Foundation Renewing the Mind, Body and Soul: Finding Your Joy conference, hosted by Vantoinette Savage. It was a meaningful space to connect with family child care educators and be in community with those doing this work every day.
She also had the chance to share the We Are Family Child Care documentary. The stories, recognition, and shared understanding of what this work requires are a reminder of the power of seeing family child care reflected clearly and truthfully.
Reflecting on a Decade of Early Childhood Transformation
Andrea Maldonado, Director of Quality Assessment and Recognition at NAFCC, recently participated in the panel “A Decade of Direction: Renewing the Call to Transform ECE,” hosted by the Early Childhood Initiative Collaborative. The session marked the 10th anniversary of the landmark Transforming the Workforce and Transforming the Financing reports, bringing together leaders from across the field to reflect on progress and future direction.
As part of this effort, NAFCC partnered with the Collaborative and other national organizations to contribute to a series of opinion papers and companion webinars. These resources highlight key lessons learned over the past decade from multiple perspectives and were shared during the National ECE Convening in North Carolina.
Advancing FCC Educator Power Through Partnership at NTI
At the NTI Conference in Tampa, FL, Zakenya Perry Neely, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Market Solutions, brought “FCC Educator Power” to life through an engaging positivity table that inspired connection, collaboration, and purpose.
Alongside partners Child Care Aware of America and National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations, represented by Deb Ziegler, the collaboration highlighted NAFCC’s commitment to strengthening social-emotional learning for educators and young children alike.
Centered on the research-based Pyramid Model framework, the session shared practical strategies that help educators build nurturing relationships, supportive environments, and strong emotional foundations for children.
More than a presentation, the experience demonstrated how partnership-driven leadership can elevate and support family child care educators nationwide.
