Dezire’e Mattocks, Director of Professional Development at the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) represented NAFCC at the National Convening on Children’s Racial Learning, held in Chicago during the month of May. The event brought together educators, researchers, and advocates to explore how young children learn about race and how adults can guide that learning with intention and care. Dezire’e participated in thought-provoking sessions and engaged with national leaders committed to equity in early childhood. NAFCC is proud to contribute to conversations that center race, identity, and the power of early learning.
Francia Wisnewski, Director of Membership and Community Engagement at the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) joined the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood’s 40th Birthday Celebration and Institute Launch Party during the month of May, in Schaumburg, IL 80’s style! Hosted during the Leadership Connections conference, the event honored four decades of McCormick Center impact with fun, festivities, and meaningful connections. Francia had the chance to reconnect in person with Business Series participant Alethea Ethinoff, celebrating the powerful partnerships that fuel growth in family child care. Cheers to 40 years of leadership, learning, and legacy in early childhood education!
Dezire’e Mattocks Francia Wisnewski and Jerletha McDonald represented NAFCC at the McCormick Center’s Leadership Connections Conference in Schaumburg, Illinois, in May 2025. The duo led powerful presentations and hosted an engaging exhibit table, connecting with early childhood leaders and sharing resources that elevate family child care. Their presence highlighted NAFCC’s commitment to advocacy, professional development, and collaboration across the field. Together, they brought visibility, voice, and vibrant energy to the national conversation on early learning. (Mrs. Erma Jackson, NAFCC Illinois State Representative, also pictured)
What an unforgettable night in New Orleans! The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) was thrilled to host the Light Up Louisiana Family Child Care Networking and Mixer, led by our very own Zakenya Perry Neely, Director of Partnerships, and Mischell Davis, Leader’s Shaping Leaders (LSL) Policy Program Regional Manager of Louisiana.
We were honored to be joined by Interim Executive Director Yesy Robles-Brown and Director of Development Lolita Jerido, as well as our amazing partners from BUILD Initiative, including Tameika Leslie and Danielle Fuentes. Their presence and support helped make the night a true celebration of the strength and spirit of Family Child Care.
This event wasn’t just a party—it was a powerful step toward building a stronger, more connected FCC community across Louisiana.
A huge thank you to all the incredible organizations who stood with us, including TrainingGrounds, Inc., Power Coalition, For Providers By Providers, TORSH, New Orleans Main Library, Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, Beloved Community, and so many others working daily to support early educators.
Let’s keep the momentum going!
NAFCC Quality Ambassador Training in Raleigh, NC
Jocelyn Jones, NAFCC Training Specialist, Rosa Rosa Valenzuela, Accreditation Manager of Operations, and members of the NAFCC Accreditation Council recently facilitated a powerful Quality Ambassador Training and Meet & Greet in Raleigh, NC during the month of May.
The event brought together new and prospective Quality Ambassadors for a dynamic day of networking, learning, and collaboration. Together, they explored how to elevate family child care and champion quality across the region.
We’re excited to see the impact these dedicated ambassadors will have as they support family child care educators on their accreditation journeys!
Congratulations to Vantoinette Savage, Founder and CEO of Family Child Care Center and Enrichment Foundation—an Affiliate of NAFCC—for successfully hosting their first annual conference in North Carolina!
We’re proud to share that Andrea Maldonado, our very own Director of Accreditation, participated in a powerful panel discussion highlighting the importance of family child care and the value of NAFCC Accreditation.
Cheers to lifting up quality, leadership, and community in family child care!
And the winner is….
Eboni Delaney, Assistant Director of Narrative and Movement Building at the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)received the Pioneer Leadership Award for her Leadership Efforts in Pioneering the Texas Child Care Apprenticeship Program at Camp Fire in Fort Worth Texas!!
During the month of June, Eboni Delaney, Assistant Director of Narrative and Movement Building at the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC), attended the Universal Public Child Care workshop in Chicago, IL, hosted by Community Change, the Economic Security Project, and the Roosevelt Institute.
The gathering brought together advocates, organizers, and policy leaders from across the country to explore bold, community-rooted strategies for building a publicly funded child care system that truly works for families and educators.
Zakenya Neely director of strategic partnerships and Mischell Davis, Louisiana Leaders Shaping Leaders Program Manager at The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) joined our amazing Louisiana partners, TrainingGrounds, Inc., for a lively and festive evening celebrating Family Child Care professionals. From vibrant conversations to building connections that matter, this event truly lit up the path for Home-Based Child Care professional development across the state!
A huge THANK YOU to our incredible hosts — Melanie Richardson, Christine Neely, and the entire Training Grounds team — for organizing such a dynamic and meaningful gathering, sponsored by BUILD Initiative.
We’re especially excited to share that Training Grounds gifted 6 NAFCC memberships to members of their Spanish Cohort and Alumni — an incredible step in growing and strengthening our network!
With 40+ passionate participants, this was more than a mixer — it was a movement.
Let’s keep the momentum going! Together, we’re Lighting Up Family Child Care and making our mark on the map!
Eboni Delaney, Assistant Director of Narrative and Movement Building at NAFCC, joined Christina and Quiara Brown of Overcomer Kids 3Es (Orlando, FL)—who are featured in the Emmy®-nominated documentary We Are Family Child Care—to host a screening and discussion at the Florida Family Child Care Home Association Conference. Their conversation highlighted the dedication, leadership, and community impact of family child care providers, reinforcing NAFCC’s commitment to amplifying their voices. The film’s recent nomination for a 2025 Regional Emmy® by Michigan NATAS added extra significance to the event.
