In this month’s edition of “On the Move,” we celebrate the tireless efforts and dedication of our National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) members and staff as they champion the cause of family child care across the nation. From engaging in crucial discussions with policymakers to participating in forums that shape the future of child care, our community is at the forefront of driving meaningful change. This edition highlights significant events and conversations that reflect our commitment to enhancing the quality of care and support for family child care educators.
Representative Bonamici Highlights CACFP’s Impact and Challenges at Hill Meetings
Representative Suzanne Bonamici encouraged CACFP Hill Meeting attendees to share how the Child and Adult Care Food Program impacts their operations, emphasizing that early investment benefits everyone long-term. A panel of providers and advocates highlighted the program’s role in feeding 4.2 million children daily and discussed the challenges of receiving reimbursement for multiple meals provided each day.
Inaugural Rural Childcare Forum Sponsored by USDA and CACFP
NAFCC staff attended the Inaugural Rural Childcare Forum where state and local leaders, providers, advocates, funders, and national partners gathered to learn more about the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to serving rural and tribal communities, learned more about opportunities for support and collaboration in strengthening rural child care, and shared their own successes and struggles. Dr. Karibo Jackson, Abraham Harris Professor of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University, stressed that investing in childcare is comparable to investing in infrastructure, highlighting that high-quality early care is directly connected to educational success and more.
Meeting with Senator Deb Fischer: Advocating for Family Child Care
NAFCC State Representative Elizabeth Arnold led a small group of family child care educators to meet with U.S. Senator Deb Fischer from Nebraska. During their discussion, they highlighted the challenges that family child care educators face, including the need for increased support and resources. The conversation also focused on the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and its critical role in ensuring accessible, quality care for families across the state.
Training Grounds’ Home Field Advantage 4th Cohort
Congratulations to Mischell Davis, a member of the NAFCC Accreditation Team, for her incredible dedication and achievement in completing Training Grounds’ Home Field Advantage 4th Cohort! Since the cohort’s start on June 23, Mischell and her peers have demonstrated outstanding commitment to professional growth and excellence in family child care. We’re thrilled to celebrate their hard work as they complete this transformative journey and continue to elevate the quality of care in their communities.
NAFCC Connects with Members and Supporters in Minneapolis!
On September 26, NAFCC hosted a successful Meet & Greet in Minneapolis, MN, where family child care educators, members, and supporters gathered to discuss the challenges facing FCC in Minnesota. With NAFCC Board President Dr. Ellaine Miller, Member Relations & Policy Support Manager Eboni Delaney, and MN State Representative Svitlana Uniyat leading the discussion, we emphasized the power of uniting to ensure educators are heard and supported. Together, we’re making strides to ensure family child care educators thrive!
Celebrating Excellence: A Visit to It Takes A Village Learning Academy
NAFCC Member Relations & Policy Support Manager Eboni Delaney and MN State Representative Svitlana Uniyat recently had the pleasure of visiting the nationally accredited FCC program It Takes A Village Learning Academy in Saint Paul, MN, owned and operated by Carolyn Collins! Carolyn has been a dedicated NAFCC member for over 30 years and has maintained national accreditation for more than 20 years. Her steadfast commitment to providing high-quality care and upholding the highest standards of professionalism inspires the family child care community in Minnesota and beyond. We are proud to honor educators like Carolyn, whose dedication elevates the entire field of family child care.
NAFCC Representatives Participate in Grassroots Assembly on Child Care
NAFCC was proud to have representatives attend the recent Grassroots Assembly on Child Care, hosted by the Child Care for Every Family Network, where critical discussions took place about the challenges and opportunities facing family child care educators nationwide. Member Relations & Policy Support Manager Eboni Delaney, MN State Representative Svitlana Uniyat, Michigan State Representative Kim Spiegel, and Connecticut State Representative Maria Amado networked with attendees and potential members to ensure that the voices of family child care educators are heard and supported. By participating in events like these, NAFCC continues to strengthen its advocacy and build networks that empower providers nationwide.
NAFCC Leadership Engages with Detroit’s Islamic Center and Empowered Child Care Consulting on Strengthening Family Child Care
Yesy Robles-Brown, Chief of Staff, and Zakenya Perry Neely, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Market Solutions at the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC), had the privilege of convening with community leaders from across the U.S. at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Healthy Children and Families Grantee Summit in Detroit, Michigan. The event fostered meaningful conversations and learning exchanges aimed at envisioning a future where children and families can thrive.
A special thank you to Najwa Dahdah, M.A., a 25-year Family Child Care Educator and CEO of Empowered Child Care Consulting Inc., and her husband for organizing an inspiring meet-and-greet with leaders from Detroit’s vibrant Arabic community. During this gathering, we had the honor of connecting with Executive Director Sufian Nabhan and members of the Islamic Center of Detroit, touring their community center, which provides holistic services and resources to support the economic well-being of children and families. We are immensely grateful for this experience and look forward to continuing our collaborative work with Najwa, Family Child Care Educators, and community leaders in Michigan.
NAFCC Partners with American Arab Chamber of Commerce to Support Family Child Care Educators
The NAFCC Partnerships and Policy Team recently met with Bilal Hammoud, Executive Director of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce in Detroit, Michigan, and his team to explore collaborative opportunities. The discussion focused on enhancing our shared commitment to supporting Family Child Care Educators, particularly as small business owners who play a vital role in building healthier, thriving communities.
This meaningful conversation marks an important step in aligning resources and strategies that empower home-based child care providers while fostering stronger community connections. We look forward to the impactful outcomes of this partnership.
ing stronger community connections. We look forward to the impactful outcomes of this partnership.
NAFCC Hosts Meet and Greet in Detroit at RWJF Healthy Children and Families Summit
NAFCC leadership team hosted a meet and greet in Detroit, Michigan, at Andiamo’s Restaurant on Monday, September 23, 2024. Chief of Staff Yesy Robles-Brown and Director of Strategic Partnerships and Marketing Solutions Zakenya Perry Neely co-hosted the event alongside NAFCC Michigan State Representative Kim Spiegel and Najwah Dahdah, CEO of Empowered Child Care Consulting.
This gathering brought together NAFCC members, accredited providers, and key stakeholders from Detroit’s Family Child Care Educator community. We were also pleased to be joined by representatives from the Early Childhood Innovation Center, who share our dedication to advancing Family Child Care.
NAFCC Team Presents Accreditation Credential Process to Louisiana Home-Based Child Care Educators
NAFCC team members Zakenya Neely, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Market Solutions, and Mischell Davis, Executive Assistant of Accreditation, were invited to present at an event hosted by For Providers, by Providers (FPXP). This New Orleans-based organization is dedicated to supporting Louisiana child care centers and early childhood educators.
During the event, Zakenya and Mischell introduced theNAFCC Care’s accreditation credential process to a passionate group of Louisiana Family Child Educators. Mischell also led outreach efforts, connecting with mission-aligned organizations that champion home-based child care in the region. We extend our gratitude to FPXP co-founders Rochelle Wilcox and Kristi Givens for their inspiring vision and commitment to advancing early child care in Louisiana.
NAFCC Staff Join All Our Kin’s 25th Anniversary Gala
Erica Phillips, Executive Director, and Andrea Maldonado, Director of Quality Assessment & Recognition, attended All Our Kin’s 25th Anniversary Gala in New York City. Several other NAFCC members, including Maria Amado, NAFCC CT State Representative, along with nationally accredited Family Child Care Educators and partners, were also in attendance.
