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Professional Development Academy

Discover a Wealth of Resources on Our PD Academy E-Learning Platform. Our PD Academy platform is designed to give you access to essential tools and resources whenever you need them.

Protecting Children's Health

Eco-Healthy Child Care® (EHCC) Program

This presentation, with speakers from the Eco-Healthy Child Care® (EHCC) Program, will provide an overview of key concepts in children’s environmental health and the EHCC framework for creating safer and healthier child care environments. The session will explore the connections between environmental exposures and child health outcomes, with a particular focus on indoor air quality and the health impacts of extreme heat. Participants will gain insight into evidence-based practices and actionable measures that child care professionals can implement to support healthier spaces for children to learn and grow.

Join us on April 22 at 12pm EST.

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The NAFCC Professional Development Swag Store

NAFCC Professional Development Swag Now Available!

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On-Demand Tax Sessions

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PD Academy on Demand

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Live Sessions

Other Live Sessions

Live Web Event on 04/22/2026 at 12:00 PM (EDT)

This presentation, with speakers from the Eco-Healthy Child Care® (EHCC) Program, will provide an overview of key concepts in children’s environmental health and the EHCC framework for creating safer and healthier child care environments.

Speakers:
Elisabeth Repp – CEHN Eco-Healthy Child Care Program Assistant, Children’s Environmental Health Network
Jessica Mauricio Price – Eco-Health Child Care® Program Manager, Children’s Environmental Health Network

This training is This is a CEU Approved Accreditation. This training offers a certificate. Join Jocelyn D Jones, NAFCC Training Specialist and special guest, Tessie Ragan the founder of Perfect Start Learning in this powerful training, The Social Emotional Learning of the Military Child.

Speakers:
Tessie Ragan – Founder & Owner of Perfect Start Learning Perfect Start Learning
Jocelyn D Jones – Training Specialist NAFCC

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FCC Guest Facilitator

Jerletha McDonald

Jerletha McDonald

CEO, Family Child Care CEO & NAFCC Affiliate
Family Childcare CEO

Jerletha McDonald is a social entrepreneur, family child care business consultant, and national speaker. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies with a minor in Early Childhood Intervention from Stephen F. Austin State University. For 15 years, Jerletha owned and operated Nurturing Gifts Infant and Toddler Center, a family child care center. She is the founder of the Arlington DFW Family Child Care Network and has over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education.

Jerletha served as the Senior Manager of Membership and Volunteer Affairs for the National Association for Family Child Care for 3 years. She now works as a family child care consultant and subject matter expert specializing in Family Child Care. Jerletha has a special interest in the economic development of women of color in early care and education, with a primary focus on Family Child Care. Jerletha works with family childcare entrepreneurs to help them transition into regulated operations, build sustainable business models, and develop financial plans. She has conducted trainings on business mindset, marketing, leadership development, family child care startups, and more. Jerletha has also presented keynotes and workshops at local, state, and national events.

In April 2016, Jerletha was recognized by the Grand Prairie NAACP as one of the Most Influential Women in Business. In 2018, she was appointed to Governor Greg Abbott’s Early Learning Council, representing family child care providers in Texas. In 2020, she received the North Texas Early Childhood Leadership Award.

2026 NAFCC National Conference

Building Bridges, Raising Voices, Shaping Futures

Chicago, IL
July 16-18, 2026

BriAnne Moline

Brianne Moline
Professional Development Specialist

jocelyn dionne

Jocelyn D Jones
Training Specialist

Emily Fallon

Emily Fallon
Conference Coordinator

Mailbox Buddies: Penpal Pilot Program

Launching August 2025, the Mailbox Buddies Penpal Pilot Program is a new, year-long initiative led by the NAFCC Professional Development Department. This exciting program was conceptualized by Tessie Ragan, a dedicated Family Child Care (FCC) provider and State Representative, whose vision was to bring early literacy and national connection to life through the power of the written word.

Free English/Español Professional Development with NAFCC and Stanford FIND

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NAFCC is excited to partner with Stanford FIND to offer five high quality, research-based, video-rich courses for family child care educators. This program will empower family child care educators with practical strategies grounded in scientific research that can be immediately put into practice to enhance positive interactions, promote child development, and effectively manage challenging child behavior. Each course has been aligned with NAFCC Accreditation Quality Standards. Join us in enhancing your skills and strengthening your impact in early childhood education through this valuable learning experience.

Click on the Link below to Start your Professional Development Journey!

Leaders Shaping Leaders – Professional Leadership Fellowship

The Academy is a dynamic In-Person & Virtual Learning series that includes 30 sessions of interactive education and networking. 15 NAFCC Association leaders & 15 emerging leaders will participate in a year-long professional development of FCC specific leadership building and knowledge transfer in the four pillars listed. It is a curriculum strategically designed to strengthen institutional knowledge of FCC professionals and develop an appreciation for the importance of networking and strong connections in the setting.