Leaders Shaping Leaders (LSL) Fellows Academy Program FAQs

Leaders Shaping Leaders is a year-long hybrid leadership development program designed to empower rising leaders within the family child care community.

The program pairs teams of two FCC educators who collaborate on a community capstone project that benefits the FCC field in their local or state communities. Participants receive mentorship, coaching, and resources from NAFCC to strengthen their leadership skills and make a meaningful impact.

• Watch the Leaders Shaping Leaders Informational Video
• See examples of past LSL Projects

For more detailed information, contact professionaldevelopment@nafcc.org.

Participants must meet the following required criteria:

• Be a family child care educator with at least one year of experience.
• Be a current NAFCC member.
• Have a strong interest in developing leadership skills and creating a meaningful community project.
• Commit to attending required training sessions, workshops, and monthly meetings as part of the program.
• Both team members must be actively engaged in the FCC field, ensuring that the project is relevant and impactful.

Yes. The LSL program follows a Team Approach, and applicants apply as teams of two. This structure promotes shared leadership and accountability.
Team Composition:
Each partner must be a family child care educator committed to leadership growth and the community project.

If you don’t have a partner:
You are encouraged to connect with the professional development team at professionaldevelopment@nafcc.org to be added to a waitlist of prospective leaders looking to be partnered.

1. Team Application: Complete the online application and upload individual resumes and documentation January through February.
2. Selection: Applications are reviewed by NAFCC’s facilitation team in March.
3. Interview: Both partners will be interviewed in April through May.
4. Acceptance: Selected teams are notified and onboarded for the new cohort in June.

Up to 15 teams are chosen annually based on demonstrated leadership potential, commitment to the FCC field, and the potential impact of their proposed project.

Each project should benefit the family child care field at the local or state level. Examples include:

• Creating professional resources for FCC educators.
• Advocating for supportive FCC policy.
• Hosting local training or community events.
• Building partnerships with local organizations
• Starting an Association/Affiliating with NAFCC.

See examples of past projects here.

The LSL program is a hybrid model, blending virtual and in-person experiences:

• Virtual sessions on leadership, advocacy, and project management.
• Monthly team check-ins and mentorship/coaching meetings.
• 2 in-person sessions at the NAFCC Annual Conference.

The program lasts one year, including about 30 total Saturday sessions and occasional Thursday evenings. Participants should dedicate at least 10-15 hours each month to project work, meetings, and training.

Project success is assessed by:

• Impact: How the project influences the FCC ecosystem at the local and state level.
• Sustainability: Ability to continue beyond the program year.
• Leadership Growth: Skills gained by participants.
• Community Engagement: Collaboration with local stakeholders and FCC educators.

Upon successful completion of LSL, participants will:

• Strengthen leadership, advocacy, and project management skills.
• Be recognized as leaders in the FCC field with opportunities to share outcomes.
• Access new professional pathways such as:
  • LSL Facilitator
  • Policy Fellow
  • State Representative
  • NAFCC Board Member
  • Affiliate Program Leadership
  • Advocacy in Action initiatives.
• Join the LSL alumni network for continued growth, mentorship, and collaboration.
• Gain credibility and visibility within the national FCC community.

Applications are available through the NAFCC website. Visit the LSL page for details, eligibility, and submission instructions. Applications are accepted annually January through March—check for current deadlines and announcements.

Participants will enhance skills in:

• Advocacy and Policy Leadership
• Public Speaking and Communication
• Project Management and Strategic Planning
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Resource Development and Problem Solving

Examples include:

• Creating FCC resource guides or professional workshops.
• Starting an Association
• Advocating for local or state FCC policy changes.
• Building FCC professional learning networks.
• Launching community partnerships and early education initiatives.

See more project example here.

Yes, as long as the project benefits the broader FCC community, not just your business. Projects can expand upon your existing work in ways that increase community impact or strengthen the FCC field.

Projects should aim to:

• Address an unmet need or gap in the FCC ecosystem.
• Create sustainable, tangible benefits for educators and families.
• Foster long-term collaboration among FCC providers, families, and community partners.

Yes. Participants are expected to provide regular progress updates to NAFCC through check-ins and a final project report summarizing outcomes, challenges, and lessons learned.

Challenges are part of the leadership process. Participants receive mentorship, coaching, and problem-solving support from NAFCC facilitators and peers throughout the year.

NAFCC does not directly fund projects but provides guidance on how to access resources, including:

• Grant writing and funding strategies.
• Partnership development for financial or in-kind support.
• Access to small stipends when available for project materials or workshops.

Yes. Participants connect through:

• Virtual networking sessions and group meetings.
• In-person events such as the NAFCC Annual Conference.
• The LSL Alumni Network for ongoing collaboration and peer support.

After graduation, participants are encouraged to:

• Mentor future LSL teams.
• Join the LSL Alumni Network.
• Engage in advocacy initiatives at the local, state, or national level.
• Attend NAFCC conferences and events.
• Serve in leadership roles such as Policy Fellow, State Representative, or Affiliate Leader.

Participants receive:

• Ongoing mentorship and coaching from experienced FCC leaders.
• Professional development opportunities in leadership and advocacy.
• Access to resources and networking through NAFCC’s Professional Development Department.
• Personalized guidance to overcome project challenges and build confidence as leaders.

Participation in LSL requires commitment and accountability.
Participants are expected to:

• Attend all mandatory sessions and meetings.
• Communicate proactively with teammates and NAFCC staff.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and respect.
• Maintain consistent engagement in project development.

Regular attendance and participation are essential to ensure program success.