Professional Development Academy

Academia de desarrollo profesional 전문 개발 아카데미

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  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 10/01/2025 at 8:00 PM (EDT)

    Week 3: Curriculum Integration – Color-Informed Play-Based Activities Focus: Develop and refine curriculum activities that integrate the principles of Color Theory with play-based learning strategies.

    Week 3: Curriculum Integration – Color-Informed Play-Based Activities
    Focus: Develop and refine curriculum activities that integrate the principles of Color Theory with play-based learning strategies.
    Learning Objectives:
    • Create lesson plans or activity outlines that intentionally incorporate color elements into play-based learning.
    • Use color as a tool to reinforce educational concepts such as categorization, matching, and creative expression.
    • Design curriculum units where thematic use of color enhances student engagement and learning outcomes.
    Content & Activities:
    • Exploration Session: Review sample curriculum modules (e.g., sensory play stations, themed art projects, color scavenger hunts).
    • Activity Development: In small groups, develop a series of play-based activities with clear objectives that utilize color.
    • Role-Playing: Simulate classroom scenarios to test how the integrated activities play out in real time.
    • Collaborative Review: Provide and receive feedback on lesson plans to enhance effectiveness and creativity.
    Week 4: Implementation, Reflection, and Sustainability
    Focus: Finalize implementation plans, reflect on the integration process, and develop strategies for long-term sustainability and continuous improvement.
    Learning Objectives:
    • Formulate a detailed implementation plan that outlines steps, timelines, and resource needs for integrating play-based and color strategies in the classroom.
    • Develop methods for assessing the impact of environmental and curricular changes on student engagement and learning.
    • Build strategies for overcoming potential challenges and ensuring the sustainability of these approaches in everyday practice.
    Content & Activities:
    • Implementation Planning: Guided session on creating action plans that include setting measurable goals and identifying necessary resources.
    • Evaluation Techniques: Discussion on observation, documentation, and informal assessments to track success and areas for improvement.
    • Presentations: Participants share their implementation plans with the group, fostering a community of practice.
    • Group Discussion: Anticipate challenges and brainstorm solutions; set personal professional development goals.


    Jocelyn D Jones

    Training Specialist

    NAFCC

    Jocelyn D. Jones is a former licensed family child care provider of 12 years in the Georgia area and dynamic founder of Kappa Learning Group, LLC.

    With over 26 years of experience in early childhood education, Jocelyn is a Georgia Approved Trainer and a Professional Development Specialist for the Council For Professional Recognition. She has mentored numerous early childhood professionals and presented at esteemed platforms such as Highscope, National CDA Council, and the National Black Child Development Institute. Her presentations on cultural relativism and self-identity in early learning environments have garnered widespread recognition.

    Jocelyn’s academic achievements include a master’s degree in early childhood studies with a specialization in Teaching Adults Early Childhood Education from Walden University, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bethune-Cookman University and a Technical Credit Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Ellis College.

    Jocelyn is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Black Child Development Institute, National Association of Family Childcare, National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, National Afterschool Association, Highscope, Walden University Early Childhood Organization, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and the Council For Professional Recognition. She also served on the Advisory Board for Ashworth College’s ECE Department.

    Through her various initiatives, Jocelyn continues to inspire and uplift the early childhood education community globally. Her unwavering dedication to early childhood education, her passion for supporting educators, and her commitment to innovative learning approaches make her a leading figure in the field.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 09/23/2025 at 2:15 PM (EDT)

    This transformative session will empower every participant to recognize that leadership is not a fixed trait, but a skill set anyone can develop.

    This transformative session will empower every participant to recognize that leadership is not a fixed trait, but a skill set anyone can develop. Designed for aspiring and current board members in family child care, early care, and education, the session dismantles traditional leadership barriers by demonstrating that impactful leadership is accessible to all. By confronting harsh realities such as unclear vision, misaligned goals, and burnout, the session provides a strategic roadmap to building high-functioning, dynamic leadership boards that amplify mission, create sustainable change and distribute leadership responsibilities. Participants will receive practical tools and learn key strategies for identifying leadership gaps, developing clear communication protocols, and building a culture of mutual accountability that transforms individual and collective potential into meaningful, lasting impact.
    Learning Objectives:
    • Valuate barriers to effective leadership (unclear vision, misaligned goals, burnout) and differentiate strategies to overcome them within family child care, early care, and education boards.
    • Apply practical tools to analyze leadership gaps, design clear communication protocols, and implement systems of mutual accountability that strengthen board effectiveness.
    • Create a personalized action plan that integrates individual leadership strengths with collective goals to transform boards into dynamic, mission-driven teams capable of sustaining long-term impact.

    Francia Wisnewski

    Director of Membership

    NAFCC

    Francia Wisnewski, Montague MA Francia Wisnewski is the Director of Membership and Community Engagement at the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). In this role, she is responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects related to membership engagement and growth. This includes developing and implementing strategies to attract new members, retaining existing ones, and fostering a sense of community and collaboration among family child care educators and other stakeholders within the organization. “I am honored to be working alongside the many passionate family child care educators and community allies in Early Childhood Education. I am thankful for the opportunity to be working with NAFCC, an organization that for decades has been committed to elevating family child care systems, keeping them the core of their work. I look forward to many years of strong collaborations and the many opportunities to keep driving this mission.” Francia has over 25 years of dedicated experience in the nonprofit, education, and community organizing sectors. Raised in Cali, Colombia, her professional journey began as a science teacher in South America. In addition, her passion for philanthropy, with an equity lens at the focus, has resulted in securing at millions in funding for for new programs and innovative educational workforce structures in the family childcare sector, across multiple states. Her focus on elevating community leadership and amplifying economic development opportunities has made her a recognized authority in this space. Francia holds a bachelor's degree in Science Teacher Education/ Licentiate in Biology and Chemistry from Universidad Del Valle in Cali, Colombia. She also holds a Masters of Education in Child Study and Early Childhood from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Francia’s commitment to this work is evident. Her dedication to creating a lasting impact drives her mission to support education, advocacy, and community engagement to contribute to the successful future pipeline of childcare educators. 

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 09/17/2025 at 8:00 PM (EDT)

    Week 2: Designing Playful Learning Spaces Through Color Focus: Translate theory into practice by designing physical spaces that support both play and learning through strategic use of color.

    Week 2: Designing Playful Learning Spaces Through Color

    Focus: Translate theory into practice by designing physical spaces that support both play and learning through strategic use of color.
    Learning Objectives:
    • Identify and apply strategies for using color to create distinct, functional zones in a classroom (e.g., active play, quiet zones, creative areas).
    • Develop a basic design plan that uses color to enhance a learning environment.
    • Understand how the physical space, paired with color, can support play-based activities.
    Content & Activities:
      • Workshop: Examine principles of environmental design in early childhood settings.
      • Zone Creation: Hands-on activity to design floor plans that incorporate color-coded zones.
      • Group Brainstorming: Discuss adaptations for smaller family childcare settings.
      • Peer Feedback: Share designs and offer constructive critique to refine ideas.

    Jocelyn D Jones

    Training Specialist

    NAFCC

    Jocelyn D. Jones is a former licensed family child care provider of 12 years in the Georgia area and dynamic founder of Kappa Learning Group, LLC.

    With over 26 years of experience in early childhood education, Jocelyn is a Georgia Approved Trainer and a Professional Development Specialist for the Council For Professional Recognition. She has mentored numerous early childhood professionals and presented at esteemed platforms such as Highscope, National CDA Council, and the National Black Child Development Institute. Her presentations on cultural relativism and self-identity in early learning environments have garnered widespread recognition.

    Jocelyn’s academic achievements include a master’s degree in early childhood studies with a specialization in Teaching Adults Early Childhood Education from Walden University, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bethune-Cookman University and a Technical Credit Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Ellis College.

    Jocelyn is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Black Child Development Institute, National Association of Family Childcare, National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, National Afterschool Association, Highscope, Walden University Early Childhood Organization, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and the Council For Professional Recognition. She also served on the Advisory Board for Ashworth College’s ECE Department.

    Through her various initiatives, Jocelyn continues to inspire and uplift the early childhood education community globally. Her unwavering dedication to early childhood education, her passion for supporting educators, and her commitment to innovative learning approaches make her a leading figure in the field.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 09/11/2025 at 8:00 PM (EDT)

    Week 2: Building Resilience through Literacy Focus: Understanding resilience theory and its impact on Black and Brown learners.

    Week 2: Building Resilience through Literacy
    Intermediate
    Focus: Understanding resilience theory and its impact on Black and Brown learners.
    • Examine resilience factors that influence literacy development.
    • Explore the interplay between cultural identity, self-esteem, and academic success.
    • Review case studies of resilience in early childhood education.
    Learning Objectives: Participants will
    • Identify resilience factors crucial for literacy success.
    • Analyze strategies to build resilience in Black and Brown early learners.

    Jocelyn D Jones

    Training Specialist

    NAFCC

    Jocelyn D. Jones is a former licensed family child care provider of 12 years in the Georgia area and dynamic founder of Kappa Learning Group, LLC.

    With over 26 years of experience in early childhood education, Jocelyn is a Georgia Approved Trainer and a Professional Development Specialist for the Council For Professional Recognition. She has mentored numerous early childhood professionals and presented at esteemed platforms such as Highscope, National CDA Council, and the National Black Child Development Institute. Her presentations on cultural relativism and self-identity in early learning environments have garnered widespread recognition.

    Jocelyn’s academic achievements include a master’s degree in early childhood studies with a specialization in Teaching Adults Early Childhood Education from Walden University, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bethune-Cookman University and a Technical Credit Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Ellis College.

    Jocelyn is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Black Child Development Institute, National Association of Family Childcare, National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, National Afterschool Association, Highscope, Walden University Early Childhood Organization, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and the Council For Professional Recognition. She also served on the Advisory Board for Ashworth College’s ECE Department.

    Through her various initiatives, Jocelyn continues to inspire and uplift the early childhood education community globally. Her unwavering dedication to early childhood education, her passion for supporting educators, and her commitment to innovative learning approaches make her a leading figure in the field.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 09/10/2025 at 8:00 PM (EDT)

    Integrating Marva Collins' and Myrtle Taylor’s Methods Intermediate Focus: Practical application of culturally affirming literacy methods.

    Week 3: Integrating Marva Collins' and Myrtle Taylor’s Methods
    Intermediate
    Focus: Practical application of culturally affirming literacy methods.
    • Study the Marva Collins Approach and the "Language of Learning" by Myrtle Taylor.
    • Learn methods and strategies on  how to implement high expectations, individualized instruction, and culturally relevant pedagogy.
    • Develop classroom activities inspired by their methods.
    Learning Objectives:
    • Apply principles from Marva Collins' and Myrtle Taylor’s methodologies.
    • Design culturally relevant literacy lessons for diverse learners.

    Jocelyn D Jones

    Training Specialist

    NAFCC

    Jocelyn D. Jones is a former licensed family child care provider of 12 years in the Georgia area and dynamic founder of Kappa Learning Group, LLC.

    With over 26 years of experience in early childhood education, Jocelyn is a Georgia Approved Trainer and a Professional Development Specialist for the Council For Professional Recognition. She has mentored numerous early childhood professionals and presented at esteemed platforms such as Highscope, National CDA Council, and the National Black Child Development Institute. Her presentations on cultural relativism and self-identity in early learning environments have garnered widespread recognition.

    Jocelyn’s academic achievements include a master’s degree in early childhood studies with a specialization in Teaching Adults Early Childhood Education from Walden University, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bethune-Cookman University and a Technical Credit Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Ellis College.

    Jocelyn is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Black Child Development Institute, National Association of Family Childcare, National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, National Afterschool Association, Highscope, Walden University Early Childhood Organization, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and the Council For Professional Recognition. She also served on the Advisory Board for Ashworth College’s ECE Department.

    Through her various initiatives, Jocelyn continues to inspire and uplift the early childhood education community globally. Her unwavering dedication to early childhood education, her passion for supporting educators, and her commitment to innovative learning approaches make her a leading figure in the field.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 09/10/2025 at 8:00 PM (EDT)

    By merging play-based learning with intentional use of color in classroom design and curriculum, educators can create dynamic, sensory-rich environments that stimulate learning and development.

    Week 1: Foundations of Play-Based Learning & Color Theory

    Focus: Introduce the core principles of play-based learning and the fundamentals of Color Theory.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Define play-based learning and outline its benefits for early learners.
    • Explain the basic components of Color Theory, including the color wheel, warm and cool colors, and their psychological effects.
    • Reflect on how environmental design influences children’s learning and behavior.

    Content & Activities:

      • Interactive Lecture: Overview of play-based learning and historical context.
      • Color Theory 101: Presentation on primary/secondary colors, color mixing, and emotional impacts of color.
      • Visual Analysis: Examine photos of different classroom environments to discuss how color schemes might affect mood and engagement.
      • Reflective Journaling: Participants document their current classroom designs and note opportunities for incorporating these concepts.

    Jocelyn D Jones

    Training Specialist

    NAFCC

    Jocelyn D. Jones is a former licensed family child care provider of 12 years in the Georgia area and dynamic founder of Kappa Learning Group, LLC.

    With over 26 years of experience in early childhood education, Jocelyn is a Georgia Approved Trainer and a Professional Development Specialist for the Council For Professional Recognition. She has mentored numerous early childhood professionals and presented at esteemed platforms such as Highscope, National CDA Council, and the National Black Child Development Institute. Her presentations on cultural relativism and self-identity in early learning environments have garnered widespread recognition.

    Jocelyn’s academic achievements include a master’s degree in early childhood studies with a specialization in Teaching Adults Early Childhood Education from Walden University, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bethune-Cookman University and a Technical Credit Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Ellis College.

    Jocelyn is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Black Child Development Institute, National Association of Family Childcare, National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, National Afterschool Association, Highscope, Walden University Early Childhood Organization, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and the Council For Professional Recognition. She also served on the Advisory Board for Ashworth College’s ECE Department.

    Through her various initiatives, Jocelyn continues to inspire and uplift the early childhood education community globally. Her unwavering dedication to early childhood education, her passion for supporting educators, and her commitment to innovative learning approaches make her a leading figure in the field.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 09/04/2025 at 8:00 PM (EDT)

    This session gives an in-depth understanding of cultural relativism and self- identity. This session further explores culture, ethnocentrism, and creating identity safe learning programs.

    Participants will understand the significance of culture relativism and self-identity in early childhood care for children birth to age 5 and their families. Participants will learn how to identify ethnocentrisms, cultural biases, and eliminate negative social factors affecting children in learning environments. Participants will learn to create culturally enriched classrooms. (Beginner, Intermediate, Advance Levels)
    Learning Objective:
    • Define, and discuss culture
    • Define, analyze, and discuss the nature, forms, and effects of ethnocentrisms
    • Identify, analyze, and discuss the self-identity theory coined by Henri Tajfel 
    • Learn and  examine the benefits of identity safety classroom in early learning settings

    Jocelyn D Jones

    Training Specialist

    NAFCC

    Jocelyn D. Jones is a former licensed family child care provider of 12 years in the Georgia area and dynamic founder of Kappa Learning Group, LLC.

    With over 26 years of experience in early childhood education, Jocelyn is a Georgia Approved Trainer and a Professional Development Specialist for the Council For Professional Recognition. She has mentored numerous early childhood professionals and presented at esteemed platforms such as Highscope, National CDA Council, and the National Black Child Development Institute. Her presentations on cultural relativism and self-identity in early learning environments have garnered widespread recognition.

    Jocelyn’s academic achievements include a master’s degree in early childhood studies with a specialization in Teaching Adults Early Childhood Education from Walden University, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bethune-Cookman University and a Technical Credit Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Ellis College.

    Jocelyn is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Black Child Development Institute, National Association of Family Childcare, National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, National Afterschool Association, Highscope, Walden University Early Childhood Organization, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and the Council For Professional Recognition. She also served on the Advisory Board for Ashworth College’s ECE Department.

    Through her various initiatives, Jocelyn continues to inspire and uplift the early childhood education community globally. Her unwavering dedication to early childhood education, her passion for supporting educators, and her commitment to innovative learning approaches make her a leading figure in the field.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 09/04/2025 at 8:00 PM (EDT)

    Liberation Through Literacy: Black & Brown Equity in Early Learning is a powerful transformative training session that explores how literacy serves as a tool for empowerment and equity in Black and Brown communities.

      All training offers a certificate. Those trainings that offer CEUs will be notated in the training Title.
      Week 1: Literacy as Liberation
      Beginners
      Focus: Introduction to Liberation Pedagogy and its role in promoting literacy equity.
      • Explore the historical context of literacy as a tool for liberation in Black and Brown communities.
      • Analyze how systemic inequities shape early literacy outcomes.
      • Discuss the foundational principles of liberation pedagogy.
      Week 2: Building Resilience through Literacy
      Intermediate
      Focus: Understanding resilience theory and its impact on Black and Brown learners.
      • Examine resilience factors that influence literacy development.
      • Explore the interplay between cultural identity, self-esteem, and academic success.
      • Review case studies of resilience in early childhood education.
      Week 3: Integrating Marva Collins' and Myrtle Taylor’s Methods
      Intermediate
      Focus: Practical application of culturally affirming literacy methods.
      • Study the Marva Collins Approach and the "Language of Learning" by Myrtle Taylor.
      • Learn methods and strategies on  how to implement high expectations, individualized instruction, and culturally relevant pedagogy.
      • Develop classroom activities inspired by their methods.
      Week 4: Advocacy and Systemic Change
      Advance
      Focus: Creating systemic reform plans to support literacy equity.
      • Discuss the systemic barriers that perpetuate the achievement gap.
      • Learn how to build coalitions with families, communities, and policymakers.
      • Develop actionable advocacy plans for educational equity.

    Jocelyn D Jones

    Training Specialist

    NAFCC

    Jocelyn D. Jones is a former licensed family child care provider of 12 years in the Georgia area and dynamic founder of Kappa Learning Group, LLC.

    With over 26 years of experience in early childhood education, Jocelyn is a Georgia Approved Trainer and a Professional Development Specialist for the Council For Professional Recognition. She has mentored numerous early childhood professionals and presented at esteemed platforms such as Highscope, National CDA Council, and the National Black Child Development Institute. Her presentations on cultural relativism and self-identity in early learning environments have garnered widespread recognition.

    Jocelyn’s academic achievements include a master’s degree in early childhood studies with a specialization in Teaching Adults Early Childhood Education from Walden University, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bethune-Cookman University and a Technical Credit Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Ellis College.

    Jocelyn is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Black Child Development Institute, National Association of Family Childcare, National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, National Afterschool Association, Highscope, Walden University Early Childhood Organization, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and the Council For Professional Recognition. She also served on the Advisory Board for Ashworth College’s ECE Department.

    Through her various initiatives, Jocelyn continues to inspire and uplift the early childhood education community globally. Her unwavering dedication to early childhood education, her passion for supporting educators, and her commitment to innovative learning approaches make her a leading figure in the field.

  • Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits

    This powerful session is designed for family childcare association and network leaders who are ready to strengthen their impact through fundraising, community partnerships, and the art of storytelling.

    This powerful session is will be facilitated by Jerletha McDonald designed for family childcare association and network leaders who are ready to strengthen their impact through fundraising, community partnerships, and the art of storytelling. 
    She will guide participants through real-life, innovative strategies that move beyond traditional fundraising.
    Learning Objectives: 
    • Analyze innovative fundraising approaches and differentiate them from traditional methods to identify strategies that align with their association or network’s mission.
    • Evaluate potential community partnerships by assessing their capacity to strengthen impact and expand organizational reach. 
    •  Develop and practice storytelling techniques that effectively communicate the value and vision of family child care to stakeholders and supporters.

    Jerletha McDonald

    CEO, Family Child Care CEO & NAFCC Affiliate

    Family Childcare CEO

    Empowering Family Child Care Providers

     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 from Child Care Associates. 

  • Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Los educadores de cuidado infantil familiar conocen la magia de los libros ilustrados—¡ahora vamos a llevarla al siguiente nivel! Este taller interactivo y enriquecedor parte de tus fortalezas actuales y eleva la lectura compartida como una herramienta clave para el desarrollo cerebral, el crecimiento socioemocional y la alfabetización temprana.

    Esta es una Acreditación CEU Aprobada. Todas las capacitaciones ofrecen un certificado de participación. 
    Aquellas que otorgan CEUs estarán claramente identificadas en el título de la capacitación. Los educadores de cuidado infantil familiar conocen la magia de los libros ilustrados—¡ahora vamos a llevarla al siguiente nivel! Este taller interactivo y dinámico parte de las fortalezas que ya posees y eleva la lectura compartida a nuevas alturas. Exploraremos cómo los libros ilustrados pueden ser utilizados no solo durante la hora del cuento, sino como herramientas poderosas para fomentar el desarrollo cerebral, el crecimiento socioemocional y la alfabetización temprana. Profundizaremos en la ciencia del desarrollo cerebral en la primera infancia y presentaremos estrategias divertidas y prácticas—como la lectura dialógica y la lectura repetida—que despiertan la curiosidad infantil y potencian el aprendizaje. Ven preparado(a) para jugar, reflexionar y salir con nuevas ideas que transformarán cada lectura en una experiencia enriquecedora y alegre para los niños a tu cuidado. 
     Al finalizar esta sesión, los participantes podrán: 
    • Describir cómo el desarrollo cerebral temprano se ve influenciado por las experiencias de lectura compartida, y explicar la conexión entre los libros ilustrados y el crecimiento cognitivo, lingüístico y socioemocional en la primera infancia.
    •  Identificar y practicar técnicas de lectura dialógica y otras estrategias interactivas que aumentan la participación, el vocabulario y la comprensión de los niños durante la lectura de cuentos.
    •  Aplicar nuevos enfoques para seleccionar y utilizar libros ilustrados que apoyen un aprendizaje más profundo, involucren a las familias y fomenten entornos ricos en alfabetización y llenos de alegría en programas de cuidado infantil familiar con grupos de edades mixtas. 

    Francia Wisnewski

    Director of Membership

    NAFCC

    Francia Wisnewski, Montague MA Francia Wisnewski is the Director of Membership and Community Engagement at the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). In this role, she is responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects related to membership engagement and growth. This includes developing and implementing strategies to attract new members, retaining existing ones, and fostering a sense of community and collaboration among family child care educators and other stakeholders within the organization. “I am honored to be working alongside the many passionate family child care educators and community allies in Early Childhood Education. I am thankful for the opportunity to be working with NAFCC, an organization that for decades has been committed to elevating family child care systems, keeping them the core of their work. I look forward to many years of strong collaborations and the many opportunities to keep driving this mission.” Francia has over 25 years of dedicated experience in the nonprofit, education, and community organizing sectors. Raised in Cali, Colombia, her professional journey began as a science teacher in South America. In addition, her passion for philanthropy, with an equity lens at the focus, has resulted in securing at millions in funding for for new programs and innovative educational workforce structures in the family childcare sector, across multiple states. Her focus on elevating community leadership and amplifying economic development opportunities has made her a recognized authority in this space. Francia holds a bachelor's degree in Science Teacher Education/ Licentiate in Biology and Chemistry from Universidad Del Valle in Cali, Colombia. She also holds a Masters of Education in Child Study and Early Childhood from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Francia’s commitment to this work is evident. Her dedication to creating a lasting impact drives her mission to support education, advocacy, and community engagement to contribute to the successful future pipeline of childcare educators.