Florida Family Child Care Home Association

Apply for Accreditation Scholarships!
2026-01-27 - 2026-07-22
2025-26 Credential Scholarship Application Apply Now! Funding is available now but it is limited.
MUST apply by June 1, 2026 so we can process and pay NAFCC before June 30, 2026.
2025-26 Aplicación de beca para Credenciales en el periodo de tiempo de Julio 1, 2025 al Junio 1, 2026.
Requirements: Must be a Florida regulated Licensed or Large Licensed Family Child Care Provider and a FFCCHA chapter provider member.
NEW members can apply NOW too!
Applying for: $200 $325 $385 $615

NAFCC Accreditation: Self Study $385 – full scholarship
NAFCC New Accreditation: Application $615 – full scholarship
NAFCC Re-Accredit Application $615 – full scholarship
NAFCC Accreditation 18 Month Up-date $200 – full scholarship
NAFCC Accreditation Observer Training $325
NAFCC Accreditation Quality Ambassador $325

Note: $950/person/year is the maximum awarded in time period July 1, 2025 – June 1, 2026
Please submit this application along with

One letter of recommendation (dated within past 6 mos.) from any of the following: Child Care Agency, Early Learning Coalition, local FFCCHA Chapter, current parent/client from your FCC home, Food Program sponsor, Training Instructor, Licensing, Community or State College.
Copy of your current NAFCC Membership Card or Receipt of purchase.
Copy of your family child care license.

Virtual Training: Clock’s Ticking - Advocacy, Action and Next Steps for Family Child Care Educators
2025-10-16 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
October 16, 2025 (Thur) 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm FFCCHA Virtual Training Oct 16 FORM <—registration form must be submitted too!
Training Registration Fee: $40 ($30 scholarships available)
FFCCHA members Pay only $10 (for FL licensed or registered providers or co-providers)
Online Payments are available NOW! https://familychildcare.org/product-category/virtual-in-service-training/
“Clock’s Ticking – Advocacy, Action and Next Steps for Family Child Care Educators” 1.5 hours

Presenter: Tasheba Berry, Author, Speaker, Coach & Mentor, “A Voice for Change” info@tashebaberry.com
Together, we’ll focus on urgent issues — Large Family Child Care Home Insurance, Distracted Driver and Flu Forms, increasing early education pay and other challenges. Participants will learn the steps needed to capture legislators’ attention, incorporate these priorities into Senate or House bills, and utilize powerful advocacy tools to make their voices heard.
IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE, YOU MUST SUBMIT a REGISTRATION FORM, BE PRESENT THE ENTIRE TRAINING SESSION,

and SUBMIT ONLINE EVALUATION after training. https://familychildcare.org/resources/forms/workshop-evaluation/

PLEASE NOTE: Arrive as early as 5:45 pm to sign in. Training starts promptly at 6:00pm!
Registration Fee: Registration scholarships are available for FFCCHA provider members who are Florida Registered OR Licensed family child care providers and co-providers and submit the registration form by email or mail
An email with link to zoom class will be sent to you after FFCCHA has received your registration.
IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A TRAINING CERTIFICATE YOU MUST:

1. Submit Payment (Mail payment OR pay with credit card ONLINE*)
2. Be present the entire ZOOM training session
3. Submit the Registration form via mail or email to: scholarhship@familychildcare.org

4. Complete and submit an evaluation after the training at this link: Evaluation

Questions about the Training? email: training@familychildcare.org

Deadline to Reserve Hotel for Summit
2025-10-31
All members are welcome to attend!
November 8, 2025 (Saturday) 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Book Group Rate for FFCCHA Annual Leadership Summit Nov 8, 2025, Kissimmee
Free Breakfast with booked hotel room!
Hotel Early Bird Deadline EXTENDED to October 31, 2025 <——-Hurry and reserve now!
Register online FFCCHA Leadership Summit Nov 8 Registration Form

FFCCHA Leadership Summit in Kissimmee
2025-11-08 08:00 - 17:30 | Embassy Suites, 4955 Kyngs Heath Road, Kissimmee, Florida, 34746
Reserve your hotel room(s) NOW! Hotel Deadline EXTENDED to Oct 31, 2025
Hotel Link is below for FFCCHA Leadership Summit at Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South
Link to Book Group Rate $169 for FFCCHA Annual Leadership Summit Nov 8, 2025, Kissimmee
Stronger Together: Empowering Teams for Lasting Impact
Presenter: Valorie Wilkerson
Lead your Business… Lead your Program…. Leading an Organization… Lead it with Unity!!
Join us for a dynamic leadership session designed to help leaders, entrepreneurs and teams communicate effectively, build trust, and work toward a shared vision. Through hands-on strategies and reflection, participants will learn how to strengthen collaboration, resolve conflict, and inspire collective accountability. Walk away with practical tools and a renewed commitment to leading teams that thrive – together.
Valorie Wilkerson is an experienced educator, consultant, and leadership trainer with over 25 years in early childhood education and organizational development.
We will also cover: FFCCHA’s History, Area Local Leader Development – Chapter Leader Development –
Advocacy – Project Updates – Conference Updates
Training Registration Fee: $140
FFCCHA members Pay only $40 (for FL licensed or registered providers or co-providers)
Registration Deadline: November 1
2025 FFCCHA Leadership Summit Registration Form for November 8

pay with credit card online

Email form to: scholarship@familychildcare.org Questions: email or call 813-493-0828 training@familychildcare.org

Newsletter Deadline for January issue
2025-11-17
Newsletter Advertising Form
Yes! We would like to advertise in “The Grapevine” newsletter. Submit ads in grey tone and color in JPEG with portrait orientation. The color ad will be used on our website version of the newsletter.
Deadline dates are:
November 17 January Issue
February 17 April Issue
May 10 July Issue
August 17 October Issue
BW Business Card Size $50
BW ¼ page (5”x 3½”) = $75
BW ½ page (5”x 7”) = $125
BW Full page (7” x 9½”) = $200
Outside Cover in color in print version = $200 (½ page landscape)
Special Package Rates:
(4 issues) “Yearly”
Full page $675 (savings of $125)
Half page inside $425 (savings of $75)
Quarter page $250 (savings of $50)
Business Card $175 (savings of $25)
“Super Saver” $350 (savings of $75)
One Full page and three Quarter pages
“Be Noticed” $675 (savings of $125)
Half page on Outside Cover in Color (4 issues)
This will be seen first by everyone!
Make check payable to: FFCCHA, Inc. Mail to: FFCCHA, 9207 Edgemont Lane, Boca Raton, FL 33434
Need more info? Contact: FFCCHA Secretary@familychildcare.org

Apply for Board positions
2026-01-15
Passionate about your profession as a family child care provider? Interested in promoting FFCCHA’s mission?
Apply NOW for a VACANT Executive Committee Board positions to start immediately!! Executive Committee Application
Latino Liaison (elected in odd numbered year)
The Latino Liaison is the representative for the Latino Council (Concilio Latino) meetings and responsible for all correspondence and information sent to the Latino providers and community (including input for the continuous development of the Spanish version of the FFCCHA website). This officer assists the Professional Development Officer in organizing trainings for the Latino providers, assists as a translator and organizes the annual caucus at the state conference. He/she is also responsible for recruiting regional Latino delegates to join the Latino Council and serving on the Translation Committee.
Apply NOW for Executive Committee positions to start July 1, 2026
Treasurer, Membership, Professional Development, Chapter Coordinator, Secretary
Apply NOW for Current Vacant Positions for Area Reps to start immediately: Area Rep Application
Current Open Areas: 2,3,4,6,9,11,12,14,15,19,20,22,23,24,25,26,27,30,31

Submit Area Rep applications to: Mary Morris
ALL current Even numbers NOW must re-apply now if they want to serve another 2 yr term (2026). Odd numbers elected in Odd years (2027)
ALL EVEN numbers OPEN for July 1, 2026 term.
Apply NOW for Current Vacant Positions for Chairs: Chair Application
Committee Chairs (non-board positions): see Committee Chair Position and Descriptions
Applications are available at on the “Forms” page under Resources https://familychildcare.org/Resources/forms/ or contact:
Nomination Chair, Mayra Marquez Applications can be submitted via e-mail, mail, fax or hand delivery.
Questions? E-mail: nominations@familychildcare.org
OR call: (407) 452-2967
FFCCHA Mission Statement (Revised 2024)
Family Child Care Home Providers have successful, respected, businesses that provide quality programs for children and families.
And we accomplish our mission by promoting and encouraging professional family child care through education, legislation, advocacy, caring and love.
Our Goal is… To give the highest quality of early care and education to Florida’s youngest citizens. To achieve this, we offer high quality training and education to Family Child Care providers/educators.
“No one can do everything but EVERYONE can do something!”
If you are a family child care provider and have a passion for your profession and are interested in promoting our mission, please submit an Executive Committee, Area Rep, or Chair application.
APPLY to start NOW
Apply NOW for Executive Committee positions to start July 1, 2026
Deadline is January 15 to apply for FFCCHA Board positions to start July 1, 2026:
APPLY to start July 1 Even Year Board Job Descriptions
Treasurer (elected in even numbered year)
The Treasurer is responsible for maintaining all bank accounts and financial transactions of the Association. This person works closely with the Financial Assistant. The treasurer shall have custody of all association funds; shall keep a full and accurate account of receipts and expenditures; and shall make disbursements by their due dates or in a timely manner and in accordance with the approved budget, as authorized by the Full Board and the Executive Committee. At least two signatures will be on file at the bank with one signature required on all association checks. The treasurer serves on and oversees the following committee: Finance and ad-hoc committees: Budget and Audit.
Membership (elected in even numbered year)
The Membership Officer is responsible for: contacting expired members and encouraging them to renew. THIS Description is under review for Revision. collecting, maintaining, and completing all records of membership dues paid to FFCCHA, Inc. and dues for NAFCC; give an updated report for newsletter and at each Full Board meeting and General Meeting; keeping Membership applications on file; recording, writing and keeping the dates of receipt and dates of deposit of dues on file; submitting mailing list for The Grapevine and conference brochure; submitting members who join NAFCC. This officer serves on and oversees the following committee: Membership Development which includes membership drives, benefits, awards and parent memberships.
Professional Development Coordinator (elected in even numbered year)
The Professional Development Officer is responsible for: securing, planning and coordinating training for the quarterly meetings and the annual Leadership Summit for the Association. Duties include: coordinating and organizing all on-site or virtual arrangements for all classes; organizing and coordinating the application process for training applicants; recording and processing any and all fees received; organizing and maintaining all training materials; and submitting all documents for the quarterly meeting and DCF contract reports. This officer serves on and oversees the following committees: CEU, MENTOR and Credential Scholarship.
Chapter Coordinator (elected in even numbered year)
The Chapter Coordinator is the liaison on the Executive Committee on behalf of the Chapter
Representatives of the local chapters. The coordinator is responsible for sending all
correspondence/information to the Chapter Representatives, assisting and certifying that groups
seeking to become chapter status have complied with all requirements and submitting reports
to the newsletter. This officer leads the quarterly Chapter Rep meetings and oversees chapter
development by conducting technical assistance, training, or new chapter orientation as needed.
Secretary (elected in even numbered year)
The secretary is responsible for taking attendance and minutes at all general, executive and full board meetings, and any others as needed. This officer keeps an official copy of all association records, including email votes, writes and sends correspondence as directed by the Executive Board, logs and files incoming and outgoing correspondence, routing copies to the appropriate officers and/or members and submits brief meeting news article for the newsletter. The secretary serves on and oversees the Chaplain, Hospitality and Historian committees.
In addition to their position duties, Executive Committee members are required to:
Attend all quarterly: Executive Committee Meetings, Full Board Meetings, and annual: Executive Committee Development weekend, Leadership Summit, Conference, and General Meeting.

Submit Officer Reports to the Secretary and President two (2) weeks prior to Full Board and General Meetings.
Submit reports, forms, or articles to the Newsletter Editor by the quarterly deadlines, if required for their position.
Respond promptly to all email correspondence and phone communication.
Come prepared and arrive on time to all meetings.
Work independently and work together with committees and all board members as a TEAM.

Apply by January 15, 2027 for Executive Committee Board – 2yr terms to start July 1, 2027:
President, Vice President, Area Rep Coordinator, Latino Liaison

Virtual Full Board Meeting
2026-01-31
Starts at noon. Members are welcome. Request a link from the organizer.

Newsletter Deadline for April issue
2026-02-17
Newsletter Advertising Form
Yes! We would like to advertise in “The Grapevine” newsletter. Submit ads in grey tone and color in JPEG with portrait orientation. The color ad will be used on our website version of the newsletter.
Deadline dates are:
November 17 January Issue
February 17 April Issue
May 10 July Issue
August 17 October Issue
BW Business Card Size $50
BW ¼ page (5”x 3½”) = $75
BW ½ page (5”x 7”) = $125
BW Full page (7” x 9½”) = $200
Outside Cover in color in print version = $200 (½ page landscape)
Special Package Rates:
(4 issues) “Yearly”
Full page $675 (savings of $125)
Half page inside $425 (savings of $75)
Quarter page $250 (savings of $50)
Business Card $175 (savings of $25)
“Super Saver” $350 (savings of $75)
One Full page and three Quarter pages
“Be Noticed” $675 (savings of $125)
Half page on Outside Cover in Color (4 issues)
This will be seen first by everyone!
Make check payable to: FFCCHA, Inc. Mail to: FFCCHA, 9207 Edgemont Lane, Boca Raton, FL 33434
Need more info? Contact: secretary@familychildcare.org

Call for Conference Workshop Proposals Deadline
2026-02-28 | Embassy Suites, 4955 Kyngs Heath Road, Kissimmee, Florida, 34746
Call for Workshop Proposals for FFCCHA 2026 <—- Use this link to submit.
Enhancing Our Minds…in 2026, June 24-28
Call for FFCCHA Conference Workshop Proposals – Deadline February 28, 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South
4955 Kyngs Heath Rd
Kissimmee, FL 34746

Save the Date 2026
Pre-Conference: June 24-25, Conference Workshops: June 26-27, Sunday AM Closing: June 28
Please list contact information, workshop title, and description as you want it printed in the Conference program book. However, FFCCHA has right to edit all submissions.
Reminder to email your resume to: conference@familychildcare.org

Tax Essentials for FCC Educators
2026-03-14 09:00 - 11:00
Tax Essentials for Family Child Care Educators 2 hours
Presenter: Lorrie Ann Brinson, CPA, CGFO, MBA/PA is a Florida-licensed CPA with over 23 years of experience in accounting and finance. She provides tax preparation and advisory services for individuals and small businesses and offers training on business setup, internal controls, and QuickBooks support.
This session will break down the tax essentials child care educators need to stay organized, protect their income, and file with confidence. We will cover simple, real-world recordkeeping, common deductions, time-space percentage (and the mistakes that can cost you), and planning ahead for estimated and self-employment taxes. We will also talk about sustainability, including why paying yourself matters and how separating business and personal finances can keep your program strong long-term.
Training Registration Fee: $40 ($30 scholarships available)
FFCCHA members Pay only $10 (for FL licensed or registered Educators/providers or co-providers)
Online Payments are available! https://familychildcare.org/product-category/virtual-in-service-training/
Or Make check payable to FFCCHA, Inc.
Please submit this complete March 14 form with payment to:
FFCCHA
9207 Edgemont Lane
Boca Raton, FL 33434
Questions? Email training@familychildcare.org or call 813-493-0828
Deadline: March 9, 2026 Email Form to: scholarship@familychildcare.org

Deadline to enter the Photo Contest - your child's photo could be inside the heart next year!
2026-05-05 | Embassy Suites, 4955 Kyngs Heath Road, Kissimmee, Florida, 34746
2026 Parent Sponsor Entry Form(color version) to Display at Capitol Rotunda (must be sent by Feb 14 for Tallahassee display on February 22-27) and the June Conference. 2025 Parent Sponsor Photo Entry Form BxW for the photo contest on the 2028 Conference materials. 2026 Forma de entrar en Espanol and 2025 Photo Entry Form BxW en Espanol Deadline is May 5, 2026 for the Photo Contest for 2028
You can mail payment or submit photo contest online on the FFCCHA Conference shop
For a $15 donation, your child can also enter a photo contest for the hand-shaped heart FFCCHA Conference Logo for “Enhancing Our Minds in 2026.” Note: Parent or child(ren) name will not be printed on conference marketing materials. Photo Contest Rules in order to be able to use the photo in print publications.
1. E-mail entries must contain a hi-resolution color photograph uploaded in compliance with the Contest requirements, in JPEG format with picture dimensions at least 1800 x 1200 pixels and 300 dpi. Send to: jjbrown@thechildrensforum.com
2. Entries that contain photographs (digital) that do not comply with the specifications or any other requirements stated herein will be automatically disqualified.
3. All Entries become the property of Sponsor, and none will be acknowledged or returned. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible, or misdirected entries.
4. Entries that contain inappropriate images such as but not limited to nudity will be disqualified.
5. Entries that contain any type of advertising or logo images will be disqualified. This includes visible clothing brands.
6. Child(ren) must currently be in care at a family child care home of a provider member of FFCCHA.
7. Parent or legal guardian must sign and submit a photo release.
8. Deadline for photo submissions is May 5, 2026.
Tips for making sure your photo qualifies for the contest:
1. Make sure your camera is set on the highest pixel setting. The file size will be large, but big can be reduced by the graphic designer. Small pictures can’t be enlarged!
2. When emailing your digital photo, do NOT reduce the file size. Keep it at the original size.
3. If your computer or email system does not want to send it because the file size is too large, save the picture to a CD and mail the CD in a protective CD case.
4. Close up shots are best, zoom in on the child(s) face. These are the priceless shots we need for the FFCCHA publications.
5. Photography from professional photographers are not acceptable and will not be acknowledged or returned.

National Provider Appreciation Day
2026-05-08
Provider Appreciation Day website
May 8, 2026 Provider Day 2026 Provider Day Letter To Parents 2026 Espanol pagina de padres
Dear Parents,
All year long your child care provider gives to your child and family from 2026ProviderDayLetterToParentsSpanishGFtheir heart. Friday, May 8th, 2026 is a day to give back. Provider Appreciation Day is the national day of recognition for child care providers. This day was purposely selected to be celebrated annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day. It is a day to give a special “thank you” to providers for their dedication to this profession.
Parents with children in child care are encouraged to take this day to show their child care provider how much they appreciate her/him. It takes a very special person to work in this field and their contribution to the quality of family life frequently goes unnoticed. Do not let this day go by without a special thank you to this person who is so important to your child. It does not have to be an elaborate gift, nor do you have to spend a lot of time or money. A nice thank you card or a letter of appreciation from you and your child would mean the world to them.
A few suggestions for a special ‘thank you’ are:

Get together with other parents to create a surprise
Send flowers or a plant for the yard
Bring lunch for the provider and children
Buy learning materials or equipment for the play area
Work with your child to create a special remembrance
Provide a gift certificate for their hobby or special interest
Gift card for a local restaurant, movie theater, or nail salon
Sponsor provider to attend the FFCCHA conference in June

Florida Family Child Care Home Association Thanks You for taking the time to select a quality family child care environment for your child.
Sincerely,
Gertrude Freeman-Ford – FFCCHA President
