We're happy you're here to take this journey with us!!
Before you apply, here's what you should know: All applications are electronically submitted. Handwritten mailed applications will not be accepted. Primary Applicant (mentor) and Co-Applicant (mentee) must complete the application together. NAFCC will accept one application per duo. A duo comprises two applicants from the same state – a Primary Applicant (mentor) and a Co-Applicant (mentee).
The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) welcomes all existing/prospective members of NAFCC to apply to our premier leadership program. Leaders Shaping Leaders is a fellowship program exclusively for Family Child Care Educators. Leaders Shaping Leaders is intended to cultivate FCC leaders and impact tomorrow’s early care and education system. Leaders Shaping Leaders is an exclusive NAFCC membership benefit. If you are not a member of NAFCC, you are welcome to purchase a membership and apply for our Fellowship Program.
The 2026-2027 Leaders Shaping Leaders (LSL) Fellowship is a FREE, virtual, one-year, 30 session program that combines association leadership, business strategies, public policy, and citizenship skills into a curriculum to promote the best interests of family childcare educators and the families they serve. In addition, you will be exposed to a network of peer mentors with diverse experiences, shared practices and current strategies that can be immediately be applicable to participants’ professional situations.
The one-year fellowship program is designed by the National Association for Family Child Care in partnership with the National Parent Leadership Institute and National Women's Law Center to support a community of family childcare leaders. Thirty applicants, consisting of both established and emerging leaders, will be selected to participate in the program.
LSL aims to:
• Help FCC leaders sharpen their ability to sit as expert representatives of home-based childcare in their local and state communities.
• Increase positive FCC leader interactions and improve association success through membership engagement.
• Build awareness of best business practices for association viability and support participating FCC leaders in financial planning for their futures.
• Train FCC leaders to be active participants in the democratic process and participate in community policy development and problem resolution.
The experience of the Leaders Shaping Leaders includes:
• Participation in a community of practice and opportunities to network with other FCC leaders
• An initial virtual two-day retreat.
• Bi-weekly, two-hour virtual educational sessions that focus on knowledge about the change process, skill-building, leadership development, and tools of civic engagement
• Community project designed by each leader pair
• Resources, support, and technical assistance that enhances their leadership experience
• A celebration at the completion of the fellowship
Why join?
• To expand your network of FCC advocates across the nation.
• To increase your professional and leadership toolkit.
• To become a community agent of change.
• To start or grow your family childcare network or association.
• To secure your business legacy.
• To start or grow your family child care association
A Primary Applicant is a Family Child Care Professional:
• With at least five years of experience as a family child care provider
• Takes formal or informal action on behalf of family child care
• Is ready to invest in themselves, their communities, their career and leave a legacy
A Co-Applicant is a Family Child Care Professional:
• With a least one year of experience as a family child care provider
• Who has been identified as an emerging leader by the Primary Applicant to help continue the legacy of family child care
• Is ready to invest in themselves, their community, and career
Who should apply?
• Seasoned leaders looking to work with the next generation of FCC leaders.
• FCC educators looking to start or expand their FCC group or organization.
• FCC professionals who want to go deeper into the public policy process.
• Anyone who has taken a stand for children, families, and FCC.
• Those who want to be a part of the decisions and policies that affect home-based child care.
Fellowship Expectations
• This fellowship is an investment of time. Over one year, Fellows will meet biweekly for thirty sessions on Saturday's, Thursdays, and days altered due to holidays listed below including a two-day virtual retreat.
• Have access to high-speed internet.
• Electronic device capable of zoom.
• State Teams will be required to complete a community project and homework assignments.
**All fellows will receive a stipend to attend the NAFCC conference provided the above expectations are met, assignments completed, and required attendance is adheared to.
Primary Applicant (mentor) and Co-Applicant (mentee) must provide the following information (One application per team)
Primary Applicant (mentor)
• Personal Statement/Letter of Interest – Tell us about yourself: What draws families to you? Why do you keep doing this work? Why did you apply? (500-word maximum)
• What issues concern you for family childcare and the communities they serve?
• What skills would you like to learn to be a strong family childcare leader?
Co-Applicant (mentee)
• Personal Statement/Letter of Interest – Tell us about yourself: What draws families to you? Why do you keep doing this work? Why did you apply? (500-word maximum)
• What issues concern you for family childcare and the communities they serve?
• What skills would you like to learn to be a strong family childcare leader?
Primary Applicant Only - Please write a letter of recommendation for the family childcare educator you will be bringing on this journey with you as a mentee. (500-word maximum)
Primary Applicant Only – Please provide us with a letter of recommendation from an organization you have worked within your community (500 words maximum)
Selection Process.
Phase 1 - Applications are accepted from April 11- May 31, 2026. Due to high program demand, consider submitting your applications as soon as the submission date opens. Only complete applications meeting all qualifications will be reviewed.
Phase 2 - Fellows selected for interviews will be notified within 5 days of application submission date. Interviews will be scheduled from May 3-June 18, 2026. Both the primary applicant and co-applicant will need to be available to interview together. The interviews will be conducted online via a committee composed of NAFCC staff and our LSL Partners.
Phase 3 – On July 1, 2026, final selections will be made, and teams will be invited via email to participate in NAFCC Leaders Shaping Leaders Fellowship Program Cohort II.
The 2026 -2027 LSL Fellowship Program syllabus is scheduled for the following dates/times:
August 6, 2026 (Mandatory Orientation)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday
August 8, 2026 (Mandatory Retreat 1)
10:30am- 12:30pm
Saturday
August 22, 2026 (Mandatory Retreat 2)
10:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday
September 3, 2026
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday
September 12. 2026
9:30am - 11:30am
Saturday
October 3, 2026
9:30am - 11:30am
Saturday
October 17, 2026
9:30am - 11:30am
Saturday
November 7, 2026
9:30am- 11:30am
Saturday
November 14, 2026
9:30am - 11:30pm
Saturday
December 5, 2026
9:30am - 11:30am
Saturday
December 17th, 2026
6:30pm 8:30pm
Thursday
January 16, 2027
9:30am - 11:30am
Saturday
January 23 2027
9:30am - 11:30am
Saturday
February 2, 2027
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Tuesday
February 20, 2027
10:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday
March 6, 2027
9:30am - 11:30am
Saturday
March 18, 2027
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday
April 3, 2027
9:30am - 11:30pm
Saturday
April 17, 2027
10:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday
May 6, 2027
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday
May 22, 2027
9:30am - 11:30am
Saturday
June 5, 2027
10:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday
June 17, 2027
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday
July 13, 2027
11:00am-4:30pm
11:00am-12:30 pm Network Luncheon
12:30pm - 4:30pm Sessions
NAFCC Conference
Jacksonville, FL
July 15 – July 17, 2027
(July 14 Preconference)
LSL Fellows will attend conference July 13 - 17
