Building Better Business: Family Child Care Leadership Academy
Empowering New FCC Professionals to Build Powerful and Profitable Businesses
Building Better Business (BBB) is a four-month leadership academy designed specifically for early-stage family child care professionals (have opened their business within the last 5 years). BBB is more than a training—it's a launchpad for new family child care professionals. This leadership academy offers 24 hours of expert-led, hands-on professional development designed to help you build a strong foundation for a thriving FCC business. You’ll walk away with the tools, strategies, and support network you need to strengthen your program, make informed decisions, and confidently plan for long-term success.
BBB will be offered
- In-person in the Englewood Community of Chicago | Sept – Dec 2025 | REGISTER
- Online for central and southern Illinois | Dec 2025 –Mar 2026 | REGISTER
- ¡Y llega esta primavera en Español! WAITING LIST
What’s Included
- 24 hours of professional development
- Aligned with Illinois’ Family Child Care Credential
- All learning materials provided (books, resources, etc.)
- Guidance from FCC business experts
- A support network of fellow providers
Our 4-Session Curriculum
Your Place in History
Explore FCC—Past, Present & Future
Celebrate your role in a proud profession and envision what’s next.
Tackling Technology
Boost Business with Digital Tools
Learn practical ways to save time and stay organized.
Your Financial Roadmap
Set Goals. Make a Plan. Grow with Confidence.
Build a clear path to long-term business success.
The Future Starts Now
Business Plan Basics
Craft a mission, plan for growth, and prepare for the future.
Cohort Schedule & Session Times
Cohort 1 | Englewood and Surrounding Communities | All Virtual
- Session 1: Saturday, September 27 | 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
- Session 2: Saturday, October 18 | 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM
- Session 3: Saturday, November 22 | 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM
- Session 4: Saturday, December 20 | 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM
Location: Virtual via Zoom, preference given to applicants serving the Englewood neighborhood in Chicago and surrounding communities
Central and Southern Illinois Cohort – Virtual (Monthly December–March)
- Session 1: Saturday, December 20 | 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
- Session 2: Saturday, January 24 | 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM
- Session 3: Saturday, February 21 | 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM
- Session 4: Saturday, March 21 | 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM
Delivered via Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Coming Soon in Spring 2026: Building Better Business Leadership Academy en Español!
Próximamente en la primavera de 2026: Academia de Liderazgo para Construir la Mejora Empresarial – Building Better Business Leadership Academy
¿Eres un nuevo proveedor de cuidado infantil familiar con cinco años de experiencia o menos? Nos complace anunciar la Academia de Liderazgo para Construir la Mejora Empresarial, que se lanzará en la primavera de 2026 y se impartirá completamente en español, exclusivamente para proveedores en el área de Chicago.
Este programa de liderazgo está diseñado para apoyar a los nuevos proveedores a construir una base empresarial sólida, desarrollar habilidades de liderazgo seguras y crear un programa de cuidado infantil sostenible y de alta calidad. Recibirás herramientas, recursos y estrategias para que tu negocio prospere desde el principio.
Si te interesa obtener más información, completa nuestro formulario de interés para mantenerte informado y acceder a la inscripción anticipada.
Meet your instructors
Associate Director, Family Child Care Professional Learning | (847) 947-5471| ywilliams9@nl.edu
Family Child Care Training Specialist | (847) 947-5195 | srichardson19@nl.edu
Director of Program Design and Evaluation | (847) 947-5698 | robyn.kelton@nl.edu
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| Number | First Name | Last Name | Email Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anne | Evans | anne.evans@mail.com |
| 2 | Bill | Fernandez | bill.fernandez@mail.com |
| 3 | Candice | Gates | candice.gates@mail.com |
| 4 | Dave | Hill | dave.hill@mail.com |
