Building Better Business: Family Child Care Leadership Academy

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Empowering New FCC Professionals to Build Powerful and Profitable Businesses

Building Better Business (BBB) is a four-month leadership academy designed for family child care professionals. This leadership academy offers 24 hours of expert-led, hands-on professional development. 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

  • Online for the Englewood Community of Chicago | Sept – Dec 2025
  • Online for central and southern Illinois | Dec 2025 –Mar 2026
  • ¡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

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Your Place in History
Explore FCC—Past, Present & Future
Celebrate your role in a proud profession and envision what’s next.

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Tackling Technology
Boost Business with Digital Tools
Learn practical ways to save time and stay organized.

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Your Financial Roadmap
Set Goals. Make a Plan. Grow with Confidence.
Build a clear path to long-term business success.

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The Future Starts Now
Business Plan Basics
Craft a mission, plan for growth, and prepare for the future.

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Cohort Schedule & Session Times

Cohort 1   Englewood and Surrounding Communities | 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

Cohort 2 | Central and Southern Illinois Cohort | Virtual


  • 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)

Cohorte 3 | Comunidad de Little Village 2026

  • Sesión 1: Sábado, 4 de abril de 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Sesión 2: Sábado, 2 de mayo de 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
  • Sesión 3: Sábado, 6 de junio de 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
  • Sesión 4: Sábado, 11 de julio de 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.


Ubicación: Virtual por Zoom, con preferencia para los solicitantes que sirven al vecindario de Little Village en Chicago y las comunidades cercanas.

 

Si te interesa obtener más información, completa nuestro formulario de interés para mantenerte informado y acceder a la inscripción anticipada.

Meet your instructors

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Yvonne Williams

Associate Director, Family Child Care Professional Learning | (847) 947-5471|  ywilliams9@nl.edu

Shuntae Richardson

Family Child Care Training Specialist | (847) 947-5195 |  srichardson19@nl.edu

Robyn Kelton

Director of Data and Evaluation | (847) 947-5698 | robyn.kelton@nl.edu

Isabel Landa

Manager of Administration Scale Training and Certification | (630) 874-4621 |  ilanda@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