Taking the Lead: A Leadership Academy for Family Child Care Professionals 

Funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services and the FDC Foundation.

In-Person Sessions

A Taking the Lead (TTL) is our 9-month cohort-based academy designed to elevate FCC professionals as small business owners by strengthening their business and professional practices, improving the learning environment, and acquiring strategies to become change agents. 

A woman is giving a presentation in front of a large screen.

Taking the Lead (TTL) is our 9-month cohort-based academy designed to elevate FCC professionals as small business owners by strengthening their business and professional practices, improving the learning environment, and acquiring strategies to become change agents. TTL is a transformative experience you do not want to miss!

Gain the Knowledge and Skills to:

Explore and strengthen business and professional practices, focus on improving the learning environment, and practice strategies to become a change agent.

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Thrive as a FCC small business owner

A group of young people are sitting in chairs in a library.

Enhance your program’s learning environment

A woman is giving a presentation to a group of people sitting at tables.

Expand your leadership competencies

A book titled business administration scale for family child care

Deepen your understanding of quality assessment tools

What’s Included – $175 Registration Fee

  • 9 monthly training sessions (in-person and virtual)
  • 119 total contact hours and credit towards Illinois Family Child Care Credential
  • A $300 quality improvement grant
  • Support through a community of peers and a TTL coach
  • Registration to the Leadership Connections™ National Conference, Family Child Care Summit
  • 10 quarter hours of undergraduate college course credit (additional fee)


Lisle, IL Cohort – In-Person & Virtual (Monthly September 2025 – May 2026)

Applications accepted through August 25, 2025.