President

I have operated a Family Child Care Home for over 36 years. My husband and I live in Romance, AR, on a tree farm along with our animals. We have 2 beautiful daughters and one perfect granddaughter. I am a NAFCC National Accredited educator and newly elected president of the Arkansas Family Child Care Association. I look forward to serving and collaborating with fellow providers to promote high quality care and establish a voice in Family Child Care as an essential part of our economic and educational system. I am excited about working as a board member to foster growth in our association and to promote unity and growth.

Treasurer

My husband, Ken, and I live in Harrison, Arkansas where I operate Little Ladybug Daycare. I have a Level 6 Better Beginnings certification as well as NAFCC accreditation, my dedication to excellence shines through in every aspect of my child care. As a mother of four grown children, I understand the importance of nurturing environments for young ones. Currently, I also serve as the President Elect of the Northwest Arkansas Family Child Care Association, where I enjoy supporting and advocating for fellow providers. I am committed to uniting Family Child Care Homes across Arkansas, celebrating their uniqueness, and ensuring every child receives the highest standard of care and education. As someone deeply committed to early childhood development, I am passionate about ensuring every child has access to quality care and education. Serving with AFCCA aligns perfectly with my values and goals. I aim to contribute by fostering a supportive community among Family Child Care Homes in Arkansas, providing mentorship, and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being and education of children. Together, we can celebrate the uniqueness of each Family Child Care Home and amplify our voice in shaping early childhood care and education legislation across the state.

Secretary

I have been an educator for over 30 years. I have operated a Family Child Care Home for the last 15 years. My husband and I live on the farm where he grew up just outside of Rose Bud and we have 2 sons that also live nearby. I am looking forward to serving in this role as your secretary. I have a passion for children and families, especially in the Family Child Care Home setting. I am excited to meet and work with providers across the state to help further the mission of Family Child Care in Arkansas and nationally. 

VP of Communications

I have been a licensed family childcare provider since 1994. As the years have gone on, I have realized the most important part of my job is care. Caring not only for the children, but just as importantly caring for and building up the families of the children. Over the years I have earned my degree in early childhood education and my preschool teacher’s license. I also achieved NAFCC National Accreditation and my program; Mother’s Touch Preschool in Booneville is a Better Beginnings Level 6 program. I served two years as the Arkansas State Representative for the National Family Child Care Association. I am 73 years of age and right now I do not see retirement in my future. Caring for the children and families of my community is work I love. Because my program is an ABC program many of these children have high ACES scores. Their parents are struggling just to keep a roof over the family’s heads. They need encouragement and resources. They need confidence that  someone cares. That is my most important work—caring.

One of the most important parts of my professional life has been being part of the creation and maintaining the Arkansas Family Child Care Association. I am honored to be one of the family childcare providers involved with Debbie Mays in creating an association just for family childcare providers. Our type of work involves unique challenges different from center-based programs. Before 2009 there was no organized association to bring family childcare providers together to support one another, disseminate information, and to be a voice in our state. The Arkansas Family Child Care Association fulfils those needs. I have served as the vice president of communications since AFCCA began. I administer our Facebook page, Arkansas Family Child Care.

Member at Large – Central AR

My journey in family childcare started 26 years ago, where I have been blessed to raise 3 daughters and now a grandson in my program. I am honored to represent family Child care as a support system and hopefully be the missing link between unlicensed and licensed caregivers with the many resources available.

Member at Large – Northeast

I began my journey in Early Childhood Education (ECE) working as a classroom teacher for children with disabilities. During this time, I also provided case management for families of these children, as well as adults in our facility. After 10 years with these wonderful families and children, in 2005 the decision was made to bring my experience home. Little Light House Educare opened our door in June of 2005. I work with families closely to provide care and child led experiences.

Member at Large – Southeast

I am the owner and director of Winston’s Tender Care in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. I started Winston’s Tender Care 31 years ago. I started out as a registered family home, providing child care services for 5 children. Twenty-six years ago, I became a license family home providing services for 10 children and June 7, 2022 I became license to provide services for 16 children.

My focus is to provide high quality care for children. I applied for Better Beginning level 2 and I exceeded to level 3. When it was time for my recertification, I exceeded to level 4. In 2022 I applied to be accepted in the Arkansas National Accreditation group under the leadership of the amazing Debbie Mays. During the cohort I learned a lot, made changes, and met lots of amazing people who made a difference in how I provided high quality care. It was an experience that I believe I will never forget. I was the last one in my cohort to be announced to receive national accreditation. In January 2024 I was awarded Better Beginnings level 6. I am thankful to God for allowing me this opportunity. I look forward to making a difference in the lives of our little ones by providing a safe, loving, and warm place for the children to come and learn.

Member at Large Northwest

My family includes my husband, Paul, we have been married 28 years and we have two handsome sons. Lawson is 21 and will graduate from college in May 2025. Gunner is a junior in high school and will graduate in May 2026. I opened my Family Child Care Home in Danville (Yell Co.) almost 20 years ago. This was never my dream, but it became one of the best decisions I have ever been led to. I could not find childcare that I felt comfortable with. I have always loved children; we are often drawn to each other. I like them and they like me. I left my profession as a Radiology/Ultrasonography tech and dove heart first into childcare. There has never been one regret. I love this job and the people in it, even when the days can be hard. I try to stay current on everything that will help me, and help my children and families have the best resources. My priority is children. I am very pleased our state recognizes the importance of a child’s Social/Emotional well-being as most important for their development. Through help and encouragement from the T.E.A.C.H. program, I will graduate with a BS in ECE in May 2025 the same time my oldest son does. I am so happy to be a part of associations like AFCCA, AECA, RV-AECA, EXCEL by 8, and a member of the Danville school board. My preschool serves as a training area for high school girls interested in ECE. Good Morning Sunshine Preschool is Nationally Accredited and Better Beginnings Level 6.