I AM an Educator

Written by Sarah Fowler, Chief Program Officer at the SEIU Education & Support Fund, this reflection highlights the essential role Family Child Care Educators play in early learning and development. Drawing on her experience as both a parent and educator, Sarah challenges the idea that this work is simply “babysitting” and affirms the deep expertise, relationships, and care these educators bring every day.

Workforce Development, Early Childhood Education, Policy & Systems Change, Educator LeadershipMegan AlissaJune 17, 2026Family Child Care, Educator Leadership, Early Childhood Workforce, Shared Leadership, Community of Care, Equity in Education, Workforce Development, Lived Experience, Systems Change

WEPA 2025 Recap: A Resounding Success!

The 2025 WEPA conference brought together over 200 family child care educators from across the country for a powerful, bilingual event focused on growth, community, and entrepreneurial success. Explore highlights and read the full WEPA Magazine.

Events, Family Child Care, SEIU-ESFMegan AlissaMarch 20, 2026WEPA, Family Child Care, Early Childhood Education, Child Care Providers, SEIU ESF, Provider Empowerment, Child Care Conference, Bilingual Education, Women in Child Care, Immigrant Educators, Small Business Owners, Child Care Leadership, Community Impact, Professional Development, Rhode Island Events

Op Ed, The Platform | When Educators Lead: Reflections from the National Advisory Committee

What happens when educators are positioned not just as contributors, but as leaders? Reflections on educator-led work, shared leadership, and designing spaces where lived experience drives real change.

Workforce Development, Early Childhood Education, Policy & Systems Change, Educator LeadershipMegan AlissaFebruary 19, 2026Family Child Care, Educator Leadership, Early Childhood Workforce, Shared Leadership, Community of Care, Equity in Education, Workforce Development, Lived Experience, Systems Change

Op Ed, The Platform | Don’t Call It Resistance. It’s Lack of Access

Family child care educators aren’t “resisting” technology—they’re navigating a digital access and skills gap. This piece calls for equitable design, funded tech assistance, and ongoing 1:1 and group support so educators can confidently use online systems without being pushed out of the field.

EducationMegan AlissaOctober 22, 2025digital literacy, Family Child Care, Child Care Provider, Education, Access

Before It Was a Training, It Was a Moment of Connection: The Inspiration Behind Me Cuido, Te Cuido

Born from a powerful moment of connection, Me Cuido, Te Cuido is a four-session reflective training that helps educators strengthen self-care so they can better care for children and families. Blending mindset, conversation, and simple practices, it invites teachers to pause, reset, and reconnect with their purpose—first as people, then as professionals.

ELCC, ProgramMegan AlissaOctober 16, 2025Early Education, Family Child Care, Self-Care

Family Child Care Provider Registered Apprenticeship

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Education and Support Fund, SEIU 1199New England, the Rhode Island Department of Health and Human Services (DHS), and Building Futures launched a new, innovative early childhood educator registered apprenticeship program. The new apprenticeship program creates an accessible pathway to industry recognized credentials for Family Child Care Providers while building the skills mastery in early childhood education vital to offering high quality care to the children they serve.

Elizabeth Sheehan CastroApril 12, 2021Family Child Care, Apprenticeship, Education, Early Education, Registered Apprenticeship

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