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«Back to all edWebinarsCreating a Successful Family Child Care Program: From Passion to Profession
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST
Creating a Successful Family Child Care Program: From Passion to Profession
Presented by Jen Cortes, Assistant Director, Early Childhood Leadership Institute (ECLI), Rowan University, and Owner, Embolden Development, LLC
Moderated by Kim Thore, Director of Marketing, Gryphon House
Sponsored by Gryphon House
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
A love for young children is often what inspires someone to enter the field of early childhood education, but passion alone is not enough to build and sustain a successful family child care business. Family child care providers are not only educators and caregivers, but they are also small business owners who must balance their commitment to children and families with sound business practices.
This engaging edWebinar will help educators reflect on their personal values, beliefs, and purpose as the foundation for creating a high-quality, sustainable early learning program. Attendees will explore how aligning their passion with a clear vision and business mindset builds a strong foundation for a successful and sustainable family child care program and can lead to greater fulfillment in one of the most rewarding professions.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Identify the values and beliefs that guide their work with children and families
- Define their purpose and vision for their child care business
- Recognize the connection between quality care and sound business practices
This edWebinar will be of interest to PreK-3 child care providers and family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) caregivers.
About the Presenter
Jen Cortes has worked in the field of early childhood for over 28 years as a nanny, family child care provider, trainer, technical assistant (TA), and supervisor. Jen is currently the Assistant Director of the Early Childhood Leadership Institute at Rowan University, where she oversees statewide professional development initiatives and coordinates a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Early Childhood Coaching and Technical Assistance. Jen received Delaware’s Governor’s Award for Excellence in Early Care and Education for her work as a family child care provider and most recently published Opening Your Doors: A Comprehensive Guide to Owning and Operating a Family Child-Care Business, with Gryphon House, as a resource for family child care providers looking to grow professionally. Jen’s interest in building self-efficacy and transforming practice is at the heart of her work, and she has presented on these topics at multiple conferences.
About the Moderator
Kim Thore is the Director of Marketing at Gryphon House, a leading publisher of professional resources for early childhood educators, administrators, and families. In her role, she leads strategic marketing, author engagement, digital communications, and thought leadership initiatives that connect research-based practices with the professionals who support young children. Kim collaborates closely with nationally recognized authors, researchers, and education leaders to promote innovative ideas and evidence-based approaches that advance the field of early childhood education.
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Gryphon House is an award-winning publisher of early childhood resources for teachers and parents.
