Families gathered at Penn Valley Little Theater Monday, November 17 to support the 12 newest graduates of Developing Your Family Child Care Business.

This 12 session program is sponsored through a partnership with LINC and the Francis Institute for Child & Youth Development. Developing Your Family Child Care Business course is free to participants who are looking to expand and support their childcare background.

Annette Farrell, Professional Development Instructor of the Francis Institute for Child & Youth Development, and Candace Cheatem, Local Investment Commission Agency Deputy Director, spoke and presented certificates to the graduates.

“I am thankful, I wouldn’t have been able to take this class if they didn’t sponsor it,” said Jan Inman. “Annette is an awesome trainer.  I would recommend this class,”  

Inman, who works in special education, graduated from the program with her husband, Darell Inman who were looking to grow in their experience of managing a quality child care business.

Pamela Lewis, who has worked in child care previously, said the program allowed her to advance in her field.

“It has been a growing experience,” said Lewis. “It gave me the opportunity to financially grow and expand my business.”

Nichole Criss, local business owner, took the class to support the reach of children her business supports.

“It made me want to continue to expand. Not just to the young ones but the teenagers as well so they can mentor them in the future.”

The 12 session Developing Your Family Child Care Business program is held throughout the year. To learn more, visit kclinc.org/educare.