Who We Are
The Massachusetts Alliance for Family Child Cares (MAFCCS) is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to uplifting family child care educators through advocacy, professional development, resource-sharing, and strong community partnerships.
We believe every educator deserves support, and every child deserves excellence.
Vision
A Massachusetts where family child care educators are respected, well-resourced, and empowered, and where families have equitable access to high-quality early learning environments in every neighborhood.
Our Values
Innovation
Solutions must reflect modern family and community needs.
Community Collaboration
Strong systems rely on strong partnerships.
Respect for Educators
FCC providers are leaders, not babysitters.
Equity & Access
Every family deserves reliable hiigh quality care.
Why We Exist
Family child care educators face unique challenges:
Limited business support
Low compensation
Minimal statewide representation
Isolation and burnout
Lack of pathways to accreditation
Limited funding opportunities
MAFCCS was built to bridge these gaps — by supporting educators, elevating their voices, and strengthening the entire early childhood system in Massachusetts
MEET THE TEAM
MAFCCS is for Family Child Care, led by Family Child Care Educators
Latara Owens is a dedicated leader in early childhood education and the Massachusetts State Representative for the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC).
With over a decade of experience in program leadership, administration, community engagement, and childcare operations, she brings strong organizational, strategic planning, and advocacy skills to her work.
Latara has extensive experience coordinating center functions, implementing policy, navigating state licensing regulations, managing budgets, supporting educators, and leading nonprofit initiatives.
Sheila McElroy is an experienced family child care educator with over 20 years of hands-on classroom, curriculum, and operational expertise. Known for her calm leadership and strong communication skills,
Sheila excels in supporting educators, managing program environments, and ensuring smooth daily operations. She brings deep experience in family partnerships, curriculum planning, and mentoring new staff.
At MAFCCS, Sheila contributes her organizational strengths, provider-centered perspective, and commitment to building supportive networks for educators across the Commonwealth.
Emiya McElroy brings a strong blend of early childhood experience, youth leadership, and financial responsibility to MAFCCS. She supports mixed-age learning environments, family communication, and daily operations with professionalism, creativity, and care.
In her role as Treasurer, Emiya provides thoughtful fiscal stewardship strengthened by her prior experience handling financial responsibilities.
Emiya’s approach is guided by careful resource management, attention to detail in financial processes, maintaining organized records, and a commitment to transparency and accountability—ensuring MAFCCS operates with integrity and long-term sustainability.