About Us
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to aiding childcare businesses on their path to success. We hold the conviction that every child is entitled to high-quality care and education, and we diligently offer our members a wealth of resources and a committed volunteer network aimed at propelling the entire industry forward.
Membership in our foundation provides childcare providers with entry into a community of professionals who share a fervent commitment to positively influencing the lives of children and families. Collectively, we endeavor to raise the bar, disseminate best practices, and forge a more promising future for all involved.childcare industry.
Our Partners
Vantoinette Savage, President
With a distinguished career spanning over 39 years in early childhood education, Mrs. Vantoinette Savage has dedicated herself to enhancing the quality of Family Childcare (FCC) within North Carolina’s early care and education landscape. She is the dynamic owner and CEO of Savage Academy and serves as the esteemed President of the Family Childcare & Center Enrichment Foundation INC. Under her leadership, the foundation has become nationally affiliated, representing a significant achievement for the state.
Mrs. Savage’s advocacy and leadership have been instrumental in elevating FCC standards across Mecklenburg County and statewide North Carolina. Her efforts have created a supportive network for FCC providers, fostering collaboration and shared resources to improve service delivery.
Over the last decade, Mrs. Savage's relentless advocacy has profoundly impacted FCC providers, their businesses, and the children in their care. She has actively participated in the development and implementation of policies aimed at overcoming challenges faced by providers, resulting in advancements such as the enhancement of the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) and the expansion of permissible capacities for home-based care settings.
Despite her numerous achievements, Mrs. Savage remains committed to the ongoing journey of improving FCC quality. Her dedication to advocating for the rights and needs of FCC providers, as well as the children and families they serve, continues to drive her work. Through her leadership, Mrs. Savage is leading significant strides towards a brighter future for family childcare in North Carolina and beyond.
Yvonne Cottage, Vice President
Yvonne Cottage Studied Early Childhood Education at East Los Angeles College while pursuing a Master Teacher permit to specialize in Child Development & Children with Special Needs. Dedicated to identifying, supporting, and mentoring fellow family childcare providers, fostering growth and excellence in the field of Early Childhood Education. Adept at networking and advocacy within the early childhood education sector. Engages with policymakers at local, state, and national levels to champion the importance of quality childcare. Managing volunteers, coordinating resources, and fostering a compassionate environment at the Hope Center Boutique. Serving as a representative for key coalitions, managing budgets, and providing essential community support. Guiding and advocating for childcare providers through various leadership roles. From facilitating committees to representing interests on advisory boards, committed to shaping the future of childcare.
She opened The Children’s Cottage Daycare and Preschool in Lancaster, CA and has been directing and leading a dedicated team of educators and support staff, ensuring compliance with licensing regulations and COVID-19 protocols. Crafting innovative policies) and curriculum to nurture young minds and create enriching outdoor learning environments since 2008.
Tameka Hill-Brunson, Treasurer
A native of Charlotte NC born in 1970. She graduated from East Mecklenburg in 1988 and continuing on to South Easten Beauty School. She worked as a hair stylist for 15 years before deciding to become the owner and operator of Banana-Rama daycare Inc. and Monroe Tax Service for 29 years. In March 2022, Tameka and 4 other providers came together and formed a 501c(3) non-profit foundation for the providers by the providers called Family Childcare & Center Enrichment Foundation (FCCEF). She is the Treasurer of the FCCEF, a member of NASE, a member of ABWA, a member of BCDI, she’s the co-leader of Hidden Valley Network and the Secretary of GMSBC usher board. Tameka is happily married, with (5) children (3) biological and 7 grandchildren which she adores. Tameka feels that the best job the Lord could have ever given her was being a “Mom”. And even greater love is being a grandma. She loves to cook and bake, and she gets joy seeing others enjoying her food. This enjoyment and passion sparked another business venture and brought it to life with a close friend call T&T catering service.
Angelia Shipp, Winston-Salem Administrator
I am a Family Childcare Home Provider. I bring eight years of experience to the industry. I serve children aged from birth to five years old. My experience allows me the pleasure of communicating and organizing, a loving educational environment. I graduated from FT with an associate in applied science, in Early Childhood Education. I graduated from Winston-Salem State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Birth to Kindergarten Education. I received the Alpha Epsilon Alpha Chapter, Honor Society. Continue my education to receive my master’s degree in education. A mother of two, and a grandmother of two. I’m from Paris brings diversity.
Patricia King, Mecklenburg County Administrator
I am a 66 year old gifted Black Woman, I was born and raised in Syracuse, New York and moved to Charlotte, NC in 2004.
My very first job was a babysitter for family members and family friends. I took a summer job for 2 years as a Youth Coordinator at a recreation center. After graduating from high school in January of 1976, then going on to trade school after which I work in an Insurance Company holding several positions from data Entry, Accounting and Confidential data programming equipment. After company downsizing, I went back to school for Medical Assistant as a CDA, then Truck Driving for an independent company as well as retail in a department store and a auto parts store, and a Security Officer.
During that time, I was running my own Family Child Care & Foster Care, I was enrolled in Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, NY for my CDA Certificate which is National; then Moving to Charlotte, I continued toward my degree at Central Piedmont.
Since being in Charlotte, I have worked as a teacher in the Pre-K program and in the More at 4 Program. I have been a Lead teacher for all ages combined working from opening to closing different centers I worked at. In 2014 I started my paperwork to open my own Home Child Care “Grandma’s Angles “