About The Foundation

The Family Child Care & Center Enrichment Foundation (FCCEF) is dedicated to empowering and supporting family child care providers and center-based educators. We work to enhance the quality and sustainability of early childhood education by offering valuable resources, professional development, and advocacy initiatives that address the unique needs of child care educators.

Become A Member

No Act of Kindness, No Matter How Small, Is Ever Wasted.

Aesop

Our Mission: Empowering Early Childhood Excellence

Our Board Members

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Vantionette Savage

– President

Vantoinette "Ms. Toni" Savage is a trailblazing leader, advocate, and educator in early childhood education with over 39 years of experience serving the families and children of North Carolina. Her unwavering commitment to family child care and her remarkable leadership have earned her recognition at both the state and national levels.

As the CEO of Savage Academy and President of the Family Child Care & Center Enrichment Foundation (FCCEF), Ms. Savage dedicates her work to empowering family child care educators and elevating the quality of early childhood education. Her advocacy efforts and educational programs have impacted countless children, families, and fellow educators.

Professional Accomplishments

  • Appointed      to the North Carolina Child Care Commission:
    Governor Roy Cooper recently appointed Ms. Savage to the North Carolina      Child Care Commission. This esteemed position underscores her expertise      and dedication to advancing policies that improve the quality and      accessibility of child care across the state.
  • President of the Family Child Care & Center Enrichment Foundation, Inc. (FCCEF):
    As President of FCCEF, Ms. Savage leads the charge in providing family      child care educators and center-based providers with the tools, training,      and advocacy necessary to thrive in their roles. The foundation focuses on      improving educators' overall well-being and professional development while      fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
  • CEO of Savage Academy:
    Through Savage Academy, Ms. Savage provides exceptional care and early      childhood education, setting a standard for excellence in home-based      learning environments.
  • NAFCC North Carolina State Representative and Board Member:
    As the North Carolina State Representative for the National Association      for Family Child Care (NAFCC) and a member of its Board of Directors, Ms.      Savage works to unify family child care educators, amplify their voices,      and advocate for policies that empower educators and enrich the lives of children.
  • Ms. Savage’s unwavering dedication earned her the prestigious Ruby      Brunson Community Advocate Award in 2023, a testament to her profound      impact on child care advocacy. She also received the BCDI      Carolinas Eleanor Toliver Distinguished Leader award in 2024.

FCCEF Mission

The mission of FCCEF is to empower family child care educators by providing resources, advocacy, and professional development opportunities to enhance the quality of early childhood education. FCCEF strives to create a unified community of educators and advocates dedicated to enriching the lives of children and their families.

Key Goals of FCCEF:

  • Advocacy:
    Advocate for equity and unity among family child care providers,      addressing challenges through community engagement and policy influence at      local, state, and federal levels.
  • Professional      Development:
    Deliver training in early childhood education, business management, and      compliance, helping educators meet regulatory requirements while promoting      personal and professional growth.
  • Mentorship and Support:
    Foster a collaborative environment by mentoring educators and encouraging      partnerships that build collective strength within the community.
  • Risk Management:
    Equip educators with knowledge and tools for creating safe, nurturing, and      regulatory-compliant environments.

Achievements and Recognition:

  • Trailblazer in Early Childhood Education:
    Ms. Savage has consistently advocated for advancing the standards of      family child care in North Carolina. Her efforts have shaped policies that      improve quality ratings and expand care capacities for home-based child      care providers.
  • Community      Leadership:
    She has played a pivotal role in mentoring family child care providers,      fostering a spirit of collaboration, and building lasting partnerships      within the early childhood education sector.
  • Statewide  Impact:
    Her contributions to the North Carolina Child Care
  • Commission are helping to shape the future of family child care and ensure that children across      the state have access to high-quality, nurturing environments.
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Patricia King

– Vice President

Patricia King is a dedicated professional with a diverse career spanning caregiving, education, and community service. Originally from Syracuse, NY, she relocated to Charlotte, NC, in 2004, bringing her passion for child care and early childhood education.

Her career has included roles as a Youth Coordinator, as well as positions in insurance, medical assisting, truck driving, and security. A certified Child Development Associate (CDA), Patricia has pursued additional studies at Onondaga Community College and Central Piedmont. She has served as a Pre-K and More at Four teacher and has been a lead teacher across multiple age groups.

In 2014, she founded "Grandma’s Angels," a home-based child care program where she continues her lifelong commitment to nurturing and educating young children.

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Tameka Hill-Brunso

– Treasurer

A Charlotte, NC native, Tameka graduated from East Mecklenburg in 1988 before attending Southeastern Beauty School, where she worked as a hairstylist for 15 years. She has since operated Banana-Rama Daycare Inc. and Monroe Tax Service for 29 years.

In March 2022, she co-founded the Family Childcare & Center Enrichment Foundation (FCCEF), a nonprofit led by and for providers, where she now serves as Treasurer.

A dedicated community member, Tameka is actively involved with NASE, ABWA, BCDI, the Hidden Valley Network, and GMSBC, where she serves as Usher Board Secretary.

Happily married, she is a proud mother of five and grandmother of seven. She also shares her passion for cooking through T&T Catering Service, a venture she started with a close friend.

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Alissa Rhodes

– Secretary

Alissa Rhodes has dedicated her career to early care and education, bringing nearly 30 years of professional experience to the field. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies from Western Carolina University and has spent her entire adult life in Western North Carolina.

Her extensive career includes roles as an infant-toddler teacher, preschool teacher, Early Head Start teacher, director, training specialist, and small business owner of A Sense of Wonder, a family child care home.

She has actively participated in multiple committees, boards, and conferences and has served as a mentor for family child care homes in Buncombe County.

Additionally, she was a member of an Early Head Start policy council and has been a strong advocate for family child care educators.

For over a decade, Alissa has been at the forefront of policy advocacy for family child care homes. She has authored petitions advocating for law and rule changes to advance the early care and education field. In the past two years, she has worked alongside colleagues to successfully influence legislative changes in ratio laws. Her passion lies in mentoring, training, and providing resources to fellow family child care professionals.

In 2024, Alissa transitioned from operating her family child care home to focus on advocacy, training, and mentorship. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their dogs and cats. In her spare time, she loves reading, baking, and going to the movies.

She remains deeply committed to elevating the field of early childhood education, guided by her favorite quote:

"The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things." – Plato

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Omega Wilcox

– Administrator

Originally from Lubbock, Texas, Omega Wilcox grew up in Denver, Colorado before settling in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she has lived for over 30 years.

Her journey in early childhood education began as a nanny after college, leading her to establish her own licensed in-home child care business, Omega Wilcox Childcare Home, more than 25 years ago. Since then, she has welcomed and nurtured countless children in her home-based learning environment.

Throughout her career, Omega has been a dedicated leader and advocate for home-based child care, recognizing its critical role in the early childhood education landscape in North Carolina. She has served on the advisory board of Child Care Resources in Winston-Salem, representing providers in Forsyth County and ensuring their voices are heard in shaping child care policies.

In 2022, Omega was honored with the Outstanding Early Education Advocate Award from the North Carolina Early Education Coalition, recognizing her contributions to advancing the field.

She holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Forsyth Technical Community College and is deeply committed to fostering strong educational foundations and emotional growth for young children.

A testament to the lasting impact of her work, she now sees former preschool students returning to enroll their own children.

Outside of her professional life, Omega enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, reading, attending outdoor concerts, and leading Praise and Worship at her place of worship.

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Bregenia Hill-White

– Administrator

Bregenia (Gina) Hill is the Owner and Operator of Hill’s Little Angels Daycare, a 5-star licensed center in a residence. She has dedicated 33 years to early childhood education and has owned Hill’s Little Angels for the past 25 years.

She currently serves on the NC Child Care Commission, advocating for policies that support family child care and home-based early learning programs.

Gina is an active member of several professional organizations, including:

  • The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
  • Plaza-Midwood/Hidden Valley Providers
  • The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
  • Family Child Care Center Foundation (FCCF)

Over the past several years, she has deepened her commitment to supporting Family Child Care Homes and Centers in a Residence, focusing on their impact on families and communities. As part of this effort, she is currently enrolled in the 2023 Haven Cohort, further expanding her leadership and advocacy skills.

Before becoming a child care educator, Gina worked for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as a bus driver, where she developed a passion for working with children.

During that time, she pursued her education at Central Piedmont Community College, earning:

  • Early Childhood Credentials
  • Early Childhood Associate Certificate (Specialization in Early Childhood)
  • Early Childhood Administration Credentials 1, 2, and 3
  • Associate Degree in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education

She later continued her education at North Carolina Central University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences.

With decades of experience and a steadfast commitment to advocating for family child care, Gina remains dedicated to strengthening early childhood education, empowering educators, and uplifting the communities she serves.

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Karita Pimental

– Administrator

Karita Pimentel is a retired military professional with an honorable career dedicated to service and leadership. Throughout her tenure in the military, Karita demonstrated exceptional commitment, bravery, and strategic acumen, earning numerous commendations and the respect of her peers and superiors.

With 21 years of experience, Karita has a proven track record in administration and logistics, which contributed significantly to the success of various missions and initiatives. Her expertise in team coordination, crisis management, tactical planning has not only ensured mission success but also safeguarded the lives of countless individuals.

Post-retirement, Karita continues to apply the principles and skills honed during her military service to civilian life, actively engaging in community service. Her transition from military to civilian life is a testament to her adaptability, resilience, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.

Karita is a dedicated and multifaceted professional who has seamlessly balanced her roles as a mother, grandmother, and Family Literacy Engagement Specialist while working with Black Child Development Institute (BCDI) of the Carolinas.

With a deep passion for family and community, Karita has played a pivotal role in fostering educational and literacy programs that empower families to thrive.

In her capacity as an Administrative Assistant and Office Manager, she exceled at streamlining operations, managing day-to-day activities, and ensuring that the office runs smoothly. Her organizational skills and attention to detail have been instrumental in creating efficient and productive work environments.

As a Site Coordinator, Karita has demonstrated exceptional leadership and coordination skills, overseeing various projects and initiatives that benefit the community. Her ability to engage with stakeholders, manage logistics, and drive successful outcomes is a testament to her dedication and expertise.

In her current role at the Family Childcare Center and Enrichment Foundation, as a Board Member and Assistant to the President she continues to champion innovative solutions and advocate for the underserved, ensuring that every initiative aligns with the mission of building a more equitable and just society in the nonprofit world.

Balancing her professional responsibilities with her cherished roles at home, Karita embodies resilience, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive impact on both her family and the broader community. Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication, love, and the relentless pursuit of bettering the lives of those around her.

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Jean Elizabeth Thomas Samuel

– Administrator

Jean is a state-specific, Level III Child Care Administrator with nearly two decades of experience leading high-quality early childhood programs. She is dedicated to creating inclusive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environments that support the unique needs of children and families.

As the Administrator of Safe Hands Learning Center since 2006, she has successfully overseen curriculum development, staff training, compliance, budgeting, and community partnerships to ensure excellence in child care services.

Her work focuses on early childhood curriculum development that fosters cognitive, social-emotional, and language growth, while also ensuring that educators receive the training and support needed to provide high-quality care.

She has extensive experience in regulatory compliance, licensing, and program quality, working to maintain high standards in safety and family engagement. In addition to program administration, she brings expertise in budgeting, marketing, and evaluation, supporting the long-term sustainability of early childhood programs.

With a background in nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UNCC, she applies a holistic approach to child care leadership, prioritizing both health and education.

Actively involved in professional networks such as FCCEF, NAFCC, the East Charlotte Network of Child Care Providers, and the Mecklenburg Child Care Association, she is committed to strengthening the child care field through advocacy, professional development, and community collaboration.

Her passion lies in empowering educators, supporting families, and advancing policies that create stronger, more sustainable child care systems.

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FCCEF News & Media Highlights

Home Grown
https://homegrownchildcare.org/responding-to-crisis-cash-aid-in-times-of-disaster/

https://homegrownchildcare.org/responding-to-crisis-cash-aid-in-times-of-disaster/

The Daily Yonder
https://dailyyonder.com/disaster-on-top-of-a-disaster-can-western-north-carolinas-child-care-infrastructure-recover-after-helene/2024/11/05/

https://dailyyonder.com/disaster-on-top-of-a-disaster-can-western-north-carolinas-child-care-infrastructure-recover-after-helene/2024/11/05/

Spectrum News 1
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2024/02/09/childcare-employers-expressing-major-concerns-about-public-funds-ending-in-july

https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2024/02/09/childcare-employers-expressing-major-concerns-about-public-funds-ending-in-july

NC Newsline
https://ncnewsline.com/2025/03/24/when-a-hurricane-washes-away-a-regions-child-care-system/

https://ncnewsline.com/2025/03/24/when-a-hurricane-washes-away-a-regions-child-care-system/

EdNC
https://www.ednc.org/western-nc-child-care-programs-already-fragile-hurricane-helene/#:~:text=Child%20care%20in%20western%20North,of%20Buncombe%20Partnership%20for%20Children

https://www.ednc.org/western-nc-child-care-programs-already-fragile-hurricane-helene/#:~:text=Child%20care%20in%20western%20North,of%20Buncombe%20Partnership%20for%20Children

Hechinger Report
https://hechingerreport.org/when-a-hurricane-washes-away-a-regions-child-care-system/

https://hechingerreport.org/when-a-hurricane-washes-away-a-regions-child-care-system/

NAFCC
https://nafcc.org/celebrating-the-trailblazing-leadership-of-vantoinette-savage-appointed-to-the-north-carolina-child-care-commission/

https://nafcc.org/celebrating-the-trailblazing-leadership-of-vantoinette-savage-appointed-to-the-north-carolina-child-care-commission/

FCCEF is Committed to Excellence

FCCEF works to impact multi-generational poverty and systemic racism

  • FCCEF will work to expand knowledge and skills with an open mindset to meet the potential needs of HBFCC Providers.
  • FCCEF will gather information and data to guide decision-making both internally and externally.
  • FCCEF values flexibility to embrace change and welcomes opportunities to try new approaches.