Family Child care Educators
Planting the Seeds for a Brighter Tomorrow
Believe in Promoting Higher Quality Care
Our Mission
It is our mission to be recognized as a respected partner in the and an advocate in the field of early childhood. To build meaningful collaborations and lasting partnerships in all communities, allowing us to make positive changes in the lives of children and families
What We Believe
- We are Early Childhood Educators that believe in children and their right to be treated with dignity and respect.
- We believe that every child has a right to learn regardless of challenges or learning styles.
- We believe in providing a safe, warm, and loving home environment while offering developmentally appropriate activities for the children in our care.
- We believe in promoting higher quality care than mandated by the State.
History
S.P.N.A. was founded August 1998 with the vision of one day becoming a network of Professionals that were respected partners in the childhood community. Our founder, Mrs. DeCarla Burton realized that she needed other visionaries with the same drive and determination, so she connected with early childhood Professionals to join her in transforming her vision to reality.
Dorothy Davis was one of the first Professional Educators to answer this call. She was seasoned in the field of early childhood and possessed specific skills that helped to launch the “Southside Providers Network Association” which was comprised of educators from the Southside of Chicago. The name changed to “Southside Professionals Network Association when the organization began attracting members throughout the city and suburbs.
The final name change was in 2018 Supporting Professional’s Network Association or simply S.P.N.A. to include early childhood centers that believed S.P.N.A. captured their vision of unity.
S.P.N.A. continues to move forward welcoming educators throughout Illinois to join us as one unified voice on issues that affect the early childhood industry.
Goals
- Our Goal is to become a diverse child care association as we increase membership, to include all zip codes as reflected in our great state of Illinois.
- Our Goal is to be a respected partner and a strong voice at every decision-making table that impacts policy. No longer are the days in which we sit back and wait for change, we want to be part of the change which directly affects our industry.
- Our Goal is to be the leaders in deciding what trainings, resources and support we need to enhance our businesses; for we are the experts that do the work.
Become A Member
We are looking for professional Family Child care Educators and center-based Educators to join our organization.
SPNA provides mentoring, support, monthly trainings and certificates to help satisfy DCFS mandated clock hours.
Receive information on the best practices to enhance your child care business and get updates on changes to DCFS licensing standards, Union (SEIU) updates and so much more!
Meetings and trainings are held every 3rd Saturday of the month from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at the location listed below.
During COVID, meetings and trainings are held virtually through zoom every 3rd Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
True Believers Church
7801 Wolcott Ave.
Chicago, IL 60620