WANDA’s partner, Renaissance Entrepreneur Center recently hosted a special gathering for family child care providers — a morning dedicated to connection, learning, and community. This event welcomed providers at many different stages of their journey, from those just starting the licensing process to those already operating licensed programs. Some of the women in attendance were also participants in the joint WANDA + Renaissance cohort, bringing added perspective and energy to the room.
Over breakfast and lunch, providers exchanged stories, asked questions, and engaged in a creative group activity that encouraged teamwork and collaboration. Licensed providers shared their experiences with those who are just getting — creating a powerful space for peer learning and support.
This gathering is part of a larger effort to strengthen opportunities for women in child care. We recently launched the WANDA + Renaissance cohort on August 23, and have been able to be in spaces that highlight child care business owners. For example, participants attended a 4Cs informational session where aspiring providers learned firsthand what it takes to get licensed. It has been exciting to connect the dots, linking participants not only to each other but also to service providers and resources that will support their growth.
Renaissance has long been committed to serving women in this industry, creating spaces where providers can grow their businesses and strengthen their networks. Partnering with Renaissance allows WANDA to be in these spaces too, ensuring that head-of-household moms who aspire to become in-home child care providers gain access to the knowledge, resources, and community they need.