Dr. DeShonda Jennings brings together parents, educators, childcare professionals, and community leaders for a two-day conference and awards celebration.
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES, August 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Public voting will officially open this month for the 2nd Annual Childcare & Family Legacy Awards, part of the Childcare & Family Legacy Conference founded and hosted by Dr. DeShonda Jennings.
The two-day conference and awards experience will take place September 25–26, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia, bringing together childcare professionals, parents, educators, business owners, mentors, community advocates, and leaders who are committed to shaping the future of children and families.
The event was created to provide more than education. Its mission is to recognize the people whose daily work, leadership, and service often take place behind the scenes but have a lasting impact on children and communities.
“There are so many incredible parents, teachers, childcare professionals, and community leaders doing important work every single day,” said Dr. DeShonda Jennings. “This conference gives us an opportunity to not only provide them with resources and connections, but to celebrate them and let them know their work matters.”
Public Voting Opens in August.
Voting will open this month across the conference’s award categories, giving communities an opportunity to support individuals who have been nominated for their leadership, service, professionalism, and commitment to children and families.
Award categories include:
- Parent of the Year Award
- Family Day Home Leadership Award
- Child Day Center Excellence Award
- Religious Exemption Leadership Award
- Pre-K Teacher of the Year Award
- Early Childhood Educator of the Year Award
- Childcare Professional of the Year Award
- Homeschool Educator of the Year Award
- Infant Teacher of the Year Award
- Toddler Teacher of the Year Award
- Voluntary Registration Excellence Award
The awards are designed to spotlight individuals who demonstrate excellence, leadership, dedication, and measurable impact in the lives of children and families.
More Than an Awards Ceremony
The Childcare & Family Legacy Conference is designed to give attendees practical information they can immediately use in their childcare businesses, classrooms, organizations, and homes.
Conference topics include:
- Building stronger parent-professional partnerships
- Raising resilient children
- Family and parent engagement
- Financial literacy and business strategy for childcare professionals
- Leadership and team management
- The future of childcare, technology, and changing family dynamics
Attendees will also have opportunities to build relationships with other professionals, connect with community resources, visit vendors, participate in networking experiences, and celebrate this year’s award nominees and recipients.
The conference will feature a lineup of speakers, panelists, and community leaders, including keynote speakers Taurea Vision Avant, Yolanda T. Richey, Lajoyce Lewis, and Tiffany Johnson, along with additional panelists, honorees, and industry professionals.
A Vision Created by Dr. DeShonda Jennings
Dr. DeShonda Jennings is a passionate advocate for children, families, and early childhood professionals. As a mother of seven, she understands the importance of strong support systems for both parents and childcare professionals.
She founded the Childcare & Family Legacy Conference and Awards to create a space where educators, parents, childcare professionals, and community leaders can share resources, build partnerships, celebrate excellence, and strengthen the communities that support children.
2026 Conference Details
Friday, September 25, 2026
VIP Dinner and Networking
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Conference Sessions, Panels, Networking, Vendors and Awards
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location:
3030 The Venue
8257 Hull Street Road
Richmond, VA 23235
The conference includes registration, educational sessions, panels, networking, vendor opportunities, awards, lunch networking, legacy strategies, and additional resources for attendees.
Get Involved
Individuals interested in attending the conference, supporting award nominees, becoming a sponsor, or learning more about the Childcare & Family Legacy Conference can visit:
With voting beginning this August and the conference approaching in September, Dr. Jennings is inviting communities throughout Virginia, the United States, Canada, and beyond to help recognize the parents, educators, childcare professionals, and leaders who are helping shape the next generation.
ABOUT THE CHILDCARE & FAMILY LEGACY CONFERENCE
The Childcare & Family Legacy Conference & Awards Ceremony was founded by Dr. DeShonda Jennings to celebrate and support the individuals who play an important role in the lives and development of children. The conference brings together childcare professionals, parents, educators, mentors, nonprofit leaders, vendors, and community advocates for education, networking, resources, recognition, and collaboration.
Website: www.ChildcareConference.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Dr. DeShonda Jennings
DJ It Takes a Village LLC
10825 Midlothian Turnpike, Ste 201R
Richmond, VA 23235
Phone: (804) 804-2822
Website: www.ChildcareConference.org
Dr. DeShonda Jennings
DJ It Takes a Village LLC
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