(NMC) — The CNMI Department of Community and Cultural Affairs-Childcare & Development Fund, in partnership with the Northern Marianas College Center for Training & Innovation, successfully hosted the 2025 CNMI Childcare Summit, bringing together over 150 participants. The summit convened parents of early learners, childcare providers, educators, and early childhood advocates to advance this year’s theme, “Quality in Action: Advocacy and Care for Stronger Foundations in Childcare.”
The summit opened with welcoming remarks by Maribel S.D. Loste, director of the CNMI Childcare & Development Fund, who emphasized the shared responsibility of families, providers, and community partners in elevating the quality of early childhood services across the Marianas.
The keynote presentation, delivered by Evergreen Learning Inc., was titled “Quality in Action: Advocacy & Care for Strong Foundations in Childcare” and featured Erlaine DLG Evangelista and Melissa DLR Palacios, M.Ed. The session highlighted the essential components of high-quality childcare, demonstrating how intentional learning environments, responsive teaching practices, and strong caregiver-child relationships create a foundation for lifelong learning and well-being. Participants gained insight into how investing in quality benefits children, families, and communities alike, reinforcing the summit’s central theme of advocacy and care for stronger foundations.
The event also featured a panel discussion entitled “Childcare Providers Leading the Way: Journey to Higher Quality,” which showcased local programs that have achieved the highest QRIS star ratings. Panelists from SmartStart Nurturing Center, Northern Marianas International School, and Golden Harvest International School & Daycare shared their experiences in strengthening program quality, supporting staff development, and creating enriching learning environments for young children. Their insights reflected real examples of “quality in action” and offered guidance for other providers seeking to enhance their services.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in interactive breakout sessions designed to provide practical tools for strengthening childcare services and supporting families. The first session, “Healthy Eating for Families: Practical Strategies for Families with Children with Diverse Needs & Preferences,” was presented by Jessie Delos Reyes Willsey, MPH, RDN, CSR, of CHCC Public Health and Rachel Aldan, MSAN, RDN, ILC, of the CNMI WIC Program. This session focused on practical, culturally relevant strategies for improving family nutrition and promoting healthy eating habits for children of all ages. The second session, “Fathers and Their Impact on Child Growth and Development,” led by Marvin M. Ngeskebei of DICE Pacific, LLC., highlighted the critical role fathers play in promoting healthy child development and encouraged reflection on how generational lessons shape modern approaches to parenting. The third session, “Support for Skilled and Qualified Childcare Providers to Ensure High-Quality Childcare Services,” presented by Ruselle M. Ignacio, M.Ed.C., and Grace M. Mallari of Evergreen Learning Inc., detailed professional development requirements and strategies that equip childcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver consistent, high-quality care.
During the lunch session, Ashley Sikayun of NMC-CREES introduced the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, offering free nutrition and healthy cooking classes for emerging adults, parents, and caregivers. In the afternoon, a roundtable discussion on “Brain Development in Early Childhood Education,” facilitated by Sara Forti, M.Ed., associate professor at the NMC School of Education, allowed participants to explore foundational concepts of early brain development, caregiver-child interactions, and the influence of different types of stress on learning and well-being. The session encouraged collaborative discussion and practical strategies to support children’s growth and learning in everyday settings.
The summit concluded with closing remarks from NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, who emphasized that the community has much to learn from the dedication and expertise of childcare providers, parents, and early learning advocates. He commended participants for their commitment to elevating childcare quality and reaffirmed NMC’s dedication to supporting families, early learning professionals, and young learners throughout the CNMI.
For more information, email cdi@marianas.edu/.
