About us
Who We Are
At Workforce Solutions Consortium (WSC), we are a dedicated collective of family childcare providers, parents and affiliated businesses committed to serving the childcare industry. What sets us apart is our independence – unlike many organizations, we do not rely on state or federal funding. Instead, we are sustained by the invaluable support of family childcare sector and our vendor partners. Proudly headquartered in Erie County, we stand as the sole organization exclusively championing the interests of family childcare providers in legislative and regulatory matters.
Our diverse membership includes licensed family childcare providers, encompassing single and multi-site businesses, as well as family and group family daycare programs, all spanning various settings and communities. This diversity fuels our strength and capacity to advocate effectively for the family childcare sector.
The beginning of Workforce Solutions Consortium dates back to 2019 when Diane Abram and three visionary licensed family daycare providers joined forces. Our primary mission is to unite like-minded individuals who share a profound interest in childcare, creating a dynamic platform for the exchange of ideas and insights. At WSC, we champion a multifaceted agenda, including advocacy for quality childcare, equitable wages, and robust representation of family daycare providers in dialogues with lawmakers, businesses, and the broader community.
Our commitment extends to the education and empowerment of family daycare providers in the realm of advocacy. We offer mentorship programs designed to uphold the highest standards of care, nurturing the holistic development of children, encompassing their physical, intellectual, emotional, and social well-being.
As we write the ongoing history of WSC, each day brings new chapters filled with opportunities for positive change and growth. We wholeheartedly invite you to join us, not only as an observer but as an active participant in shaping the future of family childcare. Together, we can continue to elevate the standards of early childhood education and care.
What We Do
At Workforce Solutions Consortium, our core mission is to be a powerful advocate for licensed family childcare providers within our state. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that family childcare providers face, and we are dedicated to representing their interests before legislative and regulatory bodies. Our goal is to ensure that the voices of family childcare providers are heard and valued in decision-making processes that impact the industry.
One of our key roles is to serve as a liaison between family childcare providers and the various agencies and regulatory bodies that oversee the childcare industry. We actively engage in meetings, forums, and discussions with these entities to stay informed about the latest policies, regulations, and developments. This allows us to ask pertinent questions, seek clarification, and share critical information with our members. We take pride in being a trusted source of knowledge and guidance for family childcare providers.
One unique aspect of our organization is our ability to ask questions on behalf of our members while maintaining their anonymity. We understand that some questions or concerns may be sensitive, and we are here to ensure that they are addressed without fear of repercussions. This commitment to confidentiality underscores our dedication to serving the best interests of our members.
Looking ahead, our vision is to empower family childcare providers with the tools and knowledge they need to provide high-quality care to children and families. We believe that efficient operational systems are essential to achieving this goal. By equipping providers with the resources and support they need, we aim to elevate the status of family childcare providers as valued partners within the broader childcare delivery system.
As we continue to write the history of Workforce Solutions Consortium, we invite you to be an integral part of our journey. Together, we can shape the future of family childcare, advocate for positive change, and ensure that every child receives the highest standard of early care and education.
Our Mission
Our mission is to foster the success of licensed family daycare providers by championing quality early care and education. We promote family daycare as an exceptional choice and advocate for positive policy changes.
We aim to build a supportive community among Family Day Care Providers, offering essential tools for policy improvement. Through ongoing technical support and professional development, we enhance awareness of family childcare as a unique and superior option for early childhood education.
Our Vision
We firmly believe every child deserves the highest standards in early care and education. Our mission is to advocate for sustainable policies and practices that support young children and early childcare educators. We proudly represent licensed family daycare providers as essential partners in delivering high-quality, affordable childcare.
Timeline of Events
2019 - 2020
Founded in August 2019, we partnered with the Western New York Child Care Action Team (WNYCCAT), engaged with the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), local and state representatives, and garnered media attention through radio and TV coverage. We also addressed concerns with the county's childcare subsidy program and advocated for providers to receive compensation during COVID-related absent days.
2020 - 2021
During this period, we organized regular Zoom meetings with family daycare providers, joined the Erie County Emergency Task Force and ESC, advocated for virtual learning, and orchestrated a Providers Day of Action, culminating in Advocacy Day in February 2021.
2021 -2022
Our efforts extended to the NYC Park Avenue Childcare Rally, Action Day participation, meetings with the Buffalo Public School Superintendent regarding Universal Pre-K (UPK), and visits to three daycares as part of Senator Brisport's Universal Childcare Tour. We also facilitated family daycare focus groups for Cornell University's Cost of Care survey.
2022 - 2023
In recent times, we launched an online petition to ensure childcare workers receive a living wage, amassing over 40,000 signatures. Our commitment to advocacy led to a speaking engagement at the NYS Senate Childcare hearing, and we actively networked with other childcare advocacy groups and organizations.
2023 - 2024
In recent times, we launched an online petition to ensure childcare workers receive a living wage, amassing over 40,000 signatures.
BOARD MEMBERS
Diane Abram
Cassandra Hambright
Roselyn Cheatom
Diane Abram is the owner of Toot-Toot Daycare Inc. in Buffalo, New York, where she has provided exceptional group family child care for over 34 years. Since beginning her career in 1989, Diane has become a leading advocate for equitable child care, dedicating herself to improving access and quality for all families.
In the 1990s, she serve
Diane Abram is the owner of Toot-Toot Daycare Inc. in Buffalo, New York, where she has provided exceptional group family child care for over 34 years. Since beginning her career in 1989, Diane has become a leading advocate for equitable child care, dedicating herself to improving access and quality for all families.
In the 1990s, she served as the Executive Director of the Buffalo Coalition of Home Daycare Providers, where she championed the needs of local providers. Diane founded Workforce Solutions Consortium to support Western New York’s family child care providers and the families they serve.
She has served on the executive board of directors at the Child Care Resource Network and is actively involved in the PR & Marketing Committee for NYAEYC (New York Association for the Education of Young Children). Diane also participates in initiatives such as the Western New York Child Care Action Team and the Live Well Erie Task Force. Her commitment to enhancing child care reflects her belief that high-quality care is essential for a thriving economy and community. She remains dedicated to serving low-income families while leading the Workforce Solutions Consortium, ensuring a brighter future for children and caregivers alike.
Roselyn Cheatom
Cassandra Hambright
Roselyn Cheatom
With over 22 years of experience in business, Rosalyn Cheatom emphasizes the importance of family at Our Family Day Care—Your Child, Your Family. She provides 24/7 childcare, offering a variety of activities and learning opportunities that create a nurturing environment for young children to thrive.
Rosalyn is dedicated to fostering a st
With over 22 years of experience in business, Rosalyn Cheatom emphasizes the importance of family at Our Family Day Care—Your Child, Your Family. She provides 24/7 childcare, offering a variety of activities and learning opportunities that create a nurturing environment for young children to thrive.
Rosalyn is dedicated to fostering a strong partnership between parents and staff, building a bridge for each child's success. She believes in the power of a positive attitude and encourages her team to face challenges together with the mantra, together “All the way up."
As a board member, Rosalyn is excited to leverage her extensive experience and passion to enhance the mission of Workforce Solutions Consortium and support families within the community.
Cynthia Russell
Cassandra Hambright
Cassandra Hambright
Cynthia Russell is a Group Family Day Care Provider and the Director of Cyn's Heavenly Angels Quality Child Care, where she has dedicated over 25 years to nurturing and educating young children. Her mission is to educate and nurture the hearts and minds of children for a lifetime of success, creating a warm and supportive environment th
Cynthia Russell is a Group Family Day Care Provider and the Director of Cyn's Heavenly Angels Quality Child Care, where she has dedicated over 25 years to nurturing and educating young children. Her mission is to educate and nurture the hearts and minds of children for a lifetime of success, creating a warm and supportive environment that fosters growth and development.
With extensive experience in early childhood education, Cynthia implements effective practices tailored to the diverse needs of children in her care. She is passionate about helping children build a solid foundation for their future, instilling both a love of learning and essential life skills.
As a board member, Cynthia looks forward to leveraging her expertise and insights to further the mission of Workforce Solutions Consortium and positively impact the community.
Cassandra Hambright
Cassandra Hambright
Cassandra Hambright
Board Member
Casandra Hambright is a dedicated early childhood educator with certifications in First Aid, CPR, Early Childhood Education, and a Master Essential Public Health Certification. She is passionate about fostering a love of learning in children through developmentally appropriate practices.
At her home daycare, Casandra creates
Board Member
Casandra Hambright is a dedicated early childhood educator with certifications in First Aid, CPR, Early Childhood Education, and a Master Essential Public Health Certification. She is passionate about fostering a love of learning in children through developmentally appropriate practices.
At her home daycare, Casandra creates a nurturing and supportive environment where children feel at home and can thrive. By integrating Montessori-inspired and developmental play-based activities, she helps children develop essential social, emotional, and behavioral skills, ensuring they reach their developmental milestones.
Casandra offers flexible full-time and part-time care options to accommodate varying schedules, all aimed at instilling a lifelong passion for learning in every child. With her commitment to early childhood development and her expertise, Casandra is excited to contribute to the mission of Workforce Solutions Consortium and support its initiatives.
Alicia Johnson
Latoi-Shanai T. Jeter
Alicia Johnson
Alicia Johnson brings 14 years of dedicated experience in providing in-home childcare in the heart of Buffalo, New York. Her work in the inner city has enabled her to support and nurture children from diverse backgrounds, helping them grow and thrive in a safe, loving environment.
Alicia is committed to creating a positive and enriching
Alicia Johnson brings 14 years of dedicated experience in providing in-home childcare in the heart of Buffalo, New York. Her work in the inner city has enabled her to support and nurture children from diverse backgrounds, helping them grow and thrive in a safe, loving environment.
Alicia is committed to creating a positive and enriching atmosphere where each child feels valued and cared for. Her approach combines structure with flexibility, ensuring that every child receives the individualized attention they need to succeed.
As a board member, Alicia is excited to share her insights and experiences to further the mission of Workforce Solutions Consortium and make a meaningful impact in the community.
Teonna Fleming
Latoi-Shanai T. Jeter
Alicia Johnson
Teonna D. Fleming is a native of Buffalo, NY with a passion for public health and technology. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a minor in Chemistry, from D’Youville University and actively applies her knowledge to improve the health and well-being of her community. With over a decade of experience in healthcare, spanni
Teonna D. Fleming is a native of Buffalo, NY with a passion for public health and technology. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a minor in Chemistry, from D’Youville University and actively applies her knowledge to improve the health and well-being of her community. With over a decade of experience in healthcare, spanning both direct patient care and administrative roles, Teonna has a strong understanding of operational efficiency and service excellence. Having graduated from a CAO Head Start Program, she personally understands the critical value of early childhood development and the importance of access to safe, healthy, and affordable childcare. As one of six daughters and a mother of two, she values communication and the significance of building relationships. Ms. Fleming brings technical expertise, systems-based thinking, and a dedicated work ethic to the board, making her an invaluable parent representative with a compassionate and insightful perspective.
Latoi-Shanai T. Jeter
Latoi-Shanai T. Jeter
Latoi-Shanai T. Jeter
Save the Date!
WSC 5th Annual Gala
October 25th
6:30pm - 10:30pm
Semi-Formal Dress Code
RSVP by October 1st