SAIPAN — The CNMI Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Childcare & Development Fund (CCDF), in partnership with the Northern Marianas College Center for Training & Innovation (NMC-CTI), hosted the 2025 CNMI Childcare Summit, bringing together more than 150 participants including parents, childcare providers, educators, and early childhood advocates to the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan.
Organizers said the summit centered on the theme “Quality in Action: Advocacy and Care for Stronger Foundations in Childcare,” with a focus on strengthening early childhood services across the Marianas.
CCDF Director Maribel S.D. Loste opened the event with welcoming remarks emphasizing the shared responsibility of families, providers, and community partners in elevating early childhood service quality. The keynote presentation was delivered by Evergreen Learning Inc. and featured both Erlaine DLG. Evangelista and Melissa DLR. Palacios, M.Ed. Their presentation highlighted components of high-quality childcare, including intentional learning environments, responsive teaching practices, and strong caregiver-child relationships.
The summit also included a panel, “Childcare Providers Leading the Way: Journey to Higher Quality,” featuring representatives from SmartStart Nurturing Center, Northern Marianas International School, and Golden Harvest International School & Daycare, who discussed strengthening program quality, staff development, and enriching learning environments for young children.
Breakout sessions covered family nutrition strategies, father involvement in child development, and professional development requirements for childcare providers. Presenters included Jessie Delos Reyes Willsey, MPH, RDN, CSR (CHCC Public Health), Rachel Aldan, MSAN, RDN, ILC (CNMI WIC Program), Marvin M. Ngeskebei (DICE Pacific, LLC.), and Ruselle M. Ignacio, M.Ed.C. and Grace M. Mallari (Evergreen Learning Inc.).
During lunch, Ashley Sikayun of NMC CREES introduced the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), which offers free nutrition and healthy cooking classes for emerging adults, parents, and caregivers. In the afternoon, a roundtable on early brain development was facilitated by Sara Forti, M.Ed., an associate professor at the NMC School of Education.
The summit concluded with remarks from NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, who commended participants and reaffirmed NMC’s commitment to supporting families, early learning professionals, and young learners across the CNMI.
