For Dr. DeShonda Jennings, childcare has never been simply a profession. It has been a calling rooted in service, family, education, and a deep desire to help children reach their full potential.
With more than 25 years of experience in early childhood education, Dr. Jennings has grown from a childcare provider into an author, speaker, coach, media host, and respected advocate for parents and childcare professionals. Her journey reflects what can happen when personal experience, professional knowledge, and a clear sense of purpose come together.
As a mother of seven, Dr. Jennings understands the challenges families face while trying to provide children with safe, loving, and supportive environments. Her experience as both a parent and childcare professional has helped her see the industry from several sides. She understands the needs of children, the concerns of parents, and the responsibilities carried by childcare providers each day.
In 2007, Dr. Jennings founded DJ Shining Stars Daycare in response to the growing need for quality childcare within her community. What began as a way to support local families became the foundation for a much larger mission.
Over the years, she gained firsthand knowledge of what it takes to operate a childcare program, serve families, manage daily responsibilities, and maintain a strong educational environment. She also saw that many childcare professionals needed more than training. They needed encouragement, business support, practical resources, and a community that understood their experiences.
That realization led Dr. Jennings to expand her work beyond her own childcare program. Today, she helps daycare owners and childcare professionals build businesses that are both purpose-driven and profitable. Through coaching, speaking, books, and educational programs, she teaches others how to improve their operations while continuing to provide high-quality care.
Her work is centered on the belief that childcare professionals should be valued not only for the care they provide but also for their leadership, knowledge, and impact on the next generation.
Dr. Jennings is also the founder of the Childcare & Family Legacy Conference and Awards Ceremony, an annual event created to educate, connect, celebrate, and recognize the people who help shape the lives of children.
The conference brings together parents, childcare providers, educators, teachers, mentors, nonprofit leaders, vendors, and community advocates. Attendees receive practical strategies, build meaningful partnerships, and celebrate individuals who are making a difference in childcare, education, and family development.
The awards ceremony is especially meaningful to Dr. Jennings because so much of the work performed by parents, teachers, and childcare professionals happens without public recognition. Through this event, she provides a platform where their service, commitment, and leadership can be honored.
The 2nd Annual Childcare & Family Legacy Conference and Awards Ceremony will take place September 25–26, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia. The event represents another important step in Dr. Jennings’ continuing mission to strengthen the village surrounding every child.
Her influence also extends into media through The DeJour Village Show, where she leads conversations about parenting, entrepreneurship, community development, and the importance of working together. The platform gives guests an opportunity to share helpful information, personal experiences, and solutions that can support families and business owners.
As an author and speaker, Dr. Jennings continues to use her voice to educate and encourage others. She understands that building a lasting legacy requires more than personal success. It requires sharing knowledge, opening doors, recognizing others, and creating opportunities that can continue for future generations.
Her journey from operating a home-based childcare program to leading a growing community of parents, educators, and professionals demonstrates the power of staying committed to a purpose. Every part of her work connects to one central goal: helping children succeed by strengthening the adults and organizations responsible for supporting them.
Dr. DeShonda Jennings is not only caring for children. She is helping to shape the future of childcare, strengthen families, develop leaders, and build a legacy that will continue to serve communities for years to come.
To learn more about Dr. DeShonda Jennings and the Childcare & Family Legacy Conference, visit childcareconference.org.
