What is Home-Based Child Care?

Home-based child care (HBCC) includes a range of providers, from licensed providers operating small businesses in their homes to care provided by family, friends, and neighbors, all providing a vital service to their communities.

Nationwide, more infants and toddlers are cared for in HBCC than in center-based care.

Child in a green shirt playing with wooden toy food and a toy knife at a wooden table.

The Challenge

HBCC providers often do not receive the recognition, resources, and support they need to provide the highest quality care. Federal, state, and local policies are often not supportive of HBCC providers, and in recent years, the number of HBCC providers in the United States has declined.
A child reads a colorful picture book with Chinese text at a table with colorful tubes.

The Opportunity

Millions of parents choose HBCC for their infants and toddlers because it is often closer to home, more affordable, and more flexible than child care centers. HBCC has the opportunity to be an equalizer for children with fewer opportunities during a critical time in their cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical development.
Amplifying Provider Voices

Home Grown believes provider, caregiver, and family-driven narratives hold power. Providers, caregivers, and families’ voices lead our messaging and storytelling. Watch, read, share, and commit to joining us in amplifying provider voices.