Webinar: Network Benchmarks and Indicators

On Wednesday, September 14th at 3:00-4:00 Eastern (12:00-1:00 Pacific) Home Grown and the Erikson Institute hosted a session on the newly released Network Benchmarks and Indicators. Together, the benchmarks and indicators represent a picture of what a high-quality network strategy can look like. In this session we explored the 11 quality benchmarks, their development from research and best practice, and potential use cases for administrators, funders, network staff, and supporting organizations.

Panelists for this discussion include:

  • Juliet Bromer, Research Professor, Herr Research Center, Erikson Institute
  • Marina Ragonese-Barnes, Research Analyst, Herr Research Center, Erikson Institute
  • Toni Porter, Early Care and Education Consulting
  • Kristy Smith, Associate Director: Home-Based Child Care Team, Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood
  • Sara Mickelson, Director, Early Childhood Initiatives Harris County Office of County Administration
  • Natalie Renew, Executive Director, Home Grown
  • Karen Tylek, Director of Program Operations, Home Grown
Gunawardena Family Child Care in Altadena, California after the Los Angelos fires.

Up in Flames: It’s a Long, Hard Road to Recovery for Altadena Family Child Care Providers

In January 2025, Home-based child care Francisca Gunawardena provider lost everything in the Los Angeles fires. Today, Francisca is still trying to figure out how to move forward.
Danielle Caldwell and her home-based child care program enjoying the outdoors.

Las mujeres que trabajan en el cuidado infantil en el hogar sufren la peor desigualdad salarial

Junto con las inspiradoras mujeres que son cuidadoras y cuidadoras de niños en el hogar, Home Grown celebró el Mes de la Historia de la Mujer pidiendo salarios adecuados que reflejen el valor de las contribuciones de los proveedores al desarrollo de los niños pequeños, el apoyo familiar y las economías y comunidades locales.
M. Robinson -IMG_4247

Inspiring A Passion for Nature Through Play in Home-based Child Care

Early childhood educators, including home-based child care providers, around the nation are exploring ways to bring the natural world to life as a classroom for children. We spoke with three providers who shared how they incorporate nature-based play in their programs.