This report explores the unique role and challenges faced by immigrant Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers in Colorado, who provide essential child care for over half of the state’s children under age five. Despite their importance, these caregivers face significant obstacles in accessing federal support through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which reimburses child care providers for nutritious meals served to children. Many immigrant FFN caregivers, who are often license-exempt and care for children informally, face barriers to CACFP access, including fears of deportation, bureaucratic complexity, and language barriers.
Expanding Access to the Federal Child and Adult Care Food Program for Immigrant Family, Friend and Neighbor Care Providers in Colorado
The celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month is particularly important for the early care and education (ECE) field. For over 25 years, Jacqueline Chávez has provided child care to her community as a family child care provider.
La celebración del Mes de la Herencia Hispana es particularmente importante para el sistema del cuidado infantil. Por más de 25 años, Jacqueline Chávez ha brindado cuidado infantil bilingüe a su comunidad como una proveedora de cuidado infantil familiar.
Durante los últimos meses, el equipo de Home Grown ha trabajado con líderes del sector y con nuestras comunidades asesoras para definir un conjunto de principios sobre cómo debería ser un sistema de cuidado infantil universal que integre plenamente el cuidado infantil en entornos domésticos. El resultado es nuestro primer borrador de una visión compartida: Cuidado infantil universal, construido desde el hogar.