The Family Child Care Workforce Fact Sheet highlights the importance of family child care (FCC) as a vital part of the early childhood care system. FCC professionals provide home-based care, often serving underserved and minority communities, while also facing significant challenges. Nearly 63% of FCC providers hold a college degree or have completed some college, yet they earn low wages, averaging $29,377 per year. Many FCC providers experience financial hardships, with nearly half reporting difficulty affording basic needs and over 21% struggling with student loan debt. Despite their critical role, FCC providers are often excluded from policy discussions and support programs, further marginalizing their contributions to the child care system. This fact sheet underscores the need for better compensation, access to benefits, and inclusion in policy solutions to support FCC professionals.
Family Child Care Workforce Fact Sheet
Stephen Cutty, a home-based child care provider in California, is one of a small number of male child care providers. He calls running his business "the greatest experience of [his] life."
Philadelphia-based FCC provider Adrienne Briggs reflects on the success of the 2025 Family Child Care Awareness Day in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and shares why it is important for FCC providers to come together and advocate for what they need.
Family child care (FCC) is often a first choice for families who prefer to keep their children in mixed-aged groups together in one setting. Many states, however, do not include FCCs in their mixed-delivery system which eliminates this option for most parents. This blog post examines why states should consider including FCC in mixed-delivery pre-K systems.