Family Child Care Workforce Fact Sheet

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.

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.