The most widely used form of child care in America is family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) child care. It is also the care that gets the fewest resources and support. This publication provides information about FFN care, the families who use this care, and recommendations for supporting FFN care.
Family, Friend, and Neighbor Child Care: Supporting Diverse Families and Thriving Economies
Home-based child care providers share feedback and insight on their experiences with legislative visits during the 2025 August recess.
Families and child care providers are being squeezed as pandemic-era supports expire and federal funding stalls. Across the country, home-based providers are struggling to stay open amid lower reimbursements and rising costs. Without stronger federal investment in the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), tens of thousands of children could lose access to care.
Carmela is a family, friend and neighbor caregiver who is proud of her Hispanic heritage. Learn more about how her Hispanic heritage shapes her work as a HBCC caregiver in this blog.