Home-based caregivers are well-positioned to provide quality child care, but lack adequate compensation, health
insurance, methods for paid family and sick leave, and many other professional supports. These caregivers need
access to professional development, educational materials and supplies, emotional support groups, business tools,
and partnerships with community supports to assure comprehensive services for children and families. Home-based
child care networks are crucial tools to connect providers with these resources.
Home-Based Child Care Networks: Making Connections to Make a Difference
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.
Grandparents are unsung heroes of home-based child care. Millions of grandparents are stepping up all across the U.S. to provide primary care for their grandchildren. Stories like Tracy Owen, Natalie Whitesides, and Maria Buehler show how grandparents balance work, retirement, or other responsibilities while providing loving care.