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
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.