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.

Investments in Child Care and the Federal Food Program Are Essential Ingredients in Home-Based Child Care’s Kitchen Economy
In October child care providers will hit the hard reality of rising food costs and lower reimbursements. The new CACFP bill includes key provisions that advocates have long requested, and could be the difference between kids being hungry and healthy.