Network Benchmarks and Indicators Resource Collection

Home Grown and Erikson Institute developed a framework of 11 quality benchmarks for home-based child care networks. Together, the benchmarks and indicators represent a picture of what a high-quality network strategy can look like. Home Grown and Erikson Institute have also created a collection of resources around the benchmarks, including findings from a national survey and multiple focus groups with network staff and providers to understand how networks address the benchmarks and indicators. Find links to the framework, survey report, and focus group briefs below.

Benchmarks and Indicators Framework

Strengthening HBCC Networks: An Evidence-Based Framework For High Quality (Benchmarks)

Research Brief: Identifying Practices And Features Of High-Quality HBCC Networks

Survey Findings

Implementing Benchmarks for High- Quality HBCC Networks: Findings from a National Survey of HBCC Networks

Focus Group Findings

Promising Practices for High-Quality Home-Based Child Care Networks: Focus Group Briefs

Supporting Family, Friend, and Neighbor Providers

Promising Practices for High-Quality Home-Based Child Care Networks: Supporting Family, Friend, and Neighbor Providers

Promising Practices for High-Quality Home-Based Child Care Networks: Family, Friend, and Neighbor Providers’ Recommendations

Benchmarks and Indicators Toolkit

Network Benchmarks and Indicators Toolkit

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.
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Inspirando la pasión por la naturaleza a través del juego en el cuidado infantil en el hogar

Los educadores de la primera infancia, incluyendo a los proveedores de cuidado infantil a domicilio, en todo el país están explorando maneras de dar vida al mundo natural como aula para los niños. Hablamos con tres proveedores que compartieron cómo incorporan el juego basado en la naturaleza en sus programas.
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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.