Promising Practices in Policy for Home-Based Child Care

The document provides an overview of policies related to state definitions and regulations, licensing and subsidy, external systems, quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS), and funding. We also highlight changes to policies related to HBCC enacted as a result of COVID-19. At the end of each section, we include key takeaways and states that may be of interest for each topic. The goal of the document is to highlight states that may be strong candidates for case studies to be conducted as part of this project to further explore supportive policies in depth.

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.
Danielle Caldwell and her home-based child care program enjoying the outdoors.

Las mujeres que trabajan en el cuidado infantil en el hogar sufren la peor desigualdad salarial

Junto con las inspiradoras mujeres que son cuidadoras y cuidadoras de niños en el hogar, Home Grown celebró el Mes de la Historia de la Mujer pidiendo salarios adecuados que reflejen el valor de las contribuciones de los proveedores al desarrollo de los niños pequeños, el apoyo familiar y las economías y comunidades locales.
M. Robinson -IMG_4247

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.