Family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) caregivers are a critical part of Colorado’s early-childhood ecosystem — yet many are locked out of federal nutrition support. This new feasibility study explores how the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) can be made more accessible for these license-exempt caregivers. The study examines legal frameworks, caregiver experiences, and system design, and recommends a streamlined registration pathway that reduces administrative burden. By removing the linkage between CACFP eligibility and state subsidy programs, this model could help FFN providers serve healthier meals and strengthen community-based care.
Report: A Study to Determine the Feasibility of Establishing an Alternative Child and Adult Care Food Program Eligibility Process for Family, Friend and Neighbor Caregivers in Colorado
The celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month is particularly important for the early care and education (ECE) field. For over 25 years, Jacqueline Chávez has provided child care to her community as a family child care provider.
La celebración del Mes de la Herencia Hispana es particularmente importante para el sistema del cuidado infantil. Por más de 25 años, Jacqueline Chávez ha brindado cuidado infantil bilingüe a su comunidad como una proveedora de cuidado infantil familiar.
Durante los últimos meses, el equipo de Home Grown ha trabajado con líderes del sector y con nuestras comunidades asesoras para definir un conjunto de principios sobre cómo debería ser un sistema de cuidado infantil universal que integre plenamente el cuidado infantil en entornos domésticos. El resultado es nuestro primer borrador de una visión compartida: Cuidado infantil universal, construido desde el hogar.