Many families throughout the United States use family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) care. FFN providers are essential members in the early childhood education (ECE) ecosystem, along with licensed, center-based and home-based care. They provide care that is valued by parents and fill gaps for care in locations with limited licensed ECE programs. However, FFN providers and the strengths and contributions they offer to families and children are often overlooked by policymakers and other stakeholders because they frequently operate outside of the public systems. Home Grown contracted with Mathematica to conduct the Understanding the Strengths of Family, Friend, and Neighbor Child Care project to identify the strengths and limitations of FFN care and the needs of FFN providers. The study also aimed to inform considerations for future measures to assess FFN quality.
Report: Understanding the Strengths of Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care
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.
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.