Category: Blog_English

Five young children sit at a table, using tongs to pick up pretzels and apple slices from plates.

Revised CACFP Rates Don’t Make a Dent: What to know about the new rates and the implications of new federal policies

Despite a small 2.23% increase in CACFP reimbursement rates for 2025–26, HBCC providers are still struggling to cover rising food and operational costs. The updated rates add just a few cents per meal. Meanwhile, new federal policies threaten to reduce eligibility for free and reduced-price meals, putting further strain on providers and limiting access to nutritious food for kids. This blog breaks down what’s changed, why it matters, and what’s at stake for child care providers and families alike.

Three young children play and explore in a muddy area in a sunny park with green grass and trees.

Why We Celebrate FFN Appreciation Week

Ahead of FFN Appreciation Week 2025, a member of the Home Grown staff shares her personal experience with family, friend and neighbor providers and why she’s passionate about supporting them.

Child reading a picture book about a fox with an adult, showing bright illustrations of the fox's story.

Where the Climate Crisis Meets Child Care: HBCC Provider Experiences Amid Natural Disasters

Severe climate and weather disasters in the U.S. have become more frequent. For home-based child care providers, these disasters not only affect the health and well-being of those impacted, but they also disrupt the livelihoods of HBCC providers and caregivers whose businesses are run from their homes.

A child in a red shirt touches colorful playdough arranged in a row on a table.

Partnering for Resilience: Child Care Support Amid LA’s Flames

When the devastating LA fires displaced families and child care providers, Home Grown and local partners moved quickly to provide emergency cash aid.

Every Day Is Father’s Day at Carleigh’s Place Child Care

Stephen Cutty, a home-based child care provider in California, is one of a small number of male child care providers. He calls running his business “the greatest experience of [his] life.”

Reflecting on Family Child Care Awareness Day 2025

Philadelphia-based FCC provider Adrienne Briggs reflects on the success of the 2025 Family Child Care Awareness Day in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and shares why it is important for FCC providers to come together and advocate for what they need.

The Case for Home-Based: Why States Should Consider Inclusion of Family Child Care Homes in Mixed Delivery Pre-K Systems

Family child care (FCC) is often a first choice for families who prefer to keep their children in mixed-aged groups together in one setting. Many states, however, do not include FCCs in their mixed-delivery system which eliminates this option for most parents. This blog post examines why states should consider including FCC in mixed-delivery pre-K systems.