Family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) providers are grandmothers, aunts, other close relatives, or parents who care for unrelated children of friends or neighbors in addition to their own. In many states, these providers are exempt from licensing regulations and operate outside of publicly funded payment systems. They may be paid informally by families or not paid at all to offer child care. The recommendations presented here emerged from focus groups Erikson Institute conducted with FFN providers to learn how networks are responsive to the strengths and needs of the FFN sector. The recommendations can help inform FFN providers’ efforts to advocate for network supports that meet their needs.
Promising Practices for High-Quality Home-Based Child Care Networks: Family, Friend, and Neighbor Providers’ Recommendations
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.
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.
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.