Home Grown’s Response to the Proposed CCDF Rule: What’s at Stake for Home-Based Child Care
As federal policymakers consider changes to the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), the stakes for families and providers could not be higher.
Resource categories: Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN)
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
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
Grandparents: A Pillar of Strength and Love in Home-Based Child Care
Grandparents are unsung heroes of home-based child care. Millions of grandparents are stepping up all across the U.S. to provide primary care for their grandchildren. Stories like Tracy Owen, Natalie Whitesides, and Maria Buehler show how grandparents balance work, retirement, or other responsibilities while providing loving care.
Implementation Guide: Linking FFN Caregivers to the CACFP Program
This implementation guide is intended to be used by public leaders at the state level responsible for child care and food program administration and by community organizations and advocates working on behalf of vulnerable children and families. The guide offers a pathway toward realizing the goal of family, friend and neighbor (FFN) caregiver participation in
Cook County, Illinois, Case Study of Success: FFN Participation in CACFP
The federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is designed to reimburse child care programs for healthy meals and snacks served. But eligibility for participation and successful documentation of compliance with program requirements has been a challenge for the estimated 5 million family, friend and neighbor (FFN) caregivers who look after 11.5 million children.
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.
Healthy-Me Practices for Mental Wellness
Mental health is especially challenging and important during times of great uncertainty. In this blog post, home-based providers and caregivers share their healthy practices toward positive mental wellness.
Parents Champion Home-Based Child Care
Parents and advocates join with home-based providers on A Day Without Child Care to amplify how important supportive child care policy reform is for the workforce and communities.
Semenario de Web: Valorando Fortalezas y fomentando la Solidaridad en el Cuidado Infantil basado en el Hogar
Home Grown es una colaboración nacional de financiadores, cuidadores y proveedores que trabajan juntos para impulsar la creación de un sistema de cuidado infantil inclusivo donde el Cuidado Infantil Familiar (FCC) y el Cuidado de Familias, Amigos y Vecinos (FFN) sean visibles, valorados y cuenten con los recursos necesarios. Regístrese para obtener más información sobre
Webinar: Valuing Strengths and Building Solidarity in Home-Based Child Care
Home Grown is a national collaborative of funders, caregivers and providers working together to advance an inclusive child care system where Family Child Care (FCC) and Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) care is visible, valued and well-resourced. Register to learn more about joining our mission-driven community rooted in shared values. Let’s come together to advocate