Ensuring that FFN caregivers are recognized, supported, and integrated into early childhood system improvement efforts

Family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) child care providers serve children and families across Colorado. As FFN child care providers serve working families, they support our economy and play important roles in the lives of young children.

Building upon previous work in partnership with Mile High United Way and the Butler Institute for Families, Early Milestones interviewed FFN providers and those who support them to better understand how FFN voices can influence Colorado’s early childhood systems. Our final report identifies strategies for how the system can be more inclusive of and better support the critical role FFN serve for Colorado’s children, families, and economy.

 

The Colorado Context

of providers feel they do not have adequate access to PPE
Mile High United Way FFN Survey, 2020

of providers need additional materials to support play and learning
Mile High United Way FFN Survey, 2020

of providers incurred additional costs during COVID-19
Mile High United Way FFN Survey, 2020

Elevating FFN Provider Voices

We conducted 20 interviews with FFN providers across the state and 20 more with support organizations to better understand the unique experiences of FFN providers in Colorado, as well as how early childhood systems can engage with and support them. This report summarizes key issues for FFN providers and recommendations to strengthen systems that promote positive, equitable outcomes for providers and the families they serve.

Partners

  • CO Health Foundation