Early Edge’s Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Advisory Groups Convene for Winter Meetings
In winter 2024, Early Edge California convened its FFN Advisory Group to discuss Early Learning and Care topics, including the state’s efforts on rate reform for child care providers and the inclusion of FFNs, the places and entities FFN caregivers trust for support and resources, and the findings and recommendations from a webinar as well as recent research and policy publications focused on FFNs from Early Edge and UC Berkeley’s Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (CSCCE). The convening also served as a space to commend the contributions of the advisory members this year toward the work of uplifting FFNs.
Rate Reform
Advisory members received an update on and discussed the state’s pending alternative methodology, which is intended to adjust reimbursement rates for licensed child care providers and FFN caregivers to reflect the true cost of care. In addition to the opportunity to provide feedback on the state’s pending health and safety requirements for subsidized FFNs, advisory members expressed concern that the state may not fully understand the unique challenges and true cost of care for FFN caregivers, given the diverse needs of the children and families they serve. As California seeks to reform child care compensation, advisory members stressed the need for a more comprehensive and equitable approach that recognizes the diverse responsibilities, contributions, and needs of FFN caregivers within the state’s mixed-delivery system.
Trusted Places and Entities
We asked advisory members to identify the organizations and places they trust for resources and support, as many FFN caregivers, regardless of subsidy status, actively seek education and assistance to enhance their caregiving skills. Libraries were among the most frequently mentioned resources, with some offering specialized programs such as workforce registry sign-ups, connections to food banks, and pathways to community colleges, along with information on subsidies and licensure. One highlighted library was the San José Public Library, which has a dedicated community navigator that connects caregivers and parents with resources. However, while libraries can be valuable for many caregivers, some FFNs noted that not all libraries provide programs tailored to their needs, and security concerns at certain locations may make them less suitable environments for young children. Ideally, they emphasized, all libraries should be equipped to support the unique needs of FFNs in their communities. Other trusted spaces for FFNs include community centers, churches, and schools. Advisory members also underscored the need and importance of accessing locations that can provide health information and services for FFN caregivers.
FFN Webinar co-hosted by Early Edge and UC Berkeley’s Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (CSCCE)
Advisory members discussed the findings and recommendations from a webinar jointly hosted by Early Edge and CSCCE in September 2024 titled, California Needs Caregivers: The Importance of Family, Friend, and Neighbor Child Care. The webinar shared findings from a recent CSCCE study that explored the demographics, needs, and interests of FFN caregivers in California, as well as the reasons parents choose this form of child care. It also featured an overview of Early Edge’s 2024 policy brief highlighting the challenges FFN caregivers face in accessing state-sponsored child care subsidies—a brief shaped by the valuable input of FFN advisory members. Advisory members discussed key recommendations from the webinar including investing in community spaces frequently used by FFN caregivers, such as libraries and parks; adopting and training community navigators to connect FFNs with resources, training, and subsidies; and ensuring that FFNs are included in the state’s pending subsidy rate reform. They also discussed potential opportunities for engaging the state and community partners in moving these recommendations forward.
The FFN Advisory Group meetings are an opportunity for FFN caregivers to share space with each other and share best practices, suggestions, and concerns surrounding FFN child care, which directly guides the work of Early Edge California. We thank our advisory members for their significant contributions for 2024 and look forward to continuing our partnership for 2025.