Family, Friend, and Neighbor Child Care: Understanding the Essential Role in Central Ohio
09/13/24
In Franklin County and the six surrounding counties, there are currently over 1,200 child care programs. According to the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, these programs serve around 62,000 children. US Census data tells us that within these counties, however, there are over 120,000 children under the age of 5. With so many children unaccounted for in formal child care, we have to ask, “Where are the children?” A big part of the answer is Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care. FFN care is a long-standing form of child care where a trusted individual—such as a grandparent, older sibling, family friend, or neighbor — cares for children while their parents work. It is often falls under the broader category of Family Child Care (FCC), where care happens within the caregiver’s home. Though FFN child care does not have to be licensed, it can be registered as a business with the state and may follow regulations established for home-based care.
Who Uses Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care?
In the U.S., Family, Friend, and Neighbor care is the most common type of non-parental care. Estimates suggest that between one-third and over half of children with working parents use this type of care. Though FFN care is usually not licensed, that does not mean it lacks value or legitimacy. For generations, FFN care has been a natural part of family and social support systems. It plays a vital role in our society, allowing parents to work while their children receive trusted, personalized care.
There are many reasons why a family might choose to send their child to FFN care instead of a center based or in-home licensed program. Because of the pre-existing relationship between the children and their caregiver, FFN Care typically offers a personalized, supportive learning environment for children of all backgrounds . Caregivers who share the child’s culture or language can help also maintain the child’s connection to their heritage. This is especially helpful for ESL families or those with limited English skills. Finally, FFN care can also provide flexibility for working parents, especially those with weekend, second, or third-shift jobs, which makes it hard to find care in licensed settings.
What Supports are Available for Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care?
Whether you’re a licensed or unlicensed FFN caregiver, or a parent or guardian using FFN care, you can access important benefits! These include tax breaks like the Child and Dependent CareCredit, to help cover child care costs, Dependent Care FSAs, which can cover informal care expenses, and other tax breaks for informal care givers.
How is AFC Supporting Home-Based Caregivers?
Action for Children also provides resources for all kinds of child care professionals. These resources range from teaching ideas and art activities, to book lists and advice on how to talk with children about difficult topics. We also offer over 80 flexible professional development courses designed to enhance caregiving practices, and have staff who are available to answer your child care questions. For FFN caregivers looking to take the next step and become licensed, Action for Children’s Family Child Care pre-licensing services provide personalized assistance and training to make the process as easy as possible. Once licensed, caregivers are able to access additional resources and training opportunities. These resources can help improve the quality of care provided and open the door to new funding streams.
We recognize the importance of FFN care, and this FFN Appreciation Week, we hope that FFN caregivers know how important they are. This long-standing, deeply impactful form of child care not only supports families by offering flexibility and a more personal learning experience, but it also helps bridge the gap left by more familiar child care options. We thank all FFN child care professionals for addressing the diverse needs of families and helping ensure all children receive the care and support they deserve.
Interested in exploring the services Action for Children offers for Family Child Care? Join us for AFC’s Family Child Care Fair on September 28th at Bexley Public Library! Learn more & register.
Author: Shea McHugh, Advocacy Associate at Action for Children
Contributors: Alicia Smith, Family Child Care Services Program Manager, Sarah Zang, The Village Coordinator, and Tonya Smoot, Pre-Licensing Coordinator
Action for Children is the local child care resource and referral agency for central Ohio, and is committed to assuring quality early learning experiences for all children. Our services focus on transforming the lives of children by supporting the everyday heroes who most influence our children’s early growth; care givers, educators, parents, and guardians. Learn More.