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Family Friend and Neighbor Care

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Who are the Family, Friend and Neighbor Caregivers we’re talking about?

They are an essential part of the child care “system.” They include grandparents, aunts and uncles, other elders, older siblings, friends and neighbors, who help care for young children. Family, friends and neighbors provide care for an estimated 60,000 children in King County. For 28,000 of those children, they are the primary source of care when parents are working or attending school.

The decision to have children cared for by extended family, friends or neighbors is a choice made by most families because of established bonds of love and trust. Parents have confidence that their children will be safe, and their values, language, and culture strengthened. In many cultures, the help of family members and friends is not seen as a choice, but simply the way things are: extended family and community working together to raise children.

Why is it important to connect family, friend and neighbor caregivers to support and resources?

Babies are born learning. Children’s earliest experiences and relationships make a huge difference in the way their brains develop. Caregivers, like parents, have a significant impact on young children’s development. It is important that all caregivers understand that time spent with young children can positively affect each child’s growth and development. There are dozens of “teachable moments” everyday in which family, friend and neighbor caregivers can help children develop skills that lay the foundation for school readiness. Caregivers are more likely to understand how children learn when they have access to information, resources and support.

What is the Family, Friend & Neighbor Project at Child Care Resources?

The goal of our Family, Friend and Neighbor Project is a comprehensive, community-based network of supports and resources for family, friend and neighbor caregivers and the children in their care. The project is funded by private foundations, local government, and CCR’s unrestricted funds. Our work is organized into the following six categories:
 

Community Awareness

We bring information about family, friend and neighbor care into the community.  Read more...

Community Partnerships

We help community based organizations to serve family, friend and neighbor caregivers.  Read more...

Policy and Advocacy

Learn about our state and local policy agenda.  Read more...

National Leadership

We are part of the national dialogue about family, friend and neighbor care.  Read more...

Evaluation

Find information about our evaluation process, and recent reports.  Read more...

National Resources and Organizations

Link to publications and projects across the country.  Read more...

Articles and Links

Read about how children learn through play, child development, activities, school readiness, safety guidelines, and more.  Read more...

Resource Guide for Family Friends and Neighbors Who Care for Children

Family, friend and neighbor (FFN) caregivers have an important role in contributing to the healthy development, school readiness and school success of children. Information for this booklet has been compiled from a wide variety of sources and field-tested by real-life people caring for children. It is a gift to you, for all you do, to support a great future for our community and world…Thank you!

Resource Guide for Family, Friends, and Neighbors Who Care for Children (PDF)

This booklet is also available in: Amharic, Chinese, Somali and Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese.

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