Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Appreciation

Family, Friend, and Neighbor Appreciation Week provides a special occasion to honor the more than 5 million FFN caregivers who care for 11.5 million children each year. This week of recognition begins on National Grandparents’ Day, a meaningful way to acknowledge the countless grandparents who play a crucial role in supporting their families and communities by caring for young children. We invite you to join us in raising awareness and expressing our heartfelt gratitude for the essential contributions that FFN caregivers make to the well-being of children, families, and society as a whole.

Webinar: Building Policy Momentum for FFN Care

Policies that support family, friend and neighbor care are gaining momentum on the state and federal level. Hear
from FFN caregivers, policymakers and advocates about how you can help build the momentum.

FFN Care is a First Choice for Families

Parents often prefer FFN care because it aligns with their values, culture, language, and child-rearing practices. The trusting relationships that develop between caregivers and families are key to this preference. FFN care typically involves small groups of children, often with fewer than three, allowing for personalized, consistent attention from the caregiver. Additionally, the flexibility of FFN care makes it a convenient and reliable option for many families, accommodating their unique schedules and needs.

Growing Leaders

We are committed to further developing the leadership skills of our members by collaborating with them to recognize their strengths and passions. Through tailored education and hands-on opportunities, we aim to help them learn, grow, and gain practical experience in leading within their communities. By providing these resources and support, we empower members to become confident, effective leaders who can make a lasting impact.

Building Community with FFN Providers

Building community is essential for FFN providers because it helps combat the isolation often felt in this field. By connecting with other caregivers who share similar experiences, FFN providers can foster a sense of solidarity and support. These connections create valuable opportunities for sharing resources, advice, and guidance, while also offering emotional support. When providers build a strong network, they can lean on one another for encouragement and assistance, ultimately strengthening their ability to care for children and thrive in their roles.

VIDEO SERIES

Our latest video series will highlight the stories and experiences of La Red Latina FFN care providers and the important work they do.

Webinar: Community Audience

Every day, FFN step in as caregivers, offering invaluable support to those in need. These caregivers often go unrecognized, but their contributions are essential to the well-being of individuals and communities. In this piece, we introduce some of these extraordinary FFN caregivers and share their inspiring stories, highlighting the impact they have on the lives of those they care for..

Policymakers/Audience 2024

Transforming Our Early Childhood System, MN 2024 aiming to at reshape and create by improving the early childhood care and education landscape a brighter future for Minnesota’s youngest learners.

Building Health Equity: La Red

La RED Latina de Educacin Temprana (The Latino Network of Early Education)