|
Introduction | FFN Care | Strategy 1-3 | Initiatives | Acknowledgements & Appendix
FFN Guidebook: Introduction
INTRODUCTIONWith the passage of the 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), large numbers of parents moved into the workforce from dependence on cash assistance. These families required child care for their young children and concern was raised that a large amount of the subsidized child care used would be in license-exempt child care environments. In addition, more emphasis was placed on parental choice in selecting child care arrangements for their young children. According to recent data obtained from the Illinois Department of Human Services Bureau of Child Care and Development, family, friends and neighbors provide 63.9% of the subsidized child care provided in the state. This includes children birth – 5 years and school age. In Illinois, parents are able to access subsidized child care by securing a voucher/certificate through their local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency or through a contracted, site-administered program. Parents are permitted to choose from a variety of child care settings and can receive referrals from the CCR&R that will assist them in selecting the appropriate environment based on the needs of the child and family. Families opt to use family, friends & neighbors care for various reasons including: child’s age; scheduling needs; sibling care; non-traditional working hours: variable & unpredictable work obligations; lack of alternatives; and cost. It is believed that the numbers of families will increase who use family, friends & neighbors as their subsidized child care provider. Often these providers are the most isolated from networks, professional development opportunities, etc. For these reasons, communities need to develop strategies that support this type of child care. Few efforts are underway to reach out to these caregivers and provide sufficient support to strengthen such child care arrangements. This guidebook is designed to help the early care & education community understand the dynamics of family, friends & neighbors child care and looks at some new and innovative strategies to help engage these child care providers and the families they serve. The following strategies are discussed:
|
