NCJ Number
219657
Date Published
2006
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This essay focuses on improving early childhood development opportunities for young children living in low-income neighborhoods.
Abstract
The main focus of the essay is on a form of child care referred to as “family, friend, and neighbor care,” which is often delivered in a home-based setting both by regulated and unregulated child care providers. While these types of family, friend, and neighbor caregivers often provide sound care that contributes to healthy child development, most of these caregivers are undervalued and under-supported. By strengthening and reinforcing the effectiveness of friends, family, and neighbor caregivers, developmental and learning outcomes for children, families, and communities will improve. Recommendations for supporting family, friend, and neighbor childcare include: (1) improving the level of data and research related to this type of childcare; (2) promoting stronger local organizational integration; (3) expanding technical assistance and promoting best practices; and (4) making early care and development a higher policy and funding priority. The reasons why millions of families chose family, friend, and neighbor child care over center-based child care providers are enumerated and include financial reasons, convenience, and a preference for home-based care. There is a need to acknowledge, however, that family, friend, and neighbor childcare is not free from serious issues and limitations, including childcare provider training and health and safety issues. The challenges of improving family, friend, and neighbor childcare are also discussed and include isolation and diversity. Several States have developed sites that family, friend, and neighbor childcare provides can visit to access information, programs, and developmental opportunities. Examples include the Boston Children’s Museum, the Arizona Kith and Kin Project, and Hawaii’s Play and Learn Centers. Endnotes