August 2023

One issue critical to addressing societal challenges and economic drivers is child care. In order for parents to work or go to school and maintain economic stability for their families, child care is essential. Child care enables families, workplaces, and the economy to thrive while providing children with the support needed for their growth and learning.

A key component of California’s child care landscape is Home-Based Child Care (HBCC), which is child care offered in a provider’s home or the child’s home. In addition to being the most common form of nonparental child care for infants and toddlers, HBCC is also used the most by historically marginalized families. These include families with infants and toddlers, low-income families with parents working non-traditional hours, immigrant families, those living in rural communities, families
of color or families with children who have disabilities or special needs. HBCC is often classified into two broad categories. Family Child Care, or FCC, refers to providers who are paid to care for children out of their own homes. FCC providers are often regulated and licensed by the state. In the state of California, FCCs are licensed through the Department of Social Services (CDSS). In contrast, Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care commonly refers to providers who offer care in an informal home setting and are unregulated or license-exempt; these providers can be paid or unpaid.

The importance of both types of home-based child care cannot be understated. As noted above, HBCC is utilized primarily by marginalized families who are most likely to encounter inequitable access to services and discrimination within systems. Additionally, in California roughly 80% of young children ages birth to 2 and 40% of children ages birth to 5 are cared for by informal caregivers. And because so many families rely on home-based child care, any initiative seeking to ensure equity in child care must address the needs of HBCC providers. However, very little is known about this population of providers.

This report, The Landscape of Home-Based Child Care in Los Angeles County: A Framework for Future Planning, is intended to fill this significant gap in knowledge. Featuring data and insights collected from both HBCC providers and the families who rely on them, this report serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, funders and other stakeholders seeking to develop innovative strategies that support the HBCC workforce and improve child care outcomes.

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT [PDF]




Filipino American History Month 2024: Pioneers of Change

Filipino American History Month 2024: Pioneers of Change

October 2024 According to historians, the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza made landfall at Morro Bay on a foggy, overcast day in October, four-hundred thirty-seven years ago. That ship, part of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade Route, counted among its...

A Sisterhood for Saving Lives

A Sisterhood for Saving Lives

By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer September 17, 2024 How fostering connections in one of L.A.'s largest regions can help in the fight against Black infant and maternal mortality. We got this. We got this. Whitney Shirley repeated the phrase over and over, like a...

National Hispanic Heritage Month 2024: Pioneers of Change

National Hispanic Heritage Month 2024: Pioneers of Change

September 2024 September 15 marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when we commemorate the rich tapestry of history, traditions, culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans. Unlike other heritage months, this celebration begins mid-month...

Pride Month 2024: Empowering Change in Los Angeles

Pride Month 2024: Empowering Change in Los Angeles

June 2024 Summer kicks off with Pride Month! This month-long event is held in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City and to celebrate the history and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. At the same time, Pride Month is an opportunity to...

Translate