We find that our services are attracting and reaching more parents who care for their own children rather than FFN providers. How do we reach caregivers who are non-parent family members, friends, and neighbors?
How do we reach more FFN caregivers?
by Jessica Gutierrez | Dec 7, 2022 | 5 comments
Such a good question. Word of mouth is so powerful, but it takes careful and measured steps to make sure you’re equipped to access the vast variety of communities that FFNs reside in.
The Placer County Office of Education focuses on visiting Family Resource Centers, low-income housing communities, partner organizations, subsidy waitlist (parents who have not yet accessed a child care subsidy), foster care agencies, libraries, local schools, and more. You can spread flyers widely. We often send flyers home with children and their parents – we agree it can be challenging to contact FFNs directly, so we cast a wide net.
Think about where you have met FFNs, or where you went as a child when in the care of an FFN. For instance, at church! You can hand out flyers in these community spaces. It really helps to bring FFN leaders that you already know – you can reach more FFNs by activating the leaders you have cultivated/connected with.
Some FFNs who receive subsidies participate in the Child Care Providers Union. Not only do they support FFNs around California, but they also provide opportunities for connection.
https://childcareprovidersunited.org/who-we-are/
Community Resources for Children (Napa) partners with Napa Housing Authority and their community managers know who the FFNs are that live in their housing facilities, CRC offers playgroups on-site through the partnership. It takes time to meet the FFNs, usually start with the parent and over time meet the FFNs that they use (aunts, grandma, etc.). Doing outreach through parents to reach the FFNs has been a helpful approach. Catholic Charities Santa Clara finds FFNs through word of mouth, through existing clients finding out who takes care of children, social workers will refer families they know who use FFNs. Helpful to start by looking at your own family, who you took care of and who took care of you, and using that knowledge to share with others.