Family, friends and neighbors— everyone who takes care of young children —are child care providers. Every interaction and every activity of these adults with their charges provide valuable opportunities to help children learn and grow. Traditionally, the definition of informal care is family (relative), friend and/or neighbor care which is unregulated. This is not to be confused with illegal care. Informal care is legal child care. While the caregiver chooses not
to be regulated, he or she does follow whatever state guidelines are applicable for informal care. This care is done in the caregiver's home, which is why it is often considered part of
the field of family child care.
Within the San Antonio area, approximately 20 percent of families who receive federal child care subsidies choose the FFN provider model. Although it is to be assumed that parents want safe, affordable and good quality care for their children, the control families have over their choices can be limited due to financial constraints, the demands of work schedules, transportation issues, and lack of programs offering full day care. Thus, for many families,
the FFN structure provides the only care giving option.
Children spend enough time within the FFN care structure for the quality of care to affect their development and eventual readiness for school. Since parents know FFN caregivers, they can usually feel a sense of security about the child care arrangement. However, this familiarity can come at the expense of a more stimulating educational environment as many FFN caregivers usually lack specialized child development training. FFN caregivers are often isolated and lack access to information, activities, materials, and basic help in their important work. Further, while they may not seek “training” to become better child care providers, most want information and learning opportunities to help them in their care giving.
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