The primary challenge we aim to address is the significant inequity in support and recognition afforded to informal childcare providers, including family, friends, and neighbors, compared to licensed providers. These informal caregivers are not just integral to childcare, but they are often the only option for families in under-resourced, immigrant, and working-class communities. Despite their pivotal role, they often lack access to the necessary resources, technical assistance, training, and funding available to licensed facilities, which undermines the quality of care available to some of the most vulnerable populations who rely heavily on this form of childcare.

Our organization has a unique position due to our extensive experience with home visiting programs targeted towards those furthest away from opportunity. This expertise aligns with the needs of the informal childcare workforce, which similarly serves many within these marginalized communities. Our home visiting model is particularly effective in reaching and supporting informal caregivers because it is directly implemented in children's care environments. This method promotes better understanding and trust between our staff and the caregivers and allows us to provide tailored support and training right where needed. We aim to enhance the capabilities and recognition of informal childcare providers, bridging the equity gap and extending high-quality childcare to all community segments.

Our vision extends to advocating for public policy that recognizes and supports the essential role of informal childcare providers through investment and regulation. The challenge includes organizing and advocacy efforts to bring about this change, drawing on our experience in New York State, where organizing and advocacy led to providing driver's licenses to undocumented individuals by making a compelling economic argument. Similarly, we see a greater opportunity to generate economic benefits through supporting informal childcare. By formalizing support for this sector, we can increase employment opportunities, enhance economic stability for families, and ensure a more resilient childcare system. Our aim is to replicate this success by demonstrating the economic and social benefits of investing in a workforce that is foundational to our children's development and our communities' well-being.

Research and Data Gathering: Undertake comprehensive research to document the current state of informal childcare, identifying specific gaps in support, training, and funding. This involves collecting data directly from informal caregivers through surveys and interviews facilitated by our home visiting teams.

Stakeholder Analysis and Engagement: Engage with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including informal caregivers, community leaders, policy makers, and advocacy groups. The goal is to use the work of the students to provide recommendations to Parent Child+ on how to build coalitions, leveraging our home visiting model to deepen relationships and enhance communication.

Development of Policy Proposals: Based on collected data and ongoing dialogues, develop policy proposals that advocate for the formal recognition and support of informal childcare providers. These policies should aim at securing funding, training opportunities, and regulatory support to level the playing field with licensed providers.

Success Metrics:

Increased number of informal childcare providers receiving formal training and support.

Our proposed legislative changes aim to recognize and support informal childcare providers, offering them the financial and regulatory adjustments they need to thrive in their crucial roles.

Our proposal holds the promise of enhanced economic stability and job creation within communities that heavily rely on informal childcare, igniting a spark of growth and prosperity.

Expected Outcomes:

A more equitable childcare system where all forms of care are recognized and supported, ensuring high-quality childcare across all community segments.

Stronger economic conditions in communities served by informal caregivers through job creation and increased stability in childcare services.

A robust advocacy network that can continue to push for improvements and recognition of informal childcare at both state and national levels.

Reporting and Presentation of Results: The project will culminate in a comprehensive report detailing our findings, policy recommendations.