Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Training & Support Program
A statewide initiative supporting the caregivers who care for Colorado’s children. Explore how this program delivered training, funding, and technical assistance to FFN providers in 2025.
Why FFNs Matter
Around half of Colorado’s children under 6 rely on Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care — yet public investment in this care system has historically been under 1% of the state’s early childhood education budget.
What is an FFN provider?
Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) are unlicensed child care providers who regularly serve four or fewer children in a single setting. These providers are often grandparents, other relatives, friends or neighbors who offer a flexible and affordable option for many Colorado families seeking child care.
The Facts
80,000+
Estimated children under age 5 with working parents rely on FFN care statewide.
Around 50%
Of Colorado children under age 6 receive care from FFN providers.
$2.7 B
Estimated annual economic loss in Colorado due to lack of reliable child care. (ReadyNation)
About the FFN Training & Support Program
Created through SB22-213, this program marked Colorado’s first-ever state investment in FFN care.
Led by CSPC and supported by the Department of Early Childhood, it provided training, technical assistance, and materials grants to dozens of organizations statewide.
Despite an estimated half of Colorado’s young children being cared for by FFN providers, the state has only made a one-time investment in FFN support — funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and set to expire in December 2026.
The Response
Training
Early childhood education, safety, child development, culturally responsive care
Technical Assistance
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Professional development
-
Access to resources
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Increase networks of support
Materials Grants
Up to $950 for books, safety tools, and learning materials
Reach & Impact
Strengthening Colorado’s Care System in 2025
Estimated number of FFN providers served
Trainings provided across Colorado to FFN providers
Training hours provided to FFNs
Languages used in FFN training: English, Spanish, Dari, Arabic, Russian, and Ukrainian
*A “training” refers to any learning opportunity offered by subgrantees, which may vary in format, topic, and length depending on community needs.
List of first round of Grantees:
- Americas Association for the Care of Children dba: Empowering Communities Globally/ Americas Association for the Care of Children – $135,774.18
- Colorado Nonprofit Development Center DBA Assuring Better Child Health & Development – $66,028.65
- Cuenta Conmigo Coop – $112,870.62
- Denver’s Early Childhood Council – $234,190.00
- Early Childhood Council for Yuma, Washington, and Kit Carson Counties – $64,388.00
- Early Childhood Council of Boulder County – $162,479.87
- Early Childhood Network – $103,082.00
- Healthy Child Care Colorado – $68,021.53
- La Pinata del Aprendizaje; Fiscal Sponsor Trailhead Institute – $281,441.84
- National Wildlife Federation – $250,385.09
- The Cornerstone Resource Center – $62,365.71
- United Way of Weld County – $249,603.28
- Valley Settlement – $294,435.04
- University of Colorado – $245,939.
List of second round of Grantees:
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Gunnison County dba Gunnison Hinsdale Early Childhood Council – $42,002.09
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Tutela Institute – $54,846.00
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North Range Behavioral Health – $96,442.49
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Roots Family Center – $61,160.00
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Early Childhood Partnership of Adams County – $66,011.49
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Early Milestones Colorado – $199,780.00
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Mile High United Way – $205,633.45
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Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success – $41,653.70
Subgrantee Highlights
The 10-week Rooted in Care series supported FFN caregivers in creating high-quality learning environments. Participants built lasting connections and celebrated their journey with a community resource fair.
Early Childhood Council of Boulder County
Featured in the Bright Spots report by the Donnell-Kay Foundation, ECG’s multilingual programs support Arabic, Dari, and other language communities. Through personalized coaching, child development courses, and advocacy, ECG helps caregivers grow professionally and engage in local policy.