

The Love Connection
California Child Care Resource and Referral Network
The Love Connection explores child care in California. Season 1 asked, "How do you measure love?" and explored California's child care quality rating and improvement system. Season 2 challenged biased narratives about Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care through provider and parent stories. Season 3 looks ahead to what changes need to happen in our field to bring visibility and value to FFN Care.
This project was made possible with support from First5LA. Visit our website: www.rrnetwork.org for more information on why we started this FFN bias project and what's next.
This project was made possible with support from First5LA. Visit our website: www.rrnetwork.org for more information on why we started this FFN bias project and what's next.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 30, 2025 • 14min
Episode 4: Creating a Supportive Culture for FFNs
In this episode, we go behind the scenes to explore how Resource and Referral agencies help Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers. Sandy Pablik is a former FFN herself, who now uses that experience to help support other FFN’s through training, licensing guidance, and community engagement efforts. This conversation highlights what’s possible when FFNs are truly supported and met where they are. For more information about this episode, visit us on our website: https://rrnetwork.org/research/season-3-the-love-connection

Sep 23, 2025 • 25min
Episode 3: National insights and strengthening FFN child care
Veteran researcher Toni Porter shares decades of national research on the essential role FFN’s provide, while Soyla Madrigal, FFN training coordinator, opens up about what it means to be an FFN provider for her own grandbaby. They shed light on the systemic gaps and strengths behind FFN care. For more information about this episode, visit us on our website: https://rrnetwork.org/research/season-3-the-love-connection

Sep 16, 2025 • 31min
Episode 2: Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care Across California
In this powerful episode, Anna Powell of the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment and Kim Nall of the Tribal Child Care Association of California explore the vital role of Family, Friend, and Neighbor care in California’s early childhood learning landscape. Anna shares groundbreaking research that challenges myths about FFN care. Kim brings a deep, culturally grounded perspective on why FFN care is the foundation for raising Native children with love, language, and belonging. Together, they reflect on what our child care systems could look like if we truly centered the FFN’s already doing the work.For more information about this episode, visit us on our website: https://rrnetwork.org/research/season-3-the-love-connection

Sep 9, 2025 • 20min
Episode 1: A History of How Policy Shaped Family, Friend and Neighbor Care
Fran Kipnis, a seasoned research consultant, dives into how historic policies have shaped Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care. She reveals systemic biases in childcare legislation and emphasizes the necessity of rethinking quality and equity. Fran discusses the evolution of reimbursement rates and the disparities faced by FFN caregivers versus licensed options. Furthermore, she highlights the impact of immigration policies on FFN providers and advocates for stronger support and recognition within early childhood education.

Nov 12, 2024 • 8min
A Grandma’s Love (Braizell)
In this final episode, we hear from Braizell, a Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care provider who has been in her grandson’s life since he was just a baby. She has been there through it all, bathing, feeding, and nurturing him until he could learn how to spell his name and tie his shoes. In this episode we explore the incredible bond they share and how she instills in him a strong sense of cultural identity and pride in his heritage.

Nov 5, 2024 • 8min
My Small Village (Hailey)
In this episode we meet Hailey, a single mother, part-time waitress, and artist who also earned two associate degrees while navigating the complexities of parenthood. How does she balance it all? When the school bell rings and daycare doors close, she leans on her small but mighty village for support.

Oct 29, 2024 • 10min
It’s More Than Changing Diapers (Angelica)
Discover the inspiring journey of a Napa resident who transforms her career from the bustling food industry to the heartwarming world of early childhood development. She candidly shares how becoming a mother motivated her to prioritize nurturing environments. Tune in to hear about the pivotal role of relationships in caregiving, the importance of learning through play, and how sincere engagement fosters growth for both children and families. This heartfelt discussion reveals that child care is so much more than just changing diapers!

Oct 22, 2024 • 10min
New Beginnings (Joiandrea)
Joiandrea, a wife and mother of five, takes us through her journey of finding child care after moving to a rural area. After her children experienced a frightening and aggressive child care incident, Joiandrea found a safe space with a local Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care provider, whose loving care gave her peace of mind as she pursued her education and career goals. Joiandrea reflects on the invaluable support from her child care provider and a bittersweet goodbye to a friend turned family.
Warning: This episode contains instances of offensive language related to race and descriptions of aggression towards a child. Listener discretion is advised.

Oct 15, 2024 • 8min
My Home is Your Home (Kryston)
Kristen Stock, a dedicated FFN care provider from Redding, California, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming personal health challenges to care for five children. She reflects on the deep, familial bonds formed in FFN care, often overlooked by society. Kristen discusses enriching activities like baking and outdoor adventures that strengthen these connections. She emphasizes the importance of flexibility in caregiving, highlighting the unique support she offers to families with non-traditional schedules.

Oct 8, 2024 • 10min
Todas las Etapas son Bonitas (Sofia)
In this episode we meet Sofia, someone who has provided child care in Los Angeles for over 13 years. She has a history of taking care of infants who she has seen grow into young teens. Her commitment as a Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care provider demonstrates how her loving long-term emotional and physical care shows up in the children’s well-being for years to come. Sofia’s first language is Spanish and she often finds herself teaching the kids the language. She also discusses how despite the hard work, child care workers are often underpaid, although she knows the families love and appreciate her.