The Love Connection

In the final episode of Season 3 of The Love Connection, we go into the future. Lifelong advocate Domenica Marquez shares her deeply personal and professional journey through early care systems, highlighting the urgency for transformative change. Then, we hear from Zonia Sánchez, an FFN provider whose powerful story is shared in Spanish. Zonia’s story is a call for dignity, fair pay, and FFN unity. For more information about this episode, visit us on our website: https://rrnetwork.org/research/season-3-the-love-connection

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.