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
Oct 1, 2024 • 15min
A Miraculous Lineage of Love (Lisa and Eric)
Lisa Bray, a devoted grandmother, and Eric Randolph, a dedicated uncle, discuss their unique role in childcare in Hyampom, California. They emphasize the critical impact of familial bonds on child development. Lisa shares heartwarming stories of gardening and baking with her grandsons, while Eric highlights the significance of being a positive male role model. Both underline the importance of caregiving and instilling strong values in children, reflecting on how these experiences shape self-worth and future success.
Sep 24, 2024 • 9min
Unmatched Communication (Emily)
Miss Jessica, a former preschool teacher, steps in as a caregiver for Emily's infant daughter when childcare falls through. They discuss the vital role of communication and trust in forming a strong caregiver-parent bond. Emily shares how their close connection eased her transition back to work. The conversation also encourages parents to lean on their community for support, highlighting the importance of creating nurturing environments for children within their families and neighborhoods.
Sep 17, 2024 • 13min
Embracing Black Culture (Tonia)
Tonia, a proud Louisiana native and grandmother with nearly 30 years in child care, shares heartfelt insights on parenting and cultural legacy. She discusses her role as a Family, Friend, and Neighbor care provider, emphasizing the importance of instilling pride in Black identity amidst today's challenges. Tonia also highlights systemic issues in childcare, calling for better recognition and support for caregivers. Her stories celebrate heritage while advocating for community connections in nurturing future generations.
Sep 10, 2024 • 15min
What is the Essence of Quality Child Care? (Carolina)
Carolina, a passionate storyteller, shares her enriching experiences with Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care, emphasizing its cultural importance in nurturing children. She recounts how her grandmother's caregiving has provided deep emotional bonds and a foundation of faith for generations. The discussion highlights the necessity of recognizing the immense contributions of FFN caregivers, especially grandmothers, and calls for meaningful societal support to enhance the value placed on these essential roles in child development.
May 11, 2022 • 18min
What Do Providers Need To Do Their Best? Pt. 2: Accessible Training
Brandy Hinkle, a lead teacher at a Waldorf child care center, and Nora Zarate, a family child care provider, dive into the critical need for ongoing training in early childhood education. They discuss the importance of social and emotional development, highlighting ways to foster supportive and nurturing environments. The duo addresses challenges like implicit bias and the necessity for financial support in training programs. Their insights shed light on creating a collaborative and inclusive approach that empowers both providers and the children they serve.
May 9, 2022 • 13min
What Do Providers Need To Do Their Best? Pt. 1: Peer Support
Family childcare providers share their heartfelt experiences and challenges in finding respect for their expertise. Many feel that quality rating systems overlook their professional skills, resulting in discouragement. Despite these hurdles, they remain passionate about quality improvement and peer support. The discussion reveals how transformative coaching can boost confidence and enhance care practices. With a yearning for connection, these providers seek to elevate the standards and acknowledgment of home-based childcare.
May 6, 2022 • 19min
What is Quality Child Care? Who Decides?
Discover the complexities of defining quality child care and who gets to decide. The conversation addresses the challenges faced by underserved providers and the impact on families. It critiques existing assessment frameworks and advocates for more inclusive approaches. Learn about biases affecting women from marginalized communities in child care systems. Hear about evolving support initiatives aimed at improving working conditions and enhancing quality care for all children.
