Family, Friend and Neighbor Minnesota

About FFN caregivers

FFN caregivers are family members, friends and neighbors that care for children outside of a formal child care setting—think of the grandparent who cares for their grandchildren during the week or a neighbor who watches a child after school while their parents commute home. They care for a child or several children on a regular basis and may provide care for free or with payment.

FFN caregivers are a frequent choice for parents with young children, children with special needs, children of diverse cultural and ethnic communities, and parents who work non-standard hour jobs.

Support for Family, Friend and Neighbors

FFNs are very common in all communities and make up an essential part of Minnesota’s child care system. In fact, FFN caregivers are so common that their critical role often goes unnoticed. Minnesota recognizes the vital role these caregivers provide and partners with organizations to provide state-wide support to FFNs.

Connect with a navigator near you

FFN navigators are available state-wide to assist caregivers in delivering quality care and early learning experiences that promote healthy development and prepare children for success. A navigator can help you by:

• Providing culturally appropriate training and resources for you as a caregiver
• Providing health and safety training, including pediatric CPR
• Providing educational resources for the children in your care to help support early-learning and school-age learning
• Providing kits and activities for you to do with the children in your care to support social emotional learning, health and safety, and early learning for kindergarten readiness.
• Assisting caregivers in registering for the Child Care Assistance Program or becoming licensed if desired
• Connecting you to play and learn sessions or other events for caregivers and children
• And more!

Funding support for eligible caregivers

FFN caregivers who care for children in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) may be eligible to become a legal nonlicensed provider (LNL). LNLs are registered with CCAP and are paid to take care of children in the program. Your local FFN navigator can assist you in the eligibility and registration process, guiding you through the steps to receive payment for your caregiving. 

Family, Friend and Neighbor FAQ