Who cares for the young children in your community? Depending on where in the US you live, anywhere from one-quarter to two-thirds of children ages 6 and under may be looked after by family, friends, and neighbors (FFNs) as opposed to formal caregivers, such as day cares. These figures have only grown with the pandemic.
Informal caregivers may include grandparents, cousins, nannies, shift-swapping parents, and older siblings. They may provide part-time or full-time care. Some are paid; many are not. Ultimately, without FFN care, it would be difficult or impossible for many parents to work.
In my home state of Colorado, formal childcare is in short supply. The options aren’t necessarily affordable or in alignment with parents’ work hours. Additionally, parents might choose informal care for personal reasons, such as wanting to preserve cultural traditions or a home language. Whatever the circumstances, Colorado State Library (CSL) recognizes FFN care as a vital part of our early childhood system.
To better serve these caregivers, CSL founded its Growing Readers Together (GRT) program in 2016 with philanthropic funding from the Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation, and later, grants from Colorado Shines Brighter and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. By mobilizing public libraries, GRT aims to equip caregivers with resources and skills so they can confidently engage in early literacy activities with those in their care. As of December 2023, 75% of the libraries in our jurisdiction have participated in some element of GRT.
At the outset of the program, public library professionals went into their communities to talk to parents, employers, school districts, and other stakeholders about childcare. Through these conversations, we realized FFN caregivers wanted to learn how to find books, activities, and programs that promote school readiness, as well as dedicated spaces and opportunities to connect with one another for support.
Informal caregivers want books, activities, and programs that promote school readiness.
Over the past eight years, children’s librarians in Colorado have started to meet these needs in ways tailored to their communities. For example, Buena Vista Public Library hosted virtual Play, Learn, and Grow workshops on brain development, Every Child Ready to Read practices, and STEM exploration during the pandemic. Wilkinson Public Library in Telluride built early literacy corners, stocked with books and games in English and Spanish, in apartment building laundry rooms. And High Plains Library District, Wellington Public Library, and West Custer Public Library in Westcliffe have each launched successful FFN caregiver playgroups through increased marketing.
If you’re interested in serving FFN caregivers in your community, consider these ideas.
Find your audience. Identify groups and places already connecting with FFNs, such as senior centers or organizations serving immigrants. Ask local preschools to offer information to both enrolled families and those on their waitlists. Talk to businesses about how the need for childcare is affecting their employees.
Rethink your messaging. Assess how and where you market your library’s early literacy programs. Use terms like caregivers or anyone caring for young children instead of parents in fliers to make it clear that FFNs are welcome.
Get rid of fines. Several studies have determined that replacement and late fees are significant barriers to early literacy. Consider eliminating them on all children’s materials.
Make space. Host open play or a caregiver café before or after structured library programs to help FFNs connect with one another and learn about resources.
Plan giveaways. Distribute picture books, crafts, and storytime kits directly to FFN caregivers. Free activities allow caregivers to offer inspired play options without worrying about what materials to buy or how to afford them.
By including informal caregivers in our early literacy programs and outreach, we can better reach children in any care environment.
