First Steps and our community partners are working to ensure that Kent County children are ready for school—socially, emotionally and intellectually. From the time they’re babies, young children need a stimulating environment that allows them to explore and discover. They need a responsive, nurturing caregiver and positive interactions with others.

More than 60% of all infants, toddlers and preschoolers in Kent County have two parents in the workforce and are cared for by someone other than their parents or guardians. The quality of early care and education—whether it is provided by a grandparent, a neighbor, a church or a large center—makes a big difference.

FFN provider and children at a playgroup

First Steps began its first early learning initiative in July 2009—the Family, Friends and Neighbor Care project—designed to strengthen the skills and abilities of unregulated care providers such as relatives and in-home aides.  This is the oldest form of child care and continues to be very popular.  More than half of young children in Michigan who are cared for by someone other than their parents are in family, friends, and neighbor care.

No specific training is required to be a relative provider or day care aide, but research demonstrates the providers, children and families benefit greatly from support.

The Family, Friends and Neighbor Care project is managed and supported by four community organizations–Kent Regional 4C, Kent Intermediate School District,  Arbor Circle, and  Salvation Army Booth Family Services.

The one-year demonstration project targets the 49507 zip code in Grand Rapids, the community in Kent County with the highest number of families who receive financial assistance from the state to pay relative and aide providers.

FFN field trip to the Grand Rapids Children's Museum

One of the most important outcomes we are working toward is increased kindergarten readiness for children in unlicensed care. Young children participate in literacy-based playgroups at which there are activities to support their language development. Child care providers are mentored by coaches who help them strengthen their interactions with children, develop effective strategies for discipline, improve the safety and environment of the home and create activities based on state expectations for kindergarten readiness.  The program also includes workshops for parents.

We are looking for providers who would like to participate.  If you are a relative care provider or day care aide or know someone who is, please contact Jennifer Griffith at Kent Regional 4C, (616) 451-8281 x 210.

As with all projects of First Steps, we are evaluating the effectiveness of the Family, Friends, and Neighbor Care demonstration project and will use what we learn to offer support to additional providers and families throughout Kent County.