FFN Training & Support Program

Geographic Scope: Colorado statewide

Background: Created through SB22-213, this program marked Colorado's first-ever state investment in FFN care. It represents a groundbreaking investment in FFN childcare providers — the first of its kind in the United States. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Focus Areas:

• Support for Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) childcare providers
• Professional development and training for FFN providers
• Technical assistance and resources
• Materials grants for learning tools and safety equipment

Target Population:

• FFN providers are unlicensed child care providers who regularly serve four or fewer children in a single setting
• Family members, friends, or neighbors providing flexible and affordable child care
• Approximately 80,000+ estimated children under age 5 with working parents rely on FFN care statewide
• Around 50% of Colorado children under age 6 receive care from FFN providers
• More than 60% of children aged three and under in Colorado are cared for by FFN providers

What the Program Provides:

• Training in early childhood education, safety, child development, culturally responsive care
• Technical assistance for professional development and access to resources
• Materials grants (up to $950) for books, safety tools, and learning materials
• Increase networks of support

Languages Supported: English, Spanish, Dari, Arabic, Russian, and Ukrainian

Partnership: Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC)

First Round Grantees (2024):

• Americas Association for the Care of Children dba: Empowering Communities Globally – $135,774.18
• Colorado Nonprofit Development Center DBA Assuring Better Child Health & Development – $66,028.65
• Cuenta Conmigo Coop – $112,870.62
• Denver's Early Childhood Council – $234,190.00
• Early Childhood Council for Yuma, Washington, and Kit Carson Counties – $64,388.00
• Early Childhood Council of Boulder County – $162,479.87
• Early Childhood Network – $103,082.00
• Healthy Child Care Colorado – $68,021.53
• La Pinata del Aprendizaje; Fiscal Sponsor Trailhead Institute – $281,441.84
• National Wildlife Federation – $250,385.09
• The Cornerstone Resource Center – $62,365.71
• United Way of Weld County – $249,603.28
• Valley Settlement – $294,435.04
• University of Colorado – $245,939.00

Second Round Grantees (2025):

• Gunnison County dba Gunnison Hinsdale Early Childhood Council – $42,002.09
• Tutela Institute – $54,846.00
• North Range Behavioral Health – $96,442.49
• Roots Family Center – $61,160.00
• Early Childhood Partnership of Adams County – $66,011.49
• Early Milestones Colorado – $199,780.00
• Mile High United Way – $205,633.45
• Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success – $41,653.70