All Our Kin: An Innovative Framework for Family-based Childcare Providers

Challenges

Scalability, Worker Issues

Location

Nationwide

Stakeholders

Businesses, Nonprofits

Beneficiaries

Job seekers, Children, Parents

Overview

All Our Kin is a nonprofit model that trains, supports, and empowers home-based childcare providers to improve quality and expand the number of childcare slots in under-resourced communities.

Key Impact Metrics

1K+
childcare providers served
$5K
is the average increase in earnings within one year of a provider joining the program

Problem

Family-based childcare (FCC)—small daycare run out of a provider’s home—is an essential part of the childcare ecosystem, particularly for non-standard hours. Yet it is facing headwinds nationwide. Many potential caregivers—e.g., grandmothers, stay-at-home parents—face hurdles to becoming licensed and lack training in early education or business practices. Existing FCC providers often operate in isolation with minimal support, low earnings, and difficulty improving quality. In sum, there was a need to figure out how to professionalize and sustain home-based providers so more families have access to quality childcare in their neighborhoods.

Solution

All Our Kin (AOK) provides local family childcare networks that recruit caregivers and gives them the tools to succeed. Key elements include: licensing support—helping caregivers navigate paperwork, meet health and safety requirements; education and coaching—AOK trains providers in early childhood development (through workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and a nine-month “business series”); and on-site visits to offer feedback on curriculum and environment. All Our Kin helps care providers see themselves as entrepreneurs, not just babysitters. AOK has partnered with organizations in 33 states to replicate these practices on a wider scale.

Results

Beneficiary ImpactOver 7,000 children served
Employee ImpactAverage of $5,000 increase in earnings within one year a provider starts using this solution, and users of this solution score 50% higher on research-based measures of quality than non-users
Financial Results$15-$20 in economic benefits to the region for each dollar invested in the program

Replication Tips

Build peer networks: Facilitating regular support groups or networking meetings for providers helps break isolation. Consider peer mentorship where experienced providers help new ones. A culture of collaboration, rather than competition, among family childcare providers in the area helps everyone.
Holistic training model: Don’t just offer one-off workshops—create a continuum of support—from initial licensing help to ongoing coaching to advanced professional development. Providers at different stages need different supports—e.g., startup vs. veteran provider.
Leverage local partnerships: Partner with community colleges for provider education courses, childcare resource and referral agencies (for referrals and data tracking), and even high schools or workforce centers to recruit new providers.