A recent study by the Stanford Center on Early Childhood reveals that trust is the most critical factor for parents when choosing child care.
Many parents now favour at-home programs or rely on family, friends, and neighbours (FFN) over traditional child care centres.
Despite this shift, most legislation still focuses on bolstering centre-based care, leaving informal networks under-supported.
Demand for Infant and Toddler Care Is Growing
Philip Fisher, director at the Stanford Center, notes a persistent gap in early care infrastructure.
Historically, infant and toddler care has been viewed as less essential than preschool from an educational standpoint.
However, it plays a vital role in family stability and economic well-being.
Trust Comes Before Credentials for Many Parents
The March RAPID Survey Project found trust ranks higher than affordability, availability, location, and hours.
Of the 700 respondents, nearly 40% depended on FFN care—26% unpaid and 13% paid.
Parents prioritised emotional safety and familiarity over knowledge of child development.
Fisher pointed out that parents often choose home-based or FFN care over formal centres for reasons tied to comfort and convenience.
Policies Still Ignore FFN Child Care Systems
Natalie Renew, executive director at Home Grown, criticised federal policy for focusing only on licensed centres.
She noted that FFN networks are either excluded or treated as an afterthought.
This oversight persists despite FFN care being one of the most prevalent child care options for families.
The COVID-19 Wake-Up Call Has Faded
Although the pandemic highlighted the essential nature of diverse child care options, little has changed federally.
Renew said current policies largely ignore the vital role of trusted caregivers like grandparents and close friends.
She argued that regulatory compliance and quality standards must be reimagined to support FFN care properly.
Center-Based Systems Are Also Struggling
Fisher described the child care sector as being in a “free fall.”
Low wages, poor job stability, and limited support are forcing educators out of the field.
This is creating a crisis of availability, particularly in rural areas.
One Montana parent said care was nearly impossible to find.
Others drove hours just to access part-time care.
A parent in South Carolina said they had to secure a spot when only six weeks pregnant or risk missing out entirely.
Lack of Child Care Hurts Mental Health
Beyond logistical issues, Fisher’s latest research shows that inconsistent care negatively affects children’s and parents’ well-being.
Without dependable care, stress, anxiety, and depression become more likely in families.
Fisher believes national-scale intervention is needed to prevent further decline.
Local Solutions Offer Hope—but Aren’t Enough
States like Oregon and Washington, D.C., have introduced funding to support early childhood care providers.
Renew acknowledged these efforts but warned against deregulation being used as a blanket fix.
She clarified that legitimate FFN care—like a grandmother watching two children—is not the same as unlicensed large-scale daycares.
Both Fisher and Renew agree that supporting FFN care must be a national priority.
Local initiatives are promising, but only broader reform can meet the overwhelming demand.