Celebrating the Heart of Our Communities: Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Appreciation Week (Sept. 13–18)

When you think about the people who help raise a child, who comes to mind?

For thousands of families across Washington, the answer is an aunt who picks up the little ones after school, a grandfather who reads stories during the day, or a trusted neighbor who opens their home so parents can go to work with peace of mind.

This vital network of support is known as Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care, and from September 13–18, we are celebrating FFN Appreciation Week!

It’s an annual opportunity to shine a spotlight on the over 2,000 FFN providers in Washington State—and to express our deep gratitude for the quiet, constant, and transformative work they do every single day.

What is Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Care?

FFN care is one of the most common and accessible forms of child care in our state. FFN caregivers are grandparents, relatives, friends, and neighbors who provide care in their home or the child’s home.

Families choose FFN care for many reasons:

• Trust & Deep Relationships: Children are cared for by people who already love them and share their values.
• Cultural & Language Continuity: Caregivers often speak the family’s primary language and share their heritage and traditions.
• Flexibility: FFN care frequently fills the gaps for parents working non-standard hours, weekend shifts, or variable schedules that traditional centers can’t always accommodate.
• Comfort: Children learn and grow in a familiar, home-based environment.

Why FFN Caregivers Deserve Our Celebration

FFN providers are a cornerstone of early childhood development and community resilience. They build the foundation for lifelong learning by reading books, teaching social skills through play, serving healthy meals, and giving warm hugs when emotions run high.

They also support our local economy. By stepping up to care for young children, FFN providers make it possible for parents to go to work, earn a degree, or run a business, knowing their children are safe and cherished.

Yet, because this care often happens quietly inside family homes, FFN providers don’t always get the recognition—or the resources—they deserve. FFN Appreciation Week is about changing that.

How You Can Show Your Gratitude This Week

You don’t need a grand gesture to make an FFN caregiver feel valued. Here are a few simple ways you can help us raise awareness and celebrate them from September 13–18:

1. Say “Thank You”: If a relative, friend, or neighbor helps care for your children (or children you know), send a card, text, or small token of appreciation. A handwritten note expressing what their support means to your family goes a long way.
2. Share on Social Media: Use your platform to talk about the importance of FFN care! Post a picture or shout-out tagging an FFN provider who has made a difference in your life using the hashtag #FFNAppreciationWeek.
3. Connect Caregivers to Community Resources: Did you know there are free programs, playgroups, and educational materials available to support FFN caregivers in their role? Share local resources—like early learning playgroups or activity kits—with the caregivers in your network to help them feel supported.

To Our FFN Providers: Thank You!

To the FFN caregivers across Washington: We see you, we value you, and we celebrate you.

Thank you for your endless patience, your loving environments, and your dedication to the next generation. Our children, families, and communities are stronger because of you!