Sparking Connections (Information on FFN care)?

APRE is not promoting unlicensed childcare.
We will continue to promote the dissemination of information.
Washington State Citizens, Parents and Providers, have the right to know their options in obtaining and providing childcare.

Washington State recognizes Formal and Informal Childcare Options

These following types of care are all recognized by the State and are not categorized as unlicensed childcare. There are five distinct categories of care available to Washington State families (For the purpose of this article we are not addressing respite or foster care options): (1) FFN, Friends, Family, and Neighbors, Kith and Kin (Friends and Relatives) basically the same as FFN (2) Licensed Family Home Child Care (3) Licensed Center Care (4) In Home Care (nanny) (5) Licensed exempt (seasonal and church)

When is a license not required? (page 4)
Links to Friends, Family and Neighbor (FFN) (Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view)

There is a Child Care Subcommittee Report 2002 which states .... "Not FFN or Kith and Kin, but unlicensed care providers undercut the market for licensed providers." DCCEL has made the distinction between FFN as well as Kith and Kin Care from unlicensed care. This Informal type of care is not categorized as unlicensed care but a legitimate alternative for Washington State families. There is a difference between Formal care and Informal care. Contract...No Contract. Licensed childcare verses babysitting.

There is no law that cites you can baby-sit for friends, family and neighbors. There is no law that cites you can not baby-sit for friends, family and neighbors. There is documentation that the State of Washington recognizes FFN as a type of childcare not licensed by the State. DCCEL pays subsidy money (a substantial amount) to these Informal types of childcare.

Licensed childcare is considered Formal care. A person cannot make more than $1,000 a year if doing Formal care without a license. One criteria to determine if care is Formal or Informal is the existence of a contract. No contract means No formal care. The State can not compel Washington citizens to enroll their children in a licensed Daycare. Washington citizens have the choice to have their children cared for by a friend or a family member or a neighbor. Those citizens may compensate the friend, family member or neighbor for babysitting. This amount can exceed $1,000 a year. The person receiving compensation for babysitting friends, family and neighbor children must pay federal income tax if applicable.

For additional information search key words, FFN DCCEL, FFN, and The Evans Report.