FFN care
What is FFN (Family, Friend and Neighbor) caregiving?
Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) refers to individuals who provide childcare services, often in the child’s or caregiver’s home, outside of formal licensed child care settings. These caregivers may or may not be paid, and they play a crucial role in many communities, particularly for infants, toddlers, and school-age children who need before-and-after-school care. Many families rely on FFN caregivers to ensure their children are nurtured and educated in safe, supportive environments that align with their cultural and community values.
Denver’s Early Childhood Council is continually building more supports for FFN caregivers.
- Training and Resources: Develop new skills and access tools to support children’s development.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with other FFN caregivers and share experiences.
- Community Support: Join welcoming spaces that value and celebrate cultural diversity.
- Financial Tax Advantages: Get assistance to apply and access the Refundable Income Tax Credit ($1,200 for single filers, $2,400 for joint filers). Learn more here.
Questions? Contact Anisa at anisa@denverearlychildhood.org.
The FFN Rising Care Program
The FFN Rising Care Program supports Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers by offering training, peer connections, and hands-on learning experiences. The program includes six online training sessions focused on enhancing caregiving skills and child safety, along with monthly online peer group meetings for shared learning and support. Caregivers and children are also invited to participate in our FFN Rising Seasonal Play & Learn Days.
Spanish interest form | Arabic interest form | English interest form
NOTE: The FFN Rising Care Program for 2025 has concluded. Please check back for future cohort information.
LEARN MORE2025 Care Worker Refundable Income Tax Credit
For a limited time, we are providing no-cost direct support to help the FFN community access the Care Worker Refundable Income Tax Credit. This opportunity can provide tax credits up to:
- $1,200 for single tax filers
- $2,400 for joint tax filers
Eligibility:
FFNs must meet income limits to be eligible:
- Single tax filers: up to $75,000 adjusted gross income
- Joint tax filers: up to $100,000 adjusted gross income
Enrollment and Documented Hours of Child Care:
- FFNs must be enrolled in the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (PDIS), before or during the 2025 calendar year.
- FFNs must have 720 hours of provided care documented in the system for 2025.
We're here to help!
We will guide you through the process, set you up in the PDIS, and help you learn how to self-document your FFN care hours in the system. Individuals can receive money back even if they do not owe any taxes. Our support services are FREE.