Families First in Cabarrus County serves as a hub for three home-based child care (HBCC) networks across Cabarrus and Mecklenburg Counties, supporting 20–30 providers annually who care for 125–225 children. Each month, providers gather for peer-led meetings and receive supplies, coaching, and business stabilization support. We also coordinate scholarships, mini-grants, developmental screenings (ASQ), and peer learning opportunities, ensuring that providers have the tools they need to thrive.

Through partnerships and funding from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation and the Truist Foundation, we add capacity-building strategies like workshops, self-assessments, and organizational reviews, while staying rooted in equity with bilingual and culturally responsive approaches.

Our networks also host community events and collaborations—like Families First Fridays with Corning, Inc., where volunteers deliver supplies and encouragement straight to providers’ doors. These regular touchpoints not only reduce isolation but also help elevate providers’ voices locally and statewide.

Looking ahead, Families First is expanding its role as a systems leader and advocate—equipping HBCC and Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers, many of them immigrant and Spanish-speaking women, to share their experiences with decision-makers and help shape a stronger, more sustainable child care system.

• Monthly provider-led meetings where providers share best practices, problem-solve, and build community.
• Monthly supply deliveries that reduce providers’ out-of-pocket costs and ensure classrooms are well-stocked.
• Coaching and business stabilization to strengthen providers as both small business owners and early educators.
• Developmental screenings (ASQs) conducted in homes to support children’s healthy growth and connect families to resources.
• Scholarships and mini-grants that help cover start-up costs, professional development, or unexpected needs.
• Peer learning circles and Communities of Practice that build confidence, resilience, and advocacy skills.
• Events and partnerships such as Families First Fridays with Corning, Inc., where volunteers deliver supplies, encouragement, and support directly to providers.
• Quarterly stipends for IRA retirement funds for providers.