Training Resources for Informal Caregivers

In Support of Family, Friend, and Neighbor Learning

Grandparents, relatives, friends, neighbors, and babysitters can provide learning opportunities that will strengthen children's school readiness.

The California Department of Education's Early Education and Support Division (EESD) supports the work of these informal caregivers (those who are exempt from licensing) by offering fun activities that are purposeful and playful and instill a love of learning and joy in young children.

The programs described in this brochure support the basic things that can strengthen a child's readiness for school. These opportunities also serve to help caregivers like you build skills and further advance your career in child care.

Growing, Learning, and Caring Project

Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs), which are located in all 58 counties, provide for license-exempt informal caregivers.* The Growing, Learning, and Caring Project ensures that informal caregivers throughout California have access to quality training and support services that are meaningful and culturally relevant. Priority is given to those caregivers who care for children whose parents receive financial assistance for child care.

Local projects adapt to the changing needs of the community by offering support in multiple languages and providing free educational activities that are tailored to the diverse needs of the areas served. The projects can also help informal caregivers connect with local community services.

Educational opportunities address various topics, including health and safety, nutrition, discipline and guidance, family support and communication, learning through play, family literacy, character development and education, and school success.

Technical assistance services include educational home visits and the sharing of games, resources, information, and toys for children in care.

*License-exempt caregivers are grandparents, aunts, or uncles. Individuals who care for members of only one other family are also exempt from licensure.

Your Local Resource and Referral Agency

Resource and referral agencies (R&Rs) train caregivers in an effort to increase the quality and supply of family child care across the state. Your local R&R agency can help you learn about the following training services: pediatric health and safety training; the Growing, Learning, and Caring Project; Preschool Education Program; and the Child Care Initiative Project.

Pediatric Health and Safety Training

Pediatric health and safety training is available locally throughout California. Partial or full scholarships for this training may be available through your local R&R. These health and safety classes present the following topics: cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, handwashing, diapering, drowning prevention, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), shaken baby syndrome, motor vehicle and school bus safety, and disease prevention.

Preschool Education Program

The Preschool Education Program is supported by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and the California Department of Education's EESD. PBS stations in Eureka, Fresno, Los Angeles, Redding, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose participate in this program. Caregivers of children who are over the age of two years learn how to help them actively view PBS children's programs and how to extend the children's viewing experience by participating in local workshops that use children's books, television, and related materials.

Child Care Initiative Project

The Child Care Initiative Project (CCIP) focuses on infants and toddlers and provides educational activities, technical assistance, and ongoing support in multiple languages for individuals who are interested in becoming licensed family child care caregivers.

Group training and individual support are offered for caregivers who are interested in beginning a family child care business, as well as those with years of experience. Continuing support services for both new and experienced licensed caregivers include opportunities for meeting with other licensed caregivers, educational home visits, resource and information sharing, and assistance to obtain local community services.

Educational opportunities address such topics as child development, health, and safety, sustainable business practices, and professionalism.

Printable version of the Training Resources for Informal Caregivers Brochure (PDF)
Available translations of Training Resources for Informal Caregivers, In Support of Family, Friend, and Neighbor Learning

Visit the California Child Care Resource and Referral Network's website or call 415-882-0234 to find your local R&R.