About La Red Latina Friends, Family & Neighbor (FFN)
La Red Latina FFN is committed to fostering healthy child development within Latino communities. We provide culturally relevant resources and support to address the unique challenges faced by families. Through workshops and community engagement, we empower parents with tools to nurture their children’s emotional, social, cognitive, and physical growth. Our mission is to build a brighter future for Latino children, helping them thrive academically and socially.
WHAT IS LA RED LATINA OF EDUCATION TEMPRANA?
La Red Latina de Educación Temprana is a community-led model that works to eliminate systemic barriers for Friend, Family and Neighbor (FFN) child care providers by providing early childhood quality care trainings, educational opportunities and leadership development to its members. Established in 2013, La Red focuses on organizing, capacity building and providing resources to Latina FFN childcare providers across Minnesota.
Our Objective
To provide tools, capacity, and leadership development for Latina childcare providers to deliver the highest quality childcare possible, and by doing so, support the health and wellbeing of their families and community.
WHY IS LA RED LATINA IMPORTANT?
Health inequities begin at a very early age. La Red creates pathways with FFN providers and families to have the resources and support needed, in their language and culture to confidently provide the best care for the children in their community. La Red recognizes the importance of bringing together FFN child care providers and builds the skills, expertise and confidence of FFN providers on early childhood development, knowing that children’s early experiences are deeply connected to their future physical, cognitive, and social/emotional development.
By creating these opportunities, La Red is building equitable outcomes for those currently experiencing the greatest inequities, and for future generations.
Vision
Our vision is to create a dynamic, inclusive space where families and educators come together in a supportive environment—one that fosters open dialogue, shared experiences, and mutual learning. We are dedicated to providing education that empowers families to cultivate strong, joyful, and resilient relationships, helping them navigate challenges with creativity and competence.
Mission
Our mission is to cultivate a welcoming space where families and educators can come together to share their experiences and insights. We aim to provide guidance that empowers individuals to make informed decisions, while offering education that strengthens family relationships, fostering happiness, health, creativity, and the ability to find solutions. Above all, we are dedicated to building a community of mutual support, where feelings and experiences are shared openly, ensuring no one faces challenges alone.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL):
The school integrates SEL programs that focus on building empathy, resilience, and positive relationships. Students are provided with the tools they need to navigate challenges, both in and outside the classroom, fostering a well-rounded and emotionally healthy student body.
What is Family, Friend and Neighbor Childcare?
Family, Friend and Neighbor Childcare (FFN) is the most common form of care for infants and toddlers
Nearly half of all children under the age of 6 spend time in FFN care. Across the country, over 5 million FFN providers look after 11.5 million children, including 5.8 million children ages 0-5.
Many families choose FFN because it’s a culturally appropriate model of care, and they want someone they know and trust watching over their children. However, FFN care continues to face a lack of support. Most available resources are currently aimed at licensed child care centers.
Why Families Join La Red Latina?
Families join La Red Latina FFN being part of a nurturing, inclusive, and community-centered educational environment. Teachers, staff, and families collaborate closely to help each student thrive and reach their full potential. The school offers a unique opportunity for educators, staff, and volunteers to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young learners, helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally.