It is okay for a provider to have a need and the parent is there to offer support and vice versa. There are some challenges. Time is often one of them, although family child care providers are some of the most entrepreneurial and best organized people. Second, there is often a fine line between being a business owner and a friend and supporter. Experienced family child care providers know how to maintain that balance.
Funds are another challenge.
Some providers would like to do more but lack the resources or knowledge. Funded, community-based programs like the Parent Services Project help provide the training, technical assistance, and resources that are needed to enhance the natural family support component of family child care. The benefits to families are many. Through daily interactions with the provider, the family learns more about their own child's development. Through family support events, the family meets other families and expands their own social networks.