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Child Care Systems Building

Helping state, Tribe, and municipal leaders build stronger, more sustainable child care systems that meet the needs of providers, families, and communities.

Our Approach

FCF helps child care system leaders turn complex challenges into practical, sustainable solutions.

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Business-Informed

Grounding strategies in the realities that child care businesses and entrepreneurs face.

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System-Specific

Working with states, territories, Tribal Nations, and communities to address unique challenges, opportunities, and system conditions.

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Culturally Grounded

Centering community voice, Tribal sovereignty, and culturally and linguistically relevant solutions that reflect local priorities and strengths.

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Data-Driven and Action-Oriented

Using practical examples, data, and cost modeling to guide decisions.

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Our Services

We help child care systems strengthen supply and sustainability through policy development, stakeholder engagement, cost modeling, research, and strategic planning. Every engagement is grounded in the real-world operational and financial realities of child care businesses.

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Areas of Expertise

Our expertise helps systems strengthen child care supply by improving pathways to access capital, workforce strategies, business supports, and access to care. We help leaders connect these pieces and turn them into practical solutions.

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Programs

Our programs bring leaders together to strengthen child care systems through shared learning, planning, and action. We help communities and partners build practical solutions that support child care businesses and respond to local needs.

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Tribal Nations

We partner with Tribal leaders to build and strengthen sovereign child care systems that revitalize Indigenous languages, expand culturally appropriate care, and meet the needs of Tribal communities and economies.

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Our Recent Work

Through strategic planning, policy support, and community partnerships, these success stories showcase how collaboration with state, Tribal, and municipal leaders is driving stronger, more sustainable child care systems.

Meet Our Team

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Anne McSweeney

Director of National Initiatives

Anne McSweeney serves as Director of National Initiatives at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 294-0038
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Francisca Braun

Child Care Systems Analyst

Francisca Braun serves as Child Care Systems Analyst at First Children's Finance.

ph. (510) 340-9939
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Jannan Cotto

Manager, Child Care System, Ekinoonaad (the one who guides)

Jannan Cotto serves as Systems Coordinator, Ekinoonaad (the one who guides) at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 439-9719
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Taijha Harden

Manager, Child Care System

Taijha Harden serves as Child Care Systems Coordinator at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 294-0041
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Grace López

Senior Program Specialist - Oregon

Grace López is the Senior Program Specialist for Oregon at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 279-6527
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Ellen Nikodym

Manager, Child Care System

Ellen Nikodym serves as Manager, Child Care System at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 473-9797