Family child care providers are professionals who care for children in groups of no more than 6 children at a time when there is only one adult providing child care, and up to 12 children at a time when there are two adults providing care. In addition, many informal arrangements exist with friends, relatives and neighbors taking care of young children. Many children receive care in family child care programs, while many others receive care from informal arrangements. Many children use combinations of care that may involved center-based care, family child care home arrangements and care by neighbors and relatives. The role of any and all of these arrangements in fostering the well-being of children deserves support to ensure that children are protected from harm and helped to reach their potential.