PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 16, 2013
Contact:
Blanca Gallegos, (213) 500-9594
Terry Carter, (213) 700-5617
SEIU Local 99 Executive Director Courtni Pugh released the following statement upon the School Boards’ acknowledgement of the crucial role of Family Child Care Providers to Los Angeles’ early education system.
“President Obama’s call for universal preschool has engaged the education community to develop strategies that ensure all children are better prepared for school.
“What sometimes gets lost in the conversation is that early education is not ‘one size fits all.’ Some children with special needs, for example, feel lost in a large day care center but often thrive in a more home-like environment. Parents who work nights and weekends need safe, quality, educational child care during those hours. Family child care providers meet the needs of these children and their families.
“We applaud School Board President Monica Garcia for amending today’s bill to include language that recognizes the sometimes hidden—but indispensible—part of our early education system that family child care providers supply. Providers with a stronger voice in their industry will strengthen early education in Los Angeles.”
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SEIU Local 99 represents nearly 45,000 employees in public and non-public organizations in early education, child care, K-12, and community college levels. SEIU Local 99 members are: Teacher’s Assistants, Playground Workers, Special Education Aides, Bus Drivers, Gardeners, Custodians, Cafeteria Workers, Maintenance Workers, Family Service Workers, Child Care Providers, and others working in schools, colleges, and administrative offices throughout Southern California.
