Providers just like us in other states have formed a union and won contracts that improve working conditions and the quality of child care…
 “Other providers across the country have won guaranteed rate increases through their unions. I want to see that here in California.” Delmy Mikelly, Altadena |
 “In Washington, SEIU providers established a telephone hotline that allows providers to know if a family has been approved for care or not. With a seat at the table when decisions are made, we can fix problems like that in California!” Betty Simmons, Colton |
 “By coming together, child care unions pushed Congress to authorize a full year of uninterrupted subsidies for families struggling to get back on their feet. Once fully implemented, this will take so much chaos out of families’ lives. And we made this happen!” Antonia Rivas, Reseda |
A collective voice for families we serve
- In 2013, SEIU child care providers in Maryland made serving all children on the waiting list their number one priority during the legislative session. They ended up winning funding for 80% of the list.
- After they formed their union, providers in Oregon successfully fought to raise the eligibility threshold from 150% of poverty level to 185%, giving thousands more families access to child care services.
- Illinois providers worked with advocates to win a 15% reduction in parent co-pays and an extension of the job search allowance.
- In 2012, Washington state providers helped hundreds of parents apply for child care subsidies. The outreach included community meetings and online information. Earlier, in their second contract with the state, providers diverted all voucher rate increases to keeping parent co-pays stable, preserving access for parents as Washington endured a severe economic downturn.
Improved standards
- In Maryland, family child care providers won the right to serve on review committees for state grants for providing training to providers.
- SEIU providers in Illinois, Massachusetts and Connecticut also won expanded funding for training.
- Connecticut providers won incentives to increase quality and to meet licensing requirements through a state-funded capital home-improvement fund.
A more efficient system
- In Washington, Oregon, Maryland, and Iowa, providers have established dedicated toll-free numbers for provider questions, orientations to those states’ subsidy systems, and improved communication of crucial parent eligibility information.
- •Providers in Oregon, Washington, and Illinois have contracts guaranteeing direct deposit of their state reimbursements.
Respect for our profession
- We are raising awareness about the work that we do. More Californians are learning about the quality of our programs and how we get children ready for success in kindergarten. More state and community leaders now understand that many of us offer night and weekend care, which is so important for today’s families. As we continue to improve standards and work together to increase the public’s understanding, we will be seen as the important economic and educational foundation that we truly are.
A voice in our wages and benefits
- Since organizing with SEIU, family providers in Illinois, Washington, Oregon, Maryland, Massachusettsand Connecticut have won between 5% and 116% higher rates.
- More than 10,000 child care providers in Washington and Illinois have affordable health care coverage through their union contracts .
- In Massachusetts, SEIU providers joined with voters across the state to win earned sick leave for themselves and their parents.
