When we take action TOGETHER, we WIN!
In February 2015, providers at LA Mission College FCCHEN (Network) Program got a disturbing letter in the mail stating that reimbursements were being paid “at a higher rate than the state allows.” Then we saw the cuts to our reimbursement checks.
Providers challenged that. We came together and collectively decided to demand answers and justification for the change in reimbursement. When they cancelled our scheduled meeting to receive more information on the change, we decided to take action. A delegation of seven SEIU Local 99 child care providers put on our purple T-shirts and, together, walked into the network administration office with a letter demanding that the meeting be rescheduled and that an explanation be given for canceling last minute. That same day the meeting was rescheduled for the following Monday.
We had several meetings with college and network representatives and we challenged all of their explanations. They insisted there was nothing they could do and that this was coming from “the state” (The California Department of Education—CDE). We decided that if this was coming from the state, we needed to meet with them and network administration. We circulated a petition amongst ourselves requesting a meeting with CDE. After 12 out of 14 providers signed it, we e-mailed our request to CDE and the network administrators.
Thanks to our courage and determination, the assigned consultant from the Department of Education had in-depth conversations with the network administrators. As a result, all Mission College providers received back pay for three months and we have been restored to weekly reimbursement rates.
