This is our chance to stand up for kids and families,"says provider

Nearly 6,000 family child care providers could soon win a stronger voice for affordable, quality child care. Beginning Friday, providers will vote by mail in Maryland's first union election for home-based child care.

"Child care has become a crisis for children, parents, and providers," said Madie Green, a provider in District Heights for more than 25 years.

"Parents are struggling to find affordable, quality child care, but a lot of providers just can't afford to keep our doors open. This election is our chance to stand up for the kids and families who depend on us."

Maryland communities have lost nearly 3,000 licensed family child care providers since 1994. After subtracting operating expenses, providers in Maryland make an average of $15,840 per year, less than the poverty line for a family of three.

Providers' union could negotiate with the state for more training opportunities, access to affordable health insurance, better reimbursements from the state child care assistance program, and other improvements that would help providers stay in the profession. It would not affect the relationship between parents and their child care providers.

"The only thing parents will notice is that the quality will improve, and it will be easier for families to find care when they need it," Green said.

Maryland providers worked together in SEIU Local 500 for nearly three years to gain the right to vote--forming a statewide steering council and organizing committee, and joining with parents and community advocates to lobby elected officials.

The historic election reflects a growing trend in child care policy nationwide. Since 2005, ten states have given providers the freedom to form a union, and Illinois, Oregon, and Washington have already approved union contracts to stabilize the industry and improve access to affordable, quality child care.

 

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