State's first child care union could improve quality of child care for thousands of Pennsylvania working families

Philadelphia-Over 3,700 home-based child care providers across Pennsylvania voted to form their own union with Child Care Providers UNITED (CCP UNITED). Ballots were counted today by the American Arbitration Association. Over 95 percent of providers casting ballots voted to join CCP UNITED.

"This is an exciting day for family child care providers and the working parents who depend on us,"said Diane Gardner, a provider from Philadelphia.

The providers' union will be able to work with the state to improve regulations, increase access to training opportunities, affordable health insurance, and other changes that will raise the quality of child care in Pennsylvania. 

Sheryl Eichenlaub, a provider from Bethel Park said, "Now we have a united voice can work together to improve the quality of child care for working families."

The election does not affect the relationship between parents and their child care providers.

Devore Hart, a provider from Pittsburgh stated, "The only thing parents will notice is that quality will improve and it will be easier for them to find care when they need it."

Additional Contact: Jeff Pittman, (202) 997-6995

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