Child care providers rally to demand pay raise

Members of Child Care Providers United held a march and rally at the California State Capitol Tuesday, calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to negotiate a contract for higher pay for family child care providers. The labor union, which represents 40,000 child care workers across the state, staged a press conference featuring a marching band as well as picketers.

“We demand the governor raise provider rates now,” said Max Arias, chairman of the union. “Despite the governor recognizing child care providers as essential during the pandemic, despite the recognition that child care is necessary for the state’s economic recovery, despite a rapid surplus in the state budget, and despite legislators agreeing that providers pay must increase to match the critical work they do, the governor is not listening.”

Child care providers have long struggled with low wages and high costs and the pandemic has made matters worse. Thousands of child care providers, a workforce dominated by women of color, have shuttered their business during the public health crisis and experts say it is becoming harder for families to find and afford the child care they need. 

State legislators recently proposed reforms to the state’s subsidy system that would raise and unify child care provider rates. The Legislature’s proposal would raise the reimbursement rate to 85% of the 2018 regional market cost, up from 75% of the 2016 rate, where it has long been stuck.

“Our entire child care system is at risk,” said Sen. Monique Limón, D-Santa Barbara.“As costs for providers continue to skyrocket, thousands have been forced to close. By compensating providers for what they deserve, and investing in their skills, we can improve availability and resources, making it possible for more families to access quality, affordable child care right in their communities.”