By organizing together, SEIU members have brought the voice of child care teachers and providers to our national conversation about how to raise the quality of child care for all children.

We have organized and negotiated for higher rates and wages with the goal of slowing turnover and keeping experienced, trained professionals in the field, a big challenge in a field that pays very low wages.

SEIU child care providers have advised state child care systems on practical ways to improve quality, helping design programs to reward child care workers who improve their own skills and understanding, and who mentor others.

Nationally, SEIU child care teachers participate in training and advocacy with organizations such as the National Women’s Law Center and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Lifelong Learning

SEIU child care teachers and providers have negotiated and sponsored innovative programs to enable members to improve and broaden skills.

• In Illinois, Washington and Oregon, SEIU members fought for and won a training program for informal family child care providers, reaching providers who have the least training and social support for the very first time.
• Head Start workers have won scholarships and time off to complete early education and social work degrees that help them better serve children, their parents and communities.