Thousands of parents, providers and grassroots organizers led more than 50 grassroots events in 27 states + Washington D.C. across the country on May 9, a national #DayWithoutChildCare. With support from parents, providers closed down their centers for the day and walked out. Some marched to their city hall, some brought community members into their centers or to a local park for conversation– all for child care.
We’re doing this because:
-Child care justice is racial justice. Our child care system is led by women of color who have one of the most important responsibilities: providing the foundation for all of our children’s futures. And yet, are among the lowest paid in the nation, and like many of the families they serve, are struggling to take care of their own. With long term investments – at the federal, state and local levels – we can reduce how much families pay for care, pay providers a living wage, and get women back to work.
-Parents joined child care providers to walk out on May 9th because our child care infrastructure is collapsing and we’re at a tipping point. If we don’t act now, more programs will close, families won’t get the care they need, and all of us will suffer. Our government needs to invest in an equitable child care system.
-People are our economy, and unless families have the support and care they need the economy doesn’t work. Investing in child care is an opportunity to acknowledge the value of caregivers, help create jobs with living wages, and support all families. Our economy runs on child care. It is time to value the people who keep our country running.
Thank you to the parents, providers and supporters across the country who shared their stories with Community Change Action and the Childcare Changemakers.