PICTURES: “Don’t You Dare Cut Our Care:” 700+ Child Care Providers Across the Country Closed Their Doors Amidst President Biden-House Leader McCarthy Debt Limit Negotiations 

Thousands more providers, parents and allies joined 50+ Day Without Child Care events in 19 states and Washington D.C. to draw attention to the need for child care funding and demand investments for a 21st-century childcare system centered on racial and gender justice

More than 700 providers closed their doors for the day with support from the community and families they serve to take part in Community Change Action’s 2nd annual ‘Day Without Child Care.’ Thousands more providers, parents, elected officials, and allies took part in at least 55 actions across 19 states and D.C. The day organized by Community Change Action’s Childcare Changemakers and partners shined a light on the true cost of care as providers and parents demanded funding for a 21st century childcare that is rooted in racial and gender justice. They brought to the forefront the burden the women and women-of-color led childcare industry is shouldering to care for our nation’s children and allow parents to get to work, without the financial support they need. Among their demands are living wages for providers and affordable care for all families.

Several actions, including a banner drop and press conference in Washington D.C., called out the recent bill spearheaded by GOP Rep. McCarthy that threatens to cut more than 100,000 child care slots and over 200,000 Head Start slots nationwide. 

Many Democratic members of Congress and state and local representatives showed support for the actions in-person and on social media – including Rep. Tlaib who attended our national virtual event, Sen. Warren, Rep. Jayapal, Rep. Gomez, dozens of state representatives from Wisconsin, and more. In our pre-event virtual press conference on May 4, providers talked about why they planned to participate.

While GOP threats to the programs our families need are looming, childcare organizers have earned some victories at the state level. In November, Community Change Action partner OLE (Organizers in the Land of Enchantment), was part of a coalition that won child care as a guaranteed right for every kid in New Mexico in their state Constitution. In Minnesota, Community Change Action partner ISAIAH, also working in coalition, is close to securing a more than $1 billion investment for child care, early education, and combatting homelessness.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

At least 20 states across the country, including Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin.

Washington, DC – SPACEs in Action did a banner drop on North Capitol St. telling Congress to be childcare champions, not cut our care and embarked on a 6-stop tour of early learning childcare centers throughout the District.

Minneapolis, MN – Organized by Kids Count on Us, childcare providers closed early for a rally to push for the transformational child care funding bill expected to pass in the state, with support from parents and the community.

Austin, TX – Childcare providers closed their doors for the day to head to the state Capitol for a press and kid-friendly event attended by dozens of supporters.

Columbus, OH – Organized by the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, childcare providers, organizers, and business owners hosted a press conference at the State Capitol to demand ‘Care, Not Cuts’ amid state budget talks.

Philadelphia, PA – Childcare providers closed their doors for the day to rally at City Hall to demand living wages for providers and funding for affordable care. Parents, allies, and community members showed up in support.

Indianapolis, IN – Childcare providers closed their doors for the day to hold a press conference and send a “care-a-van” to the Capitol.

Oakland, CA – Parent Voices Oakland, Childcare Changemakers, and California Child Care Providers United hosted a press conference, rally, and art installation to show the day in the life of childcare workers and deliver a letter to Rep. McCarthy.

New York, NY – ECE On The Move, Alliance for Quality Education, Make The Road New York, Communities for Change, and Childcare Changemakers organized childcare providers and supporters to the Governor’s office in Manhattan to rally for more investments for childcare educators and to an educational BBQ in Long Island.

Detroit, MI – Organized by Mothering Justice, more than 60 childcare providers closed their doors to rally for child care investments.

Albuquerque and Las Cruces, NM – Organized by OLE, at least 7 centers closed their doors for the day in New Mexico to fight for affordable care for every child and living wages for every provider in the country. 

Wisconsin – Childcare providers held at least 8 events throughout the state, with support flooding in throughout the day from Wisconsin state legislators.

For more on the actions from May 8, 2023, check out our #DayWithoutChildcare hash tag on social media.

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