Childcare Voters Day of Action

 My name is Loretta Johnson, I am a licensed home child care provider in Dove Springs in southeast Austin and I’m the proud president of Childcare Professionals of Greater Austin. I’ve been working in child care since 1999. I’ve closed my doors every year since 2022 for the Day Without Childcare to make sure everyone can feel that child care is essential. We are the WORKFORCE behind the workforce and I’ve been working in child care, things have never been this bad. 

That’s why I am leading more strategic campaigns in my community to secure local funding for providers like me in Travis County, TX. We are urging everyone to Vote YES on Prop A this election for Affordable Childcare Today! Join  me on October 23,2024 as we phonebank Travis County residents to be a childcare voter!

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My name is Ms. Unique Clay and I’m a childcare provider of 28 years in Mableton, GA serving Cobb County. Earlier this year in May, many national and state educators stood in solidarity, closed their childcare programs and rallied across our country to advocate for higher wages, an equitable childcare system, and affordable childcare for all families. Educators are emerging once again with a National Day of Action, we are engaging Georgians everywhere to register to vote and Be a Child Care Voter! According to The Century Foundation, 81,716 Georgia children set to lose child care and  944 child care programs expected to close unless the child care industry receives critical funding. Congress could pass $16 billion in emergency funding to stop this crisis! We will continue rallying to keep the momentum as I organize our 2nd Annual Grayson Pointe Neighborhood Block Party at Unique’s Early Development Center, LLC Sunday October 20th from 1pm-4pm. Join us!

My name is Mz. Kelly Dawn Jones, oner or L.O.V.E. Your Child’s Care in Indianapolis, IN.

Hi, I’m Vernessa, but my grandkids call me MiMi! I never imagined that my Master’s in Infant and Child Development would lead me to a fulfilling role as a caregiver in my retirement. Four years ago, my daughter called, asking for help with her boys. My husband and I relocated to Dallas, thinking it would be temporary, but then our family grew. I found myself deeply involved in my grandkids’ lives, especially my youngest, Chey. Together, we created the “Mobile Mimi and Tay on the Go Experience,” exploring everything from the Dallas Zoo to local parks. Through this journey, I learned how vital quality family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) childcare arrangements are—they are just as essential to the childcare system as licensed providers. Care work is real work, whether it’s done at home, in a center, at a church, or by a family member. I’ve witnessed firsthand how it can shape a child’s development, and I’m passionate about advocating for better childcare resources so every family can provide safe and enriching environments for their children. I’ll be tabling at the 2025 Annual Harambee Festival in Dallas to share information about the Childcare Changemakers Report Card and how Texas Congresspeople scored on childcare policy, including insights on the upcoming Senate race between Ted Cruz and Colin Allred.

I’m Brigitte, and I own and operate A Better Day CLC, family childcare program. My journey with Childcare Changemakers began when I witnessed leaders in action during the Day Without Child Care initiative. It struck me how essential our work is, especially during the pandemic, yet how quickly support can fade away. Since joining Childcare Changemakers in 2021, I’ve wanted to bring more awareness to my community, but I didn’t have the right team around me. Now, as a childcare voter captain, I have the chance to make a tangible difference and combat voter suppression tactics by helping my community get out the vote. I’m excited to engage children and families in Groovetown, GA, through a trunk or treat event where I’ll share information about the Childcare Changemakers Report Card and how Georgia Congresspeople scored on childcare policy. Together, we can empower our community and ensure childcare remains a priority.

My name is Jemie and I am the proud owner of TRS 4-star Licensed Family Childcare Jemie Johnson-Vaughn’s 24/7 Childcare  has been serving the southeast Austin/Dove Springs community for over 37 years. I am excited to be a childcare voter captain and share important information with the families and other educators in my community so we can change childcare in Texas. We need gap funding and Affordable Childcare Today and the Prop A ballot measure will help us do that in Travis County, TX! We have what it takes to win! 

I’m Shineal Hunter, a 4th generation childcare provider!