Maryland Family Child Care Providers Bargain Their First Contract

Last November, in-home child care providers, many of whom participate in the state’s “Purchase of Care” (POC) program, voted to organize and join SEIU Local 500 to improve their working conditions and for a stronger voice in their profession.  Providers are now bargaining their first contract with the state.

“We care so much about these children, but it really feels like a struggle.  We often don’t get paid by the state on time, and the pay is so low it barely covers our costs.  Many of us can’t afford health insurance.  In the past it felt hopeless, but now that we won our union, I believe we can make the system better,” said Crystal Barksdale, who has been an in-home child care provider for 8 years in Baltimore County.

Providers have completed non-economic bargaining and began negotiating economic concerns with the state and MCDE in July.

Providers are also building their union, county by county and provider by provider. As they fight for their first contract, their strength will come from their numbers.

“When we’re done with this historic contract, all family child care providers will be closer to the respect and decent pay we deserve,” said Madie Green, a Maryland family child care provider for over a decade and a Local 500 Child Care Bargaining Team member.