Center workers share our experiences

Dozens of teachers and teacher assistants throughout Chicago came together to discuss the challenges we face as child care center workers

In March, teachers and teacher assistants from privately owned, non-profit and church-based child care centers held meetings to discuss the experiences we all share. It was a great opportunity to get to know each other and share our stories.

At each meeting, we talked about the importance of the care we provide for the children we serve, and the strain unaffordable co-payments are putting on already-struggling working parents. We shared stories about the challenge of working without paid sick days and no health insurance, problems with understaffing and too little time to prepare lessons and materials. Many of us would like to continue our education, but we’re faced with significant obstacles like high tuition and reduced work hours.

“The meeting we held on the South Side helped all of us realize that we’re not dealing with these challenges alone. By joining together to voice our concerns, we have a real chance to make some changes for our jobs and our children.”
Delilah StewartTeacher, The Learning Tree
Chicago

Home child care providers in Illinois were in a similar situation 5 years ago, but by coming together, identifying their issues and speaking with one strong voice in Springfield, they were able to win 35% rate increases, $27 million in the state budget for health care, and a Quality Rating System that recognizes and rewards quality providers.

As teachers and teacher assistants, we committed to working together to build an organization strong enough to expand on what home child care providers have won to make real changes for the child care center workforce.