The SEIU Alliance for Quality Child Care

Child care centers across the state are coming together in the SEIU Alliance for Quality Care to ensure quality child care for all Illinois children in need.

What is the SEIU Alliance for Quality Care?
In tough economic times like these, quality, affordable child care is more important than ever. That’s why Illinois child care centers are joining the SEIU Alliance for Quality Care - a partnership of child care centers and SEIU’s Child Care and Early Learning division. We’re working together because we know what it takes to provide the quality care our children need, and we’re strongest when we combine our experiences and speak with one voice to address the challenges we face every day:

• Issues with the Child Care Assistance Program like late payments from the state, unaffordable parent co-payments, strict income-eligibility guidelines and more;
• Recruiting and retaining qualified, talented teachers and other staff in an industry where benefits like health insurance are rarely affordable; and
• Finding resources for facility improvement, maintenance and staff professional development.

Who is joining the Alliance?
Child care center owners are a vital part of the growing Alliance for Quality Care. We’re committed to working together with other child care centers, advocates, and SEIU to:

• Increase funding for child care and early education to improve accessibility and address budget challenges;
• Win health insurance for all child care providers so we can stay healthy, provide for our families, and offer the best care;
• Expand access to child care for working families – especially when times are tough and more children need reliable care; and
• Build a strong voice for providers so we can help shape a child care system that works for everyone.

Teachers, teacher assistants and other child care center workers are strengthening the Alliance by joining SEIU Child Care and Early Learning. We’re committed to:

• Being leaders at our workplaces and in the community to ensure quality jobs and quality care in Illinois;
• Coming together with our coworkers and other child care center workers in isolated centers across the state to define our priorities and develop a common agenda; and 
• Participating in lobbying and advocacy efforts at the local, state and federal level to make sure the voices of child care providers are heard.