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From SEIU: Early Learning News
About SEIU Kids First

We are Maryland’s family child care providers.  We raise and educate Maryland’s next generation.  Yet nearly half of us can’t afford health insurance, we get paid late, and we often struggle to cover our costs and pay our bills.

Now that we’ve won our union, we’re standing up for what’s fair and for the working families that depend on us every day.

Join us today!

Download a Membership Application

Simply download the membership application, print it off, and mail it back to the address provided. Or fill out an online application, and a Kids First representative will help get you signed up.

It’s the most important thing you can do to raise standards in your profession!

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    We did it — Our child care bill is now the law!

    Family child care providers from across the state worked tirelessly in Annapolis this year to pass our bill.  And our hard work payed off!  On May 20, Governor O’Malley signed into law a bill that ensures our collective bargaining rights and our new relationship with the state can’t be taken away with the stroke of a pen.

    > View photos of provider-lobbyist in Annapolis

    > Download providers’ testimony in support of their child care bill

    Governor O’Malley Makes It Official!

     

    At a ceremony in Annapolis Oct. 15, Governor O’Malley signing our first-ever contract for Maryland’s family child care providers. The event marks a milestone in our six-year journey to gain a voice in decision-making for providers who participate in the state’s child care subsidy program.

    Providers won an increase in subsidy rates of 3 percent on average; access to important decision-making committees, including the Child Care Advisory Council; and new training and health care advisory committees. Plus, the state will now be held accountable for late payments, and parents will not have their co-pays increased as a result of the agreement.

    Voting in a landslide to ratify the contract (669-24 in favor), we showed that we know it’s time for change in Maryland’s child care subsidy program. We also showed that we believe in ourselves and our ability, working together, to make those changes. We now have to roll up our sleeves and get down to work.

    We need folks to sit on these new committees and help create a strong future for child care in Maryland. Call (866) 623-5707 to get involved!

    > Read a letter from the bargaining team & contract highlights

    > View the entire contract

    > Check out more photos of the signing

    Featured Resource: Direct Deposit

    Did you know, as a family child care provider, you can sign up for direct deposit so your Child Care Subsidy (POC) reimbursements are automatically deposited into your checking account?

    Simply download a direct deposit form, fill it out, and return it (along with a canceled check) to the address provided.

    For more information, contact Maryland’s Office of the Comptroller at (800) 638-2937.

    Featured Member Benefit: Legal Services

    Singleton, Gendler, & Terrasa provide discounted legal services (30%) to members of SEIU Local 500. A trial consultation is provided at no charge. They provide legal services in the areas of Worker’s Compensation, criminal, wills, estate planning, family law, and personal injury. They can be reached at (410) 902-0073.