SEIU 509 family child care educators will rally on Tuesday, August 18 to call on Governor Maura Healey to increase the rates for family child care so educators’ wages can stabilize, programs can remain open, and families can continue to access care.
Family child care educators provide essential care and early education in their own homes, serving as trusted members of their communities while parents and caregivers work and meet other family responsibilities. But rising costs and inadequate wage rates are putting programs at risk of closure.
Over the last two years, their wage rates have increased by just 1.5% in total, even as the costs of operating their programs – including housing, food, utilities, insurance – continue to rise.
Educators are currently bargaining their union contracts with the Commonwealth. Their contract expired on June 30, 2026. SEIU 509 is calling on Governor Healey to allocate adequate funding to stabilize family child care and prevent a loss of child care access for working families across Massachusetts.
A mobile billboard truck will also be displayed near the State House in the morning and will circle the State House throughout the rally, bringing the educators’ message directly to the attention of Governor Healey. The mobile billboard will highlight the urgent need for investment in fair wage rates for family child care educators.
WHO:
- SEIU 509 family child care educators
- Community and labor allies
WHEN: Tuesday, August 18 at 11 AM
WHERE: Massachusetts State House Steps
WHY:
When family child care programs close, families lose one of their most important sources of accessible, trusted and culturally responsive care. Family child care educators do essential work every day preparing meals, maintaining safe and clean learning environments, developing activities and lesson plans, and caring for young children. They are absorbing the costs of running a business from their homes.
Without meaningful funding, educators cannot earn enough income to stay afloat and continue serving the families who depend on them.
