FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2026

This Provider Appreciation Day, Home Child Caregivers Urge the State to Honor Their Work and Settle a Fair Contract

08 May 2026

After nearly a year of bargaining, DHS’s “last, best, final offer” falls far short of what providers and families need

Providence: Today, Friday, May 8th is Provider Appreciation Day, in which states and communities across the country recognize the essential role of family childcare providers and early educators. But for the 363 family childcare (FCC) providers who spent nearly a year trying to bargain a fair contract with the Department of Human Services, this sentiment rings hollow. Instead of recognition, the state has presented providers with an inadequate offer that does not reflect the value of their work.

On March 2, 2026, DHS offered their last, best and final offer that failed to provide an adequate increase in reimbursement rates over three years, a rejection of a healthcare stipend, and lack of budget funding to provide providers the ability to take paid time off.

Family childcare providers, who are members of SEIU 1199NE, offer a critical service that enables parents, particularly women, to enter and remain in the work, which contributes to the economy and provides an economic boost to working class communities. Their care is vital to the safety and well-being of the children in their care, helping them develop social, emotional and communication skills as well as pre-literacy and basic mathematical concepts.

My childcare center is like a second home to the kids I care for and they thrive with the one-on-one support. I remember one little girl who I helped start reading at three years old. When she left for kindergarten, her teacher sent me a letter thanking me for helping her get ahead. If a child is struggling, I will pick up the phone and call the parents directly. I tell them what their child ate and how they did on their homework. Their safety and well-being is my top priority.

- Grisel Gomez, who has been providing family childcare for the last 26 years.

Despite its benefits, too many families are struggling with a lack of access to affordable, quality childcare. A 2025 national survey of parents seeking childcare reported that 74% had difficulty finding a spot in a center-based program or a home-based program. The pandemic led to dozens of providers shutting their doors and the trend has continued.

The number of family childcare providers represented by SEIU 1199NE have decreased by 23% in the last four years, adding to a 68% decrease in licensed childcare slots from 2004 (8,448) to 2024 (2,722).

For many caregivers, the out-of-pocket costs make it increasingly difficult each year to stay afloat. Family childcare providers are paid through the Childcare Assistance Program or CCAP, the pool of money available to families with incomes at or below 180% of the federal poverty level. Currently, CCAP pays the majority of FCC members around $210 per child per week which must cover their wages in addition to an array of expenses including health insurance, business expenses and facilities upkeep. At the same time, the average wage for childcare workers in 2024 was just over $16/hr or around $35k a year.

In 2024, I had a home fire and lost my childcare center and had no option but to find a different space and start over. I had to buy completely everything out of pocket - the state offered no help even though the fire was not my fault. As a result of all the stress, I developed heart failure and have been in and out of the hospital. Unfortunately, my insurance only covers half of my treatments and with all the medical bills, I can’t afford to keep my childcare center open.

- Esther Cordero, a Providence provider for the last twenty years

Each day we treat our kids with love and respect. All we are asking in return is for the state to support us by providing us with the funding we need so we can afford health insurance, better wages and time to care for ourselves. It is a win-win for everyone.

- Grisel Gomez, Family Childcare Provider

Currently, there are no more bargaining dates scheduled with the Department of Human Services.

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District 1199 SEIU New England represents 29,000 health care and service workers in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Southeastern Massachusetts. In Rhode Island, 1199 SEIU NE represents 7,500 members.1199 SEIU NE is affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) – a union of over 2 million members across the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.