Child care providers and supporters gathered outside Congressman David G. Valadao’s Bakersfield office on April 30 for better pay, health care, and retirement benefits.
The rally was led by Child Care Providers United (CCPU), a union representing family child care workers across California.
Deborah Corley Marzette, a child care provider in Bakersfield for 27 years and a member of SEIU Local 521, spoke about the challenges providers face.
“We’re here to send a message to Congressman Valadao child care providers deserve fair pay,” she said. “Our work is essential. We care for children so parents can work, and yet we’re barely making ends meet. We are not babysitters, we are educators, and we deserve to be respected and compensated like professionals.”
Maria Cisneros, a provider in Kern County for over 23 years mentioned rising costs and low reimbursement rates from the state. She said they are losing money every month and struggling to stay open.
“We’re not just watching children, we’re helping raise and educate them. We create safe spaces where kids can learn, grow, and be ready for school. But we can’t keep doing this if we’re not paid fairly.” Cisneros continued, “We’re here today to send a message: child care providers deserve respect, fair pay, health care, and retirement. We need the state to recognize the real cost of care and invest in us so we can continue serving our communities.”
Iris Magana, a provider from Tulare County, spoke about their need for fair pay and stable funding.
She said many providers are being forced to close because the state only covers about 30% of the real cost of child care. “Fewer early educators are entering the field, and working parents are struggling to find care,” she said.
CCPU organizers said the state has not responded to their 23 contract proposals, even after months of talks. “We’ve been to Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Zoom meetings and still no answers,” said Cisneros. “The union is all of us. We have the power to fight.”
The rally ended with a call to action for a large statewide protest at the Capitol on June 11. Providers said they plan to march in Sacramento to pressure the state to meet their demands before a new contract is finalized.
Child care providers and supporters rally outside Congressman David Valadao’s Bakersfield office on April 30, calling for fair pay, health care, and retirement benefits.
