Embarking on a career in childcare and doula work in my 30s was a deeply intentional choice. Though the journey has been fulfilling, it's also revealed a harsh truth: the childcare industry, despite its critical role in shaping future generations, remains undervalued and under-protected by our laws. Working within this system has influenced my priorities, reinforcing the importance of advocating for those in caregiving roles—and for the kind of grounded, nurturing values I hope to bring to my own future family.
Navigating Judgments and Personal Fulfillment:
When I share my choice to work in childcare, some people question why I'd invest in a path known for low wages, limited benefits, and high demands. But it’s this judgment that reaffirms my commitment. Supporting young minds is fulfilling, but it’s also a way of participating in a legacy that uplifts future generations. Yet, the skills and resilience I've developed don’t only support others; they’ve also taught me how crucial it is to extend this care to myself, grounding me in values I hope to bring to my own family someday.
The Reality of an Undervalued Industry:
Despite the well-documented importance of early childhood education for lifelong development, the laws protecting childcare providers and educators are woefully inadequate. A 2019 study by the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment at UC Berkeley found that childcare workers in the U.S. earn a median wage of just $12.24 per hour, often without benefits like healthcare, paid leave, or retirement plans. Unlike other professions with significant impacts on public welfare, such as healthcare or education, childcare lacks federal protections or standard minimum wages that would provide financial stability.
The laws that do exist often fall short. For instance, while there are licensing requirements for certain childcare providers, they vary widely by state, with many states setting the bar low for education and training. This lack of regulatory consistency devalues the profession, overlooking the expertise required to provide quality care and giving rise to turnover rates that disrupt children’s learning and emotional security.
Research and the Case for Better Protection:
Numerous studies, such as those from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, confirm that quality early education positively impacts cognitive and social development. Research from Nobel laureate James Heckman further shows that investments in early childhood yield significant societal benefits, reducing crime rates, increasing earning potential, and improving overall health outcomes. Yet, our laws don’t reflect this value. We have no federally mandated paid leave for caregivers, no universal standard for childcare benefits, and insufficient policies to address burnout and turnover in the field.
In countries with more comprehensive social policies—such as Sweden, where early education is well-funded, and childcare workers receive competitive wages and benefits—the benefits of these protections are clear. Not only does quality improve, but caregiver satisfaction and retention do as well, leading to better outcomes for children.
A Personal Perspective: Reaffirming My Values and Priorities:
Being part of an industry with so few protections has reshaped my perspective on building a family and supporting myself. I’ve come to value the principles of intentional care, balance, and self-compassion—not only for my clients but also for myself. As I consider my future family, I know that nurturing ourselves is just as crucial as nurturing others. The strength and patience required in caregiving roles have taught me that a family built on presence and purpose is invaluable. And I want this sense of stability to extend to the caregivers who support us all, which can only happen if our laws recognize and protect this work.
Conclusion: A Call for Change in Childcare Protections
My journey in childcare and doula work has taught me that real, lasting change requires both personal commitment and systemic reform. We need policies that recognize childcare as an essential service, with protections that include fair wages, benefits, and training standards. Until then, it’s up to all of us—parents, caregivers, and advocates—to advocate for these changes and respect the people who support our children’s future. Just as we build stability and nurturing at home, we must work to build it within the childcare industry itself. For those of us in this field, the work we do is not just a job but a foundation for the future—one that deserves the respect and protection of the law.
1. Ai-jen Poo
Role: Executive Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA)
Work: Ai-jen Poo is a powerhouse in advocating for domestic workers’ rights, including nannies, house cleaners, and elder caregivers. Under her leadership, the NDWA has spearheaded legislative campaigns like the Domestic Workers’ Bills of Rights, extending labor protections such as overtime pay, rest days, and harassment protection across several states.
Why She’s Badass: Poo’s work shines a spotlight on the often-invisible labor of domestic workers, pushing for these roles to be recognized as essential.
Role: Co-Founder and Co-President of A Better Balance
Work: Sherry Leiwant co-founded A Better Balance to advocate for work-family balance through policies like paid family leave, sick leave, and caregiver protections. She played an instrumental role in advancing New York’s Paid Family Leave Law.
Why She’s Badass: Leiwant’s work addresses systemic barriers that disproportionately affect women, parents, and caregivers, working to create equitable policies that support work-life balance.
Role: Managing Director of Policy and Politics, Center for American Progress (CAP)
Work: A dedicated advocate for educational equity and early childhood policy reform, Carmel Martin has influenced policies that prioritize early childhood education and support for childcare providers. At CAP, she has contributed to policy research and proposals calling for increased federal funding, fair wages, and benefits for childcare workers.
Why She’s Badass: Martin’s focus on research-backed policy elevates the recognition of childcare as a cornerstone of societal well-being.
4. Kimberly Tignor
Role: Executive Director, Institute for Intellectual Property & Social Justice; Founding Director of the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund
Work: Kimberly Tignor is a key figure advocating for workplace rights, especially for women and people of color. The Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, a project of the National Women’s Law Center, offers resources for those experiencing workplace harassment or abuse, including underrepresented childcare workers.
Why She’s Badass: Tignor’s work empowers individuals to seek justice in vulnerable fields like childcare by providing legal defense funding.
Role: Co-Founder and Executive Director, MomsRising
Work: Through MomsRising, Kristen Rowe-Finkbeiner champions family-centered issues, including childcare reform, paid family leave, and improved wages for childcare providers. The organization mobilizes parents and families to support policies that uplift all caregivers.
Why She’s Badass: Rowe-Finkbeiner’s work combines grassroots organizing with storytelling to influence policy and bring visibility to caregiving issues.
Role: Legal Director at the Child Care Law Center
Work: The Child Care Law Center is a nonprofit law firm focused solely on childcare, advocating for affordable, quality childcare and workers’ rights. They provide legal support and education around zoning laws, licensing, and fair wages for childcare providers, often engaging in litigation for systemic change.
Why They’re Badass: The CCLC tackles the legal complexities of childcare, driving reforms that protect childcare workers through advocacy and litigation.
7. Dr. Marcy Whitebook
Role: Senior Researcher, Center for the Study of Child Care Employment at UC Berkeley
Work: Dr. Whitebook’s research highlights the economic struggles of childcare workers and advocates for policies ensuring fair wages, benefits, and professional support for early childhood educators.
Why She’s Badass: Whitebook’s research provides vital insights that inform policy changes and serves as a call to action for lawmakers to address childcare workforce instability.
Additional Organizations Supporting Childcare Rights:
National Women’s Law Center (NWLC): Advocates for policies supporting working families, focusing on affordable childcare and worker protections.
Economic Policy Institute (EPI): Conducts research on wages and working conditions, shaping labor policies impacting childcare providers.
American Federation of Teachers (AFT): Works to unionize early childhood educators and advocates for fair wages and benefits.
These advocates and organizations are on the frontlines, driving legal cases, policy changes, and research that elevate the childcare industry and advocate for its rightful respect and protection.
Here’s a focused summary on recent U.S. laws and policies impacting childcare providers and young families, highlighting protections and support aimed specifically at early childcare workers, parents, and the childcare industry:
1. Biden-Harris Executive Order on Childcare Affordability and Support for Early Educators
Overview: Signed in April 2023, this executive order set a national priority on making childcare more accessible and affordable while improving conditions for childcare providers. The order includes over 50 actions across federal agencies, focusing on supporting early educators and parents.
Key Benefits:
Reduced costs for families seeking childcare, with a push to cap costs at 7% of household income.
Enhanced pay and benefits for childcare providers to improve workforce retention and stability.
Simplified processes for families to access childcare subsidies.
Learn More: AARP Coverage
.
2. Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Reforms
Overview: As of 2024, the CCDF, the nation’s largest childcare funding program, implemented new rules to make childcare more affordable and sustainable for both families and providers.
Changes Include:
A cap on out-of-pocket costs for families, set at 7% of their income.
Priority for families with low income or those with children with disabilities to have no required co-payments.
Increased and timely payments to childcare providers, helping them maintain operations and reducing financial instability.
Further Information: HHS News Release
.
3. National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers
Overview: The 2022 National Strategy, updated in 2024, includes a focus on support for parents and caregivers of young children. Developed by HHS, this strategy encourages legislative changes and policy recommendations to address the economic and emotional challenges faced by family caregivers.
Goals:
Increase access to mental health resources and social supports for caregivers.
Provide resources for young families balancing childcare with employment demands.
Emphasize the importance of caregiver well-being for optimal family health outcomes.
Learn More: HHS National Strategy
.
4. California’s Family Caregiver Anti-Discrimination Law (AB 524)
Overview: In 2023, California passed a law prohibiting discrimination against employees with family caregiving responsibilities, including young parents. This law makes it illegal to discriminate against workers who need flexibility or support due to caregiving roles.
Why It Matters for Young Families: This law is a significant protection for working parents, particularly mothers, ensuring job security and workplace fairness while balancing work and childcare responsibilities.
More Details: WorkLife Law
.
5. Proposed Updates to Federal Family Leave Policies
Overview: Recent discussions in Congress aim to expand family leave options at a federal level, which would directly benefit parents of young children. Currently, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides unpaid leave, but advocates are pushing for paid leave options that allow parents to care for newborns or young children without financial strain.
Impact on Young Families: Access to paid leave would support parents in the critical early stages of a child’s life, ensuring financial stability and reducing stress during family transitions.
Comentarios