In March we celebrate Women’s History Month. In our day to day, we often overlook the essential work women perform to keep our communities functioning and in supporting working families, one of these is the integral work of family child care educators (FCCEs). Emerging alongside industrialization and the rise of women joining the workforce, the gap in childcare needs gave rise to family child care education programs. Today, FCCE programs are mainframes of the early childhood education (ECE) infrastructure where young minds are educated, supported, and encouraged. FCCEs serve as teachers, mentors, role models, and pillars of stability,  providing nurturing, home-like environments and often working tirelessly behind the scenes in a field that is essential, yet underappreciated. 

In the mid 20th century, states began to formalize licensure processes for family child care programs to ensure all children were receiving quality care and education following best practice standards within the ECE field. Some of which include:

1. Health & Safety: Family child care programs must comply with local licensing requirements for health and safety, which include ensuring that the environment is clean, safe, and free from hazards. This includes fire safety, safe sleep practices, and safe handling of food. Additionally, all licensed family child care educators must be CPR and First Aid certified.  

2. Child-to-Teacher Ratios: Maintaining appropriate child-to-teacher ratios is crucial for ensuring that each child receives sufficient attention and care. Ratios are capped at 6:1.

3. Individualized Learning: Family child care educators offer developmentally appropriate curriculum tailored to each child's age, interests, and developmental level.

4. Social Skills: FCC program curricula foster cooperation, sharing, empathy, and communication skills. These teachings help children develop positive relationships with peers and adults, which is foundational for school readiness.

5. Ongoing Education: Family child care educators must pursue professional development to stay updated on best practices in early childhood education and for licensure renewal. This includes attending workshops, training, and conferences on topics like child development, curriculum design, and health and safety to name a few.

Recent reports indicate that 95% of child care workers are women. And although Black people make up only 13% of the total U.S. workforce, 18 percent of U.S. child care workers are Black. In Rhode Island, the FCCE workforce is almost exclusively women and 75% Latina. There are approximately 400 family child care programs in Rhode Island, with 90% participating in the state’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Programs are spread throughout the state, with the highest concentration in the inner cities of Cranston, Central Falls, Pawtucket, and Providence.

When we take a closer look, we find that Providence-based FCCEs account for 7% of licensed early learning program slots statewide but a staggering 24% of CCAP statewide, demonstrating the invaluable niche of CCAP FCCEs in providing families - particularly those in urban settings and with low-income - with equitable access to early education and care services.

FCCEs have fought for fair pay, access to high-quality professional development, and respect in the ECE field for decades. In the 1970s, they pressured the Governor to double their hourly rates, from 30 cents an hour to 60. In the 1990s, they won health insurance through Direct Action for Rights & Equality, making Rhode Island the only state with this benefit. The Day Care Justice Co-Op, formed in 2000, began pushing for a contract with the state.

Facing cuts to funding and provider pay in the early 2000s, the Co-Op affiliated with SEIU District 1199NE in 2004, leading to a petition for union recognition. Despite setbacks, including a vetoed bill and the Great Recession, they persevered, inspired by other states' successes. Their efforts culminated in 2013, when the General Assembly passed a bill granting union rights, and the following year, 390 providers voted to form a union.

Since then, they’ve secured two contracts with raises, paid sick and vacation time, and a training fund. As contract renegotiations for 2025 continue, the goal is to further improve worker conditions, benefits, and professional development opportunities.

As we reflect on the contributions of women this month, let us not forget the unsung heroes who provide foundational care and education to our youngest learners. Family child care educators are not only shaping the future of children but also paving the way for a more equitable and supportive society, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive