A recent study sponsored by the Day Care Justice Co-op discovered that the state pays childcare workers in the Child Care Assistance Program, which is designed to help low- and middle-income parent afford quality childcare, an average hourly wage of $2.76. Part of the reason is that the workers are defined as independent contractors, not state workers, even though the state Department of Human Services provides some 80 percent of their pay.

Beyond the difficult on getting by on such meager wages, getting paid once a month "makes budgeting very difficult," says Celeste Tomason, a childcare provider for the past 14 years. Tomason and 250 other licensed childcare providers compose the Day Care Justice Co-op, a Providence community organization established to improve the childcare system.

By hosting workshops and seeking accreditation, the co-op tries to further the education and skills of its members. Such efforts are important since, "High quality childcare continues to positively predict children's performance well into their school careers," according to a study by the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. Or as Linda Smith, co-chair of the co-op, says, "We're not asking for money for babysitting; we're educating."

However, without adequate wages, day care providers are finding this task increasingly difficult. Not all providers have additional family income, and for those who do, it's often not enough to compensate for their own lack of income. Expenses for providers include food, household supplies, toys, books, insurance, and even markers, carpet cleaners, and toilet paper. Providers' homes are also open approximately 50 hours a week. Some even offer round-the-clock care

In recent months, the Day Care Justice Co-op has been working to pass two legislative proposals with the help of Representative Anastasia Williams and Senator Frank Caprio. One would guarantee at least minimum wage for family childcare providers. The other establishes a bi-weekly (rather than monthly) pay system and gives providers the option of direct deposit.

Tomason, like other providers in the co-op, wants people to be aware of "the real cost of providing care. Better wages are going to help us better ourselves and better meet the needs of families and children."

Issue Date: June 7 - 13, 2002