Family child care providers in Washington are celebrating a major victory for their profession and for the kids in their care.

A landmark contract with the governor’s office will improve wages, training, and access to health care. These improvements will help reduce turnover and make it easier for parents to find consistent, quality care for their children.

“We joined together to make sure kids in our communities get the care they need,” said Sandra VanDoren, a provider in Spokane. “This contract will help child care providers keep doing the work we love.” [More about the contract]

A team of providers from across the state negotiated the agreement, which was signed November 10, 2006 and ratified by providers in December. It covers 11,000 providers.

• New subsidy rates give parents more affordable child care options and increase providers’ wages up to 31 percent.
  
• Incentives and funding for providers to get additional training
  
• Access to affordable health insurance for many providers, so kids get more consistent care.
  
• Nutritious meals for thousands of children in license-exempt care who will now qualify for the USDA Food Program.
  
• A path for license-exempt providers to receive training and become licensed.