By Max Arias

As we reach the 100th day of Donald Trump’s second term as President, our hearts are heavy as our profession and the communities we serve face unprecedented and seemingly relentless attacks from the highest office in the country. 

At this time, and at all times of struggle, we find strength in each other – that’s what our union movement is all about. Linking arms, we lift each other up. We form a protective circle around the children and families in our care. And we show our state and the nation the power of standing together as Child Care Providers United.  

Head Start

A leaked copy of Trump’s proposed federal budget shows he plans to entirely eliminate funding for Head Start. Head Start has been a center of the nation’s anti-poverty work for generations, and proof that early learning makes a lifelong difference. Head Start graduates are more likely to complete high school and enroll in college. Trump’s short-sighted and cruel plan to eliminate this program would mean 80,000 California children ages 0-5 lose access to their quality early learning opportunities, cost-free medical screenings, and nutritious food. From the many providers who are proud to provide Head Start or participate in Early Head Start collaboration, to those who see the contributions Head Start makes in their communities, we know how devastating this cut would be. And as parents and caregivers, we see the direct impact of Head Start on children throughout their lifetimes and we’re committed to fight for them.

Congress has a chance to stop Trump in his tracks and recommit to funding this program that truly transforms lives for our most-vulnerable families. You can make a difference by contacting your member of Congress through this easy form: https://nhsa.org/take-action/

Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal, also known federally as Medicaid, is a lifeline, not only for families in our care, but many child care providers, too. In fact, almost half of our more than 60,000 person caregiving workforce relies on Medi-Cal to access primary and preventative care, specialists, and as a safety net for emergencies. But Trump and Republicans in Congress want to decimate the program, terminating care for children, seniors in nursing homes, moms fighting cancer, and people with disabilities who rely on home care. We cannot let Republicans in Congress get away with taking our care away in order to give new tax breaks to Elon Musk and other billionaires.  

Tell your member of Congress that you and your loved ones, as well as the families you care for, need Medi-Cal to thrive: https://fightforourhealth.org/take-action/

Immigration

We don’t ask the immigration status of the families in our care, but we see the terror on the faces of parents every day when they drop their children off and head to work, trusting us to know what to do if they aren’t able to return. And we see that same fear manifest in the children we care for as they hold their parents tighter than usual during drop off and ask questions about their own safety. We see the news reports about the Trump administration disappearing people and families, including lawful residents and even U.S. citizens – including children as young as 2 years old – to countries where they don’t even know the language, and feel that same fear ourselves. 

Separation of families imposes traumas on children, scars they will bear throughout their lives. Forced to endure fear and insecurity, the children we care for will suffer long-term, negative health impacts.  

The good news is that knowing our rights – regardless of status – can make a critical difference for our communities. You can learn more about your and your community’s rights when confronted with immigration enforcement here, and you can find resources for children showing signs of experiencing trauma here.

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For the last 100 days, the Trump administration and its allies have intentionally stoked fear, confusion, and misinformation intended to keep us silent and paralyzed. Instead, we’ve stood strong and together, united, to advocate for our profession and the communities we serve. CCPU members have attended protests, called our Congressmembers, and comforted scared families. 

We’re also fighting back in the federal courts with a united front – this week, SEIU and AFSCME came together with other unions, cities, counties, and nonprofits to file a lawsuit in the Northern District of California to challenge the Trump administration’s actions. 

We know this is the beginning of a long fight, but one we can and will win.