Philadelphia, PA. – May 27, 2025 – On June 9, 2025, family childcare educators, along with parents and families who rely upon family childcare, from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania—including more than 75% of the attendees from Philadelphia—are converging on Harrisburg for Family Childcare Awareness Day, an initiative spearheaded by First Up, Champions for Early Education, in partnership with Start Strong PA. This day of advocacy is part of a larger grassroots movement known as Capitol Days where early childhood educators and the families they serve meet directly with legislators each day that the Pennsylvania General Assembly is in session to demand better funding and policies for childcare. There will be close to 100 providers and families meeting with legislators including Representative Darisha Parker and more pending meeting time confirmation. The group from Philadelphia will meet in two Greater Philadelphia locations and caravan to Harrisburg. This action is part of First Up’s ongoing mission to elevate the early childhood workforce and ensure that all children—regardless of zip code—have access to high-quality early learning opportunities.
At noon, there will be a press conference in the East Wing Rotunda. It will be kicked off by First Up Executive Director Carol Austin. The rest of the speakers include Representative Milou Mackenzie and Representative Joseph Hohenstein from the House, Childcare provider Kesha Harvey who had to close her program due to inadequate funding, Jennifer Pearson-Mills, Owner of Jennifer’s Learning Beyond Limits Family Child Care who personally housed a family who was evicted while their child was in her care, Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry President & CEO Laura Manion plus several people representing First Up and Start Strong, PA. (Additional speakers will be added and all are subject to change.)
“Family childcare providers are the backbone of our early learning system, yet they are often the most overlooked,” said Tyrone Scott, Director of Government and External Affairs for First Up. “They offer high-quality, nurturing care in home environments that are critical for working families. June 9th is about showing lawmakers that family childcare matters, and it deserves the investment.”
Unlike center-based programs, family childcare providers care for children in small, home-based settings, typically no more than six children, and sometimes as few as four. This model offers a more intimate, flexible environment for families, but severely limits provider income and growth potential, making state and federal support essential to workforce sustainability.
Family Childcare Awareness Day aims to highlight the unique challenges and the incredible value of in-home early childhood educators. Participants will meet with lawmakers to share their stories and advocate for equitable pay, improved working conditions, and dedicated funding streams that reflect the importance of the work they do.