Members Voted 99% to Protect Benefits, Win Stabilization Pay and Ongoing COLAs
On September 22, 2025, child care providers overwhelmingly ratified their third contract with the State of California. In addition, the state also ratified the 2025–28 contract through Senate Bill 151, which means providers will see overdue stabilization payments by the end of the year.
“The stabilization payments have been a blessing by allowing me to pay my staff and keep my doors open,” said Pamela Rocha, a child care provider in Siskiyou County, and member of UDW’s negotiations team. “It’s hard to find passionate people to provide quality care. I’m fortunate to have a fantastic assistant, Tssiuvvu Carle, who stepped up when I had to undergo breast cancer and MS treatments. This contract moves us all closer to getting the respect and compensation that we deserve as professional educators.”
What Providers Won in the 2025–28 Contract:
- $37 million ongoing, per year in Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs)
- $90 million one-time stabilization payments
- $80 million ongoing, per year for retirement funding
- $100 million ongoing, per year for healthcare funding
- $15 million ongoing, per year for training and continuing education
- The ability to re-negotiate rate increases if the legislature allocates more money
- Clearer timelines for pay reform, including moving payments to the start of the month
- Continued payment by enrollment (not daily attendance), protecting stability for families and providers
The victory was made possible by the persistence of thousands of providers in our state who stood together, organized, and refused to give up until we won a contract reflecting our high-quality care.
For more information about our contract visit (LINK)
What’s Next for Child Care Providers: Earning the True Cost of Care and Building Our Union Power!
While this contract secures critical funding for stabilization, retirement, health care, and ongoing COLAs, our member committee will return to the negotiation table with the state to determine a final path toward full reimbursement for the cost of providing care.
“The gains we’ve made through our contracts have been important and provided much-needed stability, but the fight continues. We need to be paid for the true cost of care so we can make a living-wage and pay a living-wage to our staff,” said Yolanda Thomas, a child care provider in Contra Costa County, and member of UDW’s negotiations team.
When child care providers stand united, we win—and we’ll keep fighting until California’s child care system truly works for every family.
Contact your local office or organizer to learn how you can get involved and help win this fight!