Family child care providers who care for low-income children across Washington have gained affordable health insurance through their union contract in July, a move that will enable them to stay in their profession and provide consistent and stable child care that kids and parents can depend on.

The insurance plan began July 1, 2008, the second year of the union contract negotiated between 10,000 SEIU family child care providers and the state of Washington. More than 650 in-home child care providers have signed up for the coverage. Approximately 50,000 Washington children are cared for by family providers.

“This health insurance coverage is a solid beginning,” said Nancy Gerber, a Spokane-area child care provider, who is president of the union child care chapter, “but our goal is to offer it to all child care providers who need it.”

Child care providers who care for four or more low income children are eligible for the insurance.

“Family child care providers are squeezed out of health insurance,” said Gerber. “As very small—often low income—businesses we can’t afford private insurance and aren’t eligible for public programs.”

The union contract also raises the state reimbursement rate by 3%. For example, the state will reimburse up to $491 per month for full-time care of a 3-year old in Puyallup, WA, up from $476.