Director's Update: Statewide Steering Council

Jeri Finch

I am the Director of Learning Way School and Daycare in the White Center area. I have served in that capacity since 1984. We have organized a new Director's group in the area that is involved with the White Center Early Learning Initiative and the pilot QRIS program. As directors, many of us feel the need to work together to improve the quality of child care. It is important for us to speak with one voice. As we work together, more people are willing to listen to us.

Earlier this summer I was able to be a part of SEIU Local 925’s first Steering Council for the Child Care Center Campaign. Directors and teachers from child care centers across Washington State met to discuss forming a new model for a union where child care directors and staff sit side by side, not opposite each other, at a bargaining table with the State. 

The plan at this time is for center staff and directors, as union members, to negotiate with the State for increased funding and benefits.  Discussions followed on what needs to be done to get the word out to all the centers in the state. After lunch, the Family Child Care Steering Council came in to join the meeting. It was great to hear from them and see that, while it took a lot of work, they won the voice and power with the state that we are seeking.

It was a great day to network, to meet new people and work towards a common goal. We came back fired up to help each other get involved and promote our profession.

 Jeri Finch, Director, Learning Way School & Daycare, Seattle