We realize many child care providers have questions and concerns about the future amidst the coronavirus crisis. We've gathered some important information for you in terms of your unemployment benefits, your safety and your care for your children.

Child care providers should read this important information from the city Administration of Children’s Services (ACS), the state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and the city Department of Health and Mental Health (DOHMH).

Thank you to those of you who attended our meetings for NYC child care providers. Here are the forms and resources we promised you regarding comprehensive background clearance requirements.

"We are not babysitters, we are early childhood educators serving New York,” Chapter Chair Tammie Miller said on May 11 as UFT Family Child Care Providers Chapter members gathered for the union’s sixth annual Provider Appreciation Awards Ceremony at UFT headquarters in Manhattan.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Healthy Homes Program will be celebrating National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2018 from Oct. 21 to Oct. 27. For more details, please see the fliers in English, Spanish and Bengali.

Twenty-six members of the UFT Family Child Care Providers Chapter were recognized at the chapter's fifth annual Provider Appreciation Awards on May 1. While it was their night to be recognized, the award winners said their true rewards come from doing their jobs every day.

Family child care providers are invited to attend these upcoming Healthy Homes Workshops. For more details, please see the fliers.

Although the union is called the United Federation of Teachers, the membership has grown to include many other types of educators and professionals who serve the children of New York City in a variety of ways.These Department of Education-employed members have functional chapters of their own to address common issues and concerns.

Lynda John has two grandchildren, but as a UFT member and group family day care provider, she has up to 16 other kids — from infants to preschoolers, plus older children after school — at any given time. It’s an investment, she says, in herself and in the future.

Attend one of the borough meetings coming up in the next two weeks. We'll provide important updates on issues affecting family child care providers including state and city legislation, upcoming contract negotiations and union-provided professional development opportunities.