On Tuesday, March 11, the day that the federal administration began dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, UNITE-LA and Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) co-led an advocacy day in Washington, D.C., with education advocates from throughout the state, including First 5 Los Angeles, First 5 California, LAUSD and Crystal Stairs.

The advocacy day culminated with an early care and education briefing with Congressman Jimmy Gomez, leader of the Congressional Dads Caucus, where UNITE-LA Policy Director, Humberto Manuel Estratalán, presented the economic benefits to state and national economies if we professionalize early care and education workforce and pay them the true cost of care. UNITE-LA is grateful to Michael Olenick, president of CCRC and UNITE-LA board member. Without his leadership, this day would not have been possible!