Earlier this month, we sat down with Assemblymember Chris Ward to discuss the state of child care in San Diego. In a room filled with advocates, experts, and providers, one message came through clearly: the people holding up our child care system are not receiving the support they deserve.

Families, businesses, and communities rely on child care to participate in the economy. Parents trust providers with their children’s safety, development and future. Yet the professionals doing this essential work are too often underpaid, undervalued and unseen.

Society depends on child care, but what about the people behind the work?

Child care providers deserve their flowers. More importantly, they deserve to be recognized and compensated as the skilled professionals they are.

That’s why on Sunday, March 8, we are proud to celebrate San Diego’s International Women in Care.

Children First Collective is partnering with Girls on Film, Paul Mitchell Beauty School, and Safelight Labs to host a day of good food, fresh flowers, professional photos, and community care, all in honor of our child care providers.

Because strengthening child care starts with valuing the professionals who make it possible.