Madie GreenNearly 6,000 family child care providers could soon win a stronger voice for affordable, quality child care. Beginning Friday, providers will vote by mail in Maryland’s first union election for home-based child care.

“Child care has become a crisis for children, parents, and providers,” said Madie Green, a provider in District Heights for more than 25 years.

“Parents are struggling to find affordable, quality child care, but a lot of providers just can’t afford to keep our doors open. This election is our chance to stand up for the kids and families who depend on us.”

Maryland communities have lost nearly 3,000 licensed family child care providers since 1994. After subtracting operating expenses, providers in Maryland make an average of $15,840 per year, less than the poverty line for a family of three.