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Podcasts Take Two
From child care provider to community organizer: one woman's story.
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Feb 18, 2014
Listen • 4:20
From child care provider to community organizer: one woman's story.
Bellflower childcare provider Tonia McMillian has become an advocate for her peers. He next goals? Unionization and a voice in state policy decisions.
Tonia McMillian, a home-based child care provider, high-fives 6-year-old Skylar on Feb. 12 in her Bellflower home. In addition to her home care, McMillian also visits other childcare through the day as a consultant.
Tonia McMillian, a home-based child care provider, high-fives 6-year-old Skylar on Feb. 12 in her Bellflower home. In addition to her home care, McMillian also visits other childcare through the day as a consultant.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
Tonia McMillian, a home-based child care provider, feeds 6-year-old Skylar a blueberry. McMillian is one of many care providers that are organizing to try and improve their pay and work conditions.
Tonia McMillian, a home-based child care provider, feeds 6-year-old Skylar a blueberry. McMillian is one of many care providers that are organizing to try and improve their pay and work conditions.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
Home-based care provider Tonia McMillian transformed her attached garage into a child care space.
Home-based care provider Tonia McMillian transformed her attached garage into a child care space.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
Tonia McMillian helps 7-year-old Jayden with his homework after school on Feb. 12.
Tonia McMillian helps 7-year-old Jayden with his homework after school on Feb. 12.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)
Home-based care provider Tonia McMillian makes a meal for brothers Jason, 8, Jayden, 7, and Skylar, 6.
Home-based care provider Tonia McMillian makes a meal for brothers Jason, 8, Jayden, 7, and Skylar, 6.
(
Maya Sugarman/KPCC
)

Bellflower childcare provider Tonia McMillian has become an advocate for her peers. He next goals? Unionization and a voice in state policy decisions.

Early education has hit the national radar. President Obama mentioned universal preschool again last month in the State of the Union address, but few are talking about the workforce that provides this education.

KPCC's Deepa Fernandes brings us this story from the front lines.