On November 18th, 2025, Senator Smallwood-Cuevas walked in the shoes of SEIU Local 99 child care provider Cynthia Smith in Los Angeles, CA.

Senator Smallwood-Cuevas got to experience the firsthand joy of being a child care provider. In contrast to the joy each provider exhibit there is no shortage of challenges and everyday sacrifices that go into caring for children.

From long waitlists to underfunded programs, to unbudgeted expenses like an air conditioning going out to picking up and transporting kids, providers like Cynthia overcome these hardships and still keep our communities running.

We’re urging the Senator to continue championing child care funding and to stand with us as we fight for the true cost of care and stronger benefits for all providers.

Check out the video above to hear about how the experience changed Senator Smallwood-Cuevas and how important it is for child care providers like Cynthia to be heard.