C​​hildcare Provider and SEIU Local 99-CCPU member Graciela Carranza recently showed Senator Maria Elena Durazo a day in her career of 29 years. A walk through Graciela’s terraced facility included extensive childproofing, a 20-something year old turtle, a space dedicated to dress up and theater, chicken coop, a garden, and a classroom. “You must have thought of everything!” Senator Durazo commented during the facility tour.

But Graciela’s dedication comes at a great personal cost to her. She explained to Senator Durazo that 16 hour shifts are a regular workday for her. Graciela’s 6am to 8:30pm goes to teaching and caring for thirteen children. Then the cleanup, paperwork, and next-day prepping happens from 11pm, and sometimes take until 3 or 4am to complete.

On top of that, prices of ingredients to provide nutritious meals, and expensive health insurance plans add up quickly. With the already low wages and fees Graciela receives, she is stretched too thin to keep up with the true cost of care.

Senator Durazo, a lifelong ally with working people, is running for a seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 2026.

“When you’re at the L.A. Board of Supervisors, will you continue to be a voice for Family Childcare Providers?” Graciela asks the Senator at the end of the facility tour.

“I promise to be one of those voices.” says Senator Durazo. “We have made some progress, and we must continue to emphasize the very important role you play in the development of our future leaders. It starts at this age, as babies, and we need you…let’s start doing more.”