On International Women’s Day, Children First Collective turned its focus to a group whose impact is profound yet often overlooked: child care providers.
These women are the backbone of working families and local economies, yet their work is frequently undervalued and under-recognized. By centering them in this year’s celebration, Children First Collective aimed to create a moment of recognition, appreciation, and visibility for San Diego’s child care professionals.
The event was inspired by ongoing conversations about the state of child care in San Diego. Earlier this year, a roundtable brought together providers, parents, advocates, and Assemblymember Chris Ward.
While the discussion focused on aligning policy with real needs, one sentiment stood out:
“As providers, we are not paid professional wages. We are not seen as professionals, and we feel undervalued.”
This reflects a broader reality; society values the service of child care, yet the professionals behind it are often overlooked. This gap between reliance and recognition sparked the idea for a gathering centered not on problems, but on people.
From that intention, Flowers and Photos was born.
Created as both a celebration and a statement, the event created a space where child care providers could be seen, valued, and honored. A shared brunch inspired community, while a build-your-own bouquet bar invited participants to quite literally “receive their flowers.”
Complimentary makeup services and professional portraits offered attendees a chance to present themselves as the professionals they are. Most Importantly, the event created space for providers to share their journeys and challenges, motivations, and purpose behind their work, elevating voices often missing from broader conversations.
Events like Flowers and Photos are not just celebratory, they are corrective. They challenge perceptions of professionalism and push back against the long history of undervaluing care in our society.
By centering child care providers on International Women’s Day, Children First Collective reinforced a clear message: care work is essential work, and those who provide it deserve recognition, respect and dignity.
When providers are seen and valued, it helps shift the narrative and opens the door for a bigger conversation about fair wages and sustainable support.
Child care providers play a central part in the economy. Recognizing their contributions should extend beyond a single event and into the systems that shape everyday life.
Watch the videos here
Thank you to Sayra and Maritza from Girls on Film for capturing the event and Camera Exposure/Safelight Labs for developing the film!
