What is Day Without Childcare?
Day Without Child Care is a nationwide day of action that highlights the essential role child care plays in our communities.
On May 11, parents, providers, and advocates across Solano and Napa Counties will come together for the 5th annual Day Without Child Care. As part of this effort, some providers will close their doors or end care early, standing in solidarity to bring attention to the challenges facing the child care system.
Locally, the Day Without Child Care Solano Advocacy Loop 2026 brings together families, providers, and legislators to have direct conversations about what child care looks like in our communities and what needs to change.
Why This Day Matters
Child care in America is under significant strain, and families and providers are feeling the impact every day. 1 in 3 families spends more on child care than on rent. At the same time, many child care workers earn poverty-level wages and have experienced reductions in supports like healthcare and SNAP benefits, all while the cost of essentials like gas and groceries continues to rise. These pressures reflect a system that is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain for both families and providers.
Day Without Child Care is a chance to bring visibility to these realities and highlight how essential child care is to our communities.
By the Numbers
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In many California communities, child care for can cost as much as, or more than, rent, making it one of the largest monthly expenses for families. (This is reflected in the chart to the right.)
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Child care workers are often paid near poverty wages.
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Access to affordable, high-quality care remains limited across California.
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The demand for care continues to outpace available providers.
What's Happening in Solano &
Napa Counties
Child care providers and parents from across both counties are partnering with the Child Care Network of Solano County, the Parent Leadership Training Institute, and other community groups for a coordinated day of advocacy.
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We will visit local legislative offices to speak directly with decision-makers about current child care bills and how they impact families and providers. Offices have been notified in advance, and representatives or staff members have confirmed they will meet with us.
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During each visit, we will introduce ourselves and share letters and informational materials from parents and providers for Day Without Child Care. These conversations are grounded in real experiences from the community, helping ensure that policies reflect the needs of those they affect.
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For those joining in other ways, participants will also rally outside offices with signs to help raise awareness among the public about why we are there and what we are advocating for.
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Get Involved
There are many ways to be part of Day Without Child Care, whether you can attend in person or not.
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Participate for the full day, half day, or a single meeting
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Print and color “Day Without Child Care” coloring pages
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Donate water or snacks for the day
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Share the event on social media
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Write a letter for us to share with representatives
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Sign up through our Changemakers page​
Every level of participation helps bring attention to this issue.
Solano & Napa Sites
Join Us on the Advocacy Loop
Sign up to participate in Solano-Napa Day Without Child Care in any capacity. This is an in-person advocacy loop across Solano and Napa, where we will travel together to visit local legislative offices and community sites. You are welcome to join us for all of the stops, or even just one. We encourage you to participate at whatever level you feel comfortable. Carpool options are available for the full-day advocacy loop.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | 420 Virginia St, Vallejo, CA 94590
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Vallejo​
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​Our first stop will be in Vallejo, where we will meet with Federal Representative John Garamendi and State Senator Christopher Cabaldon.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | 2721 Napa Valley Corporate Dr, Napa, CA 94558
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Napa​
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Our second stop will be in Napa, where we will meet with State Assembly Member Jim Wood Thompson and State Representative Bill Dodd Curry
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM | 675 Texas St, Fairfield, CA 94533
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Fairfield​
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Sign up for pizza lunch in Fairfield from 1:00–2:00 PM. After lunch, we will continue the Day Without Child Care advocacy loop with our third stop in Fairfield, where we will meet with Solano County Supervisors.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | 1 Harbor Center, Suisun City, CA 94585
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Suisun City​
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Our final stop will be in Suisun, where we will meet with State Assembly Member Lori Wilson.
Learn More
Bills Affecting Children and Families in the California Legislature
This page provides an overview of current California legislation impacting children and families, including bills related to child care, early learning, and family support systems, as tracked by Thriving Families CA Foundation.
California’s Changing Child Care Landscape
This page from the Public Policy Institute of California provides an overview of California’s changing child care system, examining costs for families, availability of care, and challenges providers face.
This page from Community Change Action provides an overview of advocacy for a universal child care system in the United States. It highlights key principles, including equitable public funding, support for the child care workforce, and child care as a public good for all families.
Universal Childcare | Mythbusting
This page from Community Change Action breaks down common myths about universal child care and provides facts to address misconceptions, helping clarify why a publicly supported system benefits families, providers, and the broader economy.
Quick Links
Media Contact
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Rebecca Grasty
Solano-Napa CAEYC
(530) 377-6407
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Get Involved
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Event Information
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Prepare & Participate​
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Pizza lunch sign-up (Fairfield, 1:00–2:00 PM)
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Stay Connected​
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Informational Zoom (May 7, 6:30 PM)
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Legislative Resources
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