Whitney Pesek, JD
@whitneypesek.bsky.social
Sr. Director of Federal #ChildCare Policy @nwlc.org | dignity, equity, & justice for all | former Early Head Start toddler teacher & AmeriCorps alum | Appalachian Ohioan | granddaughter of a Mexican immigrant | own opinions
Celebrating the release of Miss Diana, the Chicago early educator who was ripped from her classroom last week.
We urge Congress to pass an updated #SensitiveLocationsAct that prohibits horrific and unnecessary violence by ICE at #childcare programs and schools.
abcnews.go.com/US/chicago-d...
We urge Congress to pass an updated #SensitiveLocationsAct that prohibits horrific and unnecessary violence by ICE at #childcare programs and schools.
abcnews.go.com/US/chicago-d...
Chicago day care teacher released from ICE detention
Diana Santillana Galeano, the day care teacher detained by ICE officers last week, has been released from immigration detention, her lawyers said.
abcnews.go.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Celebrating the release of Miss Diana, the Chicago early educator who was ripped from her classroom last week.
We urge Congress to pass an updated #SensitiveLocationsAct that prohibits horrific and unnecessary violence by ICE at #childcare programs and schools.
abcnews.go.com/US/chicago-d...
We urge Congress to pass an updated #SensitiveLocationsAct that prohibits horrific and unnecessary violence by ICE at #childcare programs and schools.
abcnews.go.com/US/chicago-d...
Reposted by Whitney Pesek, JD
Children with disabilities rely on programs like CCDBG, Head Start, IDEA, and Medicaid for care and early education. But the Trump administration is jeopardizing them all—with a $1T Medicaid cut, a shutdown closing Head Start programs, and now gutting the department that oversees special education.
Child Care and Early Education for Children With Disabilities and Their Families: Key Policies and Programs - National Women's Law Center
In the United States, an estimated 2.2 million children ages 5 and under have a reported disability—which may be an intellectual, physical, and/or developmental disability. For these young children, a...
nwlc.org
November 6, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Children with disabilities rely on programs like CCDBG, Head Start, IDEA, and Medicaid for care and early education. But the Trump administration is jeopardizing them all—with a $1T Medicaid cut, a shutdown closing Head Start programs, and now gutting the department that oversees special education.
Reposted by Whitney Pesek, JD
Getting new details on this now:
As the arrest unfolded, teachers pleaded with the agents telling them the teacher had a work permit. The agents went into multiple rooms looking for teachers while children were present. One teacher hid with a child in her care while the agents stormed the facility.
As the arrest unfolded, teachers pleaded with the agents telling them the teacher had a work permit. The agents went into multiple rooms looking for teachers while children were present. One teacher hid with a child in her care while the agents stormed the facility.
Raids inside day cares had been off limits until this year, when, on his first day in office, President Donald Trump removed that protection.
The arrest reportedly took place in front of children.
19thnews.org/2025/11/chil...
The arrest reportedly took place in front of children.
19thnews.org/2025/11/chil...
‘I have papers’: Child care worker detained by ICE officers inside a Chicago day care
Raids inside day cares had been off limits until this year, when, on his first day in office, President Donald Trump removed that protection.
19thnews.org
November 5, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Getting new details on this now:
As the arrest unfolded, teachers pleaded with the agents telling them the teacher had a work permit. The agents went into multiple rooms looking for teachers while children were present. One teacher hid with a child in her care while the agents stormed the facility.
As the arrest unfolded, teachers pleaded with the agents telling them the teacher had a work permit. The agents went into multiple rooms looking for teachers while children were present. One teacher hid with a child in her care while the agents stormed the facility.
Reposted by Whitney Pesek, JD
The taking of neighbors in communities around the country is so horrific.
And, right here - how can anyone justify this - violently taking a child care teacher out of her classroom?
Enraging is too weak a word to describe this.
#Momsky activate.
And, right here - how can anyone justify this - violently taking a child care teacher out of her classroom?
Enraging is too weak a word to describe this.
#Momsky activate.
Federal agents pulling a woman out of Rayito Del Sol, a daycare by Lane Tech high school
November 5, 2025 at 3:53 PM
The taking of neighbors in communities around the country is so horrific.
And, right here - how can anyone justify this - violently taking a child care teacher out of her classroom?
Enraging is too weak a word to describe this.
#Momsky activate.
And, right here - how can anyone justify this - violently taking a child care teacher out of her classroom?
Enraging is too weak a word to describe this.
#Momsky activate.
Reposted by Whitney Pesek, JD
A federal judge blocked Trump's illegal move to push immigrant kids out of Head Start. This means children can keep learning and thriving without fear of being excluded—for now.
But the fight isn't over. We'll keep advocating until every child's right to early education is secure.
But the fight isn't over. We'll keep advocating until every child's right to early education is secure.
NWLC Applauds Nationwide Injunction Halting Trump Administration's Illegal Attempt to Deny Immigrant Children Access to Head Start - National Women's Law Center
Washington, DC – A federal judge today issued a temporary nationwide injunction stopping the Trump administration from implementing or enforcing a policy that would prevent certain immigrant children ...
nwlc.org
September 18, 2025 at 6:36 PM
A federal judge blocked Trump's illegal move to push immigrant kids out of Head Start. This means children can keep learning and thriving without fear of being excluded—for now.
But the fight isn't over. We'll keep advocating until every child's right to early education is secure.
But the fight isn't over. We'll keep advocating until every child's right to early education is secure.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to raise their voices to protect the Head Start program!
After the Trump administration tried to strip immigrant families from Head Start and other programs, more than half a million people took action. We refuse to let Trump attack these families and communities in the shadows.
This fight is only possible because of you—and it's far from over.
This fight is only possible because of you—and it's far from over.
Hundreds of groups push back on Trump denying lawful immigrants access to Head Start, other programs
They oppose the administration’s decision to make more federally funded programs off limits to legally present immigrants and say it will be 'devastating' to U.S. citizen children.
www.nbcnews.com
August 20, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Thank you to everyone who took the time to raise their voices to protect the Head Start program!
Thank you to the 587,551 individuals and organizations who commented on how harmful this racist and xenophobic change to eligibility for #HeadStart and other programs would be to our communities, families, and children. www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/...
#immigration
#immigration
Hundreds of groups push back on Trump denying lawful immigrants access to Head Start, other programs
They oppose the administration’s decision to make more federally funded programs off limits to legally present immigrants and say it will be 'devastating' to U.S. citizen children.
www.nbcnews.com
August 14, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Thank you to the 587,551 individuals and organizations who commented on how harmful this racist and xenophobic change to eligibility for #HeadStart and other programs would be to our communities, families, and children. www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/...
#immigration
#immigration
We only have one day left to comment - act now! #HeadStart
The Trump administration is illegally blocking certain immigrants from Head Start through a rushed, anti-democratic process—with no guidance, no input, and no accountability.
The only way to fight back is by flooding their inbox with public comments. Take action now! act.nwlc.org/a/headstart-...
The only way to fight back is by flooding their inbox with public comments. Take action now! act.nwlc.org/a/headstart-...
Tell the Trump Administration: Immigrant Children Deserve Access to Early Education
Don’t let them dismantle decades of Head Start access without a fight.
act.nwlc.org
August 12, 2025 at 8:44 PM
We only have one day left to comment - act now! #HeadStart
Despite relentless attacks on #HeadStart, the program plays a crucial role in supporting children’s early education & community leaders are speaking out.
Learn more about the importance of Head Start for communities across the country ⬇️
www.americanprogress.org/article/we-a...
Learn more about the importance of Head Start for communities across the country ⬇️
www.americanprogress.org/article/we-a...
‘We Are the Resources’: Head Start Is a Crucial Early Learning and Community Program for Families Nationwide
Despite repeated attacks on the program, Head Start has a 60-year track record of providing high-quality services that prepare young children for school and set families up for success.
www.americanprogress.org
August 5, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Despite relentless attacks on #HeadStart, the program plays a crucial role in supporting children’s early education & community leaders are speaking out.
Learn more about the importance of Head Start for communities across the country ⬇️
www.americanprogress.org/article/we-a...
Learn more about the importance of Head Start for communities across the country ⬇️
www.americanprogress.org/article/we-a...
The Trump administration is suddenly changing the rules to block many immigrant families from #HeadStart.
They need to know we are paying attention and we oppose limiting immigrant kids’ access to early education.
Take action now: act.nwlc.org/a/headstart-...
They need to know we are paying attention and we oppose limiting immigrant kids’ access to early education.
Take action now: act.nwlc.org/a/headstart-...
Tell the Trump Administration: Immigrant Children Deserve Access to Early Education
Don’t let them dismantle decades of Head Start access without a fight.
act.nwlc.org
August 4, 2025 at 4:54 PM
The Trump administration is suddenly changing the rules to block many immigrant families from #HeadStart.
They need to know we are paying attention and we oppose limiting immigrant kids’ access to early education.
Take action now: act.nwlc.org/a/headstart-...
They need to know we are paying attention and we oppose limiting immigrant kids’ access to early education.
Take action now: act.nwlc.org/a/headstart-...
Reposted by Whitney Pesek, JD
While billionaires get tax breaks, families can’t even find affordable child care.
Thank you @murray.senate.gov & @bobbyscott.house.gov for putting families first with the Child Care for Working Families Act. It’s time our policies worked for children and early educators—not billionaires.
Thank you @murray.senate.gov & @bobbyscott.house.gov for putting families first with the Child Care for Working Families Act. It’s time our policies worked for children and early educators—not billionaires.
After voting to kick millions of Americans off their health care, Republicans are focused on defunding PBS this week.
Meanwhile, Democrats are introducing a bill I wrote with Rep. Bobby Scott to make child care affordable and accessible for every family.
Meanwhile, Democrats are introducing a bill I wrote with Rep. Bobby Scott to make child care affordable and accessible for every family.
July 17, 2025 at 5:04 PM
While billionaires get tax breaks, families can’t even find affordable child care.
Thank you @murray.senate.gov & @bobbyscott.house.gov for putting families first with the Child Care for Working Families Act. It’s time our policies worked for children and early educators—not billionaires.
Thank you @murray.senate.gov & @bobbyscott.house.gov for putting families first with the Child Care for Working Families Act. It’s time our policies worked for children and early educators—not billionaires.
Reposted by Whitney Pesek, JD
BREAKING: The Trump administration is attempting to block certain immigrants from accessing federal programs like early education, family planning, mental health, and substance abuse programs—using a rushed process to limit public pushback.
Read our full statement: nwlc.org/press-releas...
Read our full statement: nwlc.org/press-releas...
NWLC Condemns Trump Administration for Denying Immigrant Families Access to Early Learning, Health Services, and Other Important Programs - National Women's Law Center
WASHINGTON (July 10, 2025) – The National Women’s Law Center strongly denounces the Trump administration’s latest move to block certain immigrant families from accessing a range of vital federal progr...
nwlc.org
July 10, 2025 at 8:50 PM
BREAKING: The Trump administration is attempting to block certain immigrants from accessing federal programs like early education, family planning, mental health, and substance abuse programs—using a rushed process to limit public pushback.
Read our full statement: nwlc.org/press-releas...
Read our full statement: nwlc.org/press-releas...
July 1, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Reposted by Whitney Pesek, JD
As we wrap #ImmigrantHeritageMonth, we’re naming what’s at stake: immigrant women are the heart of child care, yet the Trump administration’s harmful policies are pushing them out. Our brief with @weareunidosus.bsky.social shows how these choices threaten their futures—and our care system.
Immigrants Care: How Immigrant Early Educators Hold Up the Care Economy - National Women's Law Center
nwlc.org
June 30, 2025 at 8:38 PM
As we wrap #ImmigrantHeritageMonth, we’re naming what’s at stake: immigrant women are the heart of child care, yet the Trump administration’s harmful policies are pushing them out. Our brief with @weareunidosus.bsky.social shows how these choices threaten their futures—and our care system.
Reposted by Whitney Pesek, JD
Sen. Tillis told the truth last night about the Big Ugly Bill racing through the Senate right now.
Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of working people & families. Anything short of a full rejection is a betrayal.
We need other Republican senators to join him: text NOCUTS to 32434 to take action.
Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of working people & families. Anything short of a full rejection is a betrayal.
We need other Republican senators to join him: text NOCUTS to 32434 to take action.
Sen. Thom Tillis denounces Medicaid cuts in Trump tax bill
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) on June 29 delivered a fiery speech on the Senate floor, denouncing steep cuts to Medicaid in Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, a sprawling tax and immigration packag...
www.washingtonpost.com
June 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Sen. Tillis told the truth last night about the Big Ugly Bill racing through the Senate right now.
Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of working people & families. Anything short of a full rejection is a betrayal.
We need other Republican senators to join him: text NOCUTS to 32434 to take action.
Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of working people & families. Anything short of a full rejection is a betrayal.
We need other Republican senators to join him: text NOCUTS to 32434 to take action.
Reposted by Whitney Pesek, JD
Fresh off the presses with @jessicamason.bsky.social: Americans’ unpaid caregiving is worth more than $1.1 trillion annually – and women are doing almost two-thirds of the work. #CareCantWait nationalpartnership.org/if-americans...
June 26, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Fresh off the presses with @jessicamason.bsky.social: Americans’ unpaid caregiving is worth more than $1.1 trillion annually – and women are doing almost two-thirds of the work. #CareCantWait nationalpartnership.org/if-americans...
Reposted by Whitney Pesek, JD
Head Start:
🐣 Boosts kids’ outcomes
🗣️ Centers families' preferences
🏠 Grows community & supports parents
💰 Strengthens state and local economies
Read more to learn more about Head Start & how you can advocate to protect it.
www.americanprogress.org/article/debu...
🐣 Boosts kids’ outcomes
🗣️ Centers families' preferences
🏠 Grows community & supports parents
💰 Strengthens state and local economies
Read more to learn more about Head Start & how you can advocate to protect it.
www.americanprogress.org/article/debu...
Debunking Myths About Head Start: How the Program Promotes Opportunity and Strengthens Families, Communities, and Economies
Decades of research illustrate Head Start’s effectiveness and its ability to meet the unique needs of local communities—along with the crucial role it plays in state and local economies.
www.americanprogress.org
June 24, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Head Start:
🐣 Boosts kids’ outcomes
🗣️ Centers families' preferences
🏠 Grows community & supports parents
💰 Strengthens state and local economies
Read more to learn more about Head Start & how you can advocate to protect it.
www.americanprogress.org/article/debu...
🐣 Boosts kids’ outcomes
🗣️ Centers families' preferences
🏠 Grows community & supports parents
💰 Strengthens state and local economies
Read more to learn more about Head Start & how you can advocate to protect it.
www.americanprogress.org/article/debu...
Heidy Sánchez, a nursing student, had her baby ripped from her arms and was deported. No criminal record. She's in Cuba; her baby cries for her in Florida.
Join the call Monday 6/9, 8pm ET: learn how to join the #DisappearedinAmerica national day of action.
RSVP: www.mobilize.us/notabovethel...
Join the call Monday 6/9, 8pm ET: learn how to join the #DisappearedinAmerica national day of action.
RSVP: www.mobilize.us/notabovethel...
June 5, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Heidy Sánchez, a nursing student, had her baby ripped from her arms and was deported. No criminal record. She's in Cuba; her baby cries for her in Florida.
Join the call Monday 6/9, 8pm ET: learn how to join the #DisappearedinAmerica national day of action.
RSVP: www.mobilize.us/notabovethel...
Join the call Monday 6/9, 8pm ET: learn how to join the #DisappearedinAmerica national day of action.
RSVP: www.mobilize.us/notabovethel...
Excited to see CNN cite a critical fact sheet by @heyitskarla.bsky.social.
Check it out here: nwlc.org/resource/fou...
Check it out here: nwlc.org/resource/fou...
May 30, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Excited to see CNN cite a critical fact sheet by @heyitskarla.bsky.social.
Check it out here: nwlc.org/resource/fou...
Check it out here: nwlc.org/resource/fou...
Reposted by Whitney Pesek, JD
Gaps in state child care assistance policies are leaving families without affordable care. Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress are working to gut crucial supports for families such as SNAP & Medicaid this week—all to fund tax breaks for billionaires.
Learn more: nwlc.org/resource/dec...
Learn more: nwlc.org/resource/dec...
Decision Point: State Child Care Assistance Policies 2024 - National Women's Law Center
Child care is crucial for the well-being of parents, children, and our nation. It enables parents to work and support their families or obtain education or training to get a better, more stable job. I...
nwlc.org
May 20, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Gaps in state child care assistance policies are leaving families without affordable care. Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress are working to gut crucial supports for families such as SNAP & Medicaid this week—all to fund tax breaks for billionaires.
Learn more: nwlc.org/resource/dec...
Learn more: nwlc.org/resource/dec...
Reposted by Whitney Pesek, JD
The economic incentive to exploit women has become stronger in recent decades because of Baumol's cost disease. Automation/outsourcing lowered the cost of other goods/services but not care. So it's increasingly hard to meet care needs without cutting profit
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/697130...
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/697130...
Holding It Together by Jessica Calarco: 9780593538128 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
Other countries have social safety nets. The U.S. has women. Holding It Together chronicles the causes and dire consequences. America runs on women—women who are tasked with holding society...
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
May 12, 2025 at 1:18 PM
The economic incentive to exploit women has become stronger in recent decades because of Baumol's cost disease. Automation/outsourcing lowered the cost of other goods/services but not care. So it's increasingly hard to meet care needs without cutting profit
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/697130...
www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/697130...
Reposted by Whitney Pesek, JD
In 2023, working moms were paid just 74 cents for every dollar dads were paid. That lost $19K each year could have paid for more than six months of groceries, six months of child care, and five months of rent. #MomsEqualPayDay nwlc.org/resource/equ...
The Wage Gap Robs Mothers of What They’re Owed - National Women's Law Center
In 2023, the most recent data available, mothers working full time, year-round were typically paid only 74 cents for every dollar paid to full-time, year-round working fathers.
nwlc.org
May 6, 2025 at 2:13 PM
In 2023, working moms were paid just 74 cents for every dollar dads were paid. That lost $19K each year could have paid for more than six months of groceries, six months of child care, and five months of rent. #MomsEqualPayDay nwlc.org/resource/equ...
Reposted by Whitney Pesek, JD
For 100 days, we’ve been pushing back against the astounding array of threats to kids from the Trump Administration. We’ll keep you informed on the most urgent issues & we hope you join us as we continue to fight to protect the education, health, & well-being of all kids.
May 1, 2025 at 2:44 PM
For 100 days, we’ve been pushing back against the astounding array of threats to kids from the Trump Administration. We’ll keep you informed on the most urgent issues & we hope you join us as we continue to fight to protect the education, health, & well-being of all kids.
Reposted by Whitney Pesek, JD
BREAKING: We're suing the Trump administration to protect Head Start, which provides early education, childcare, and other services for low-income children and their families.
President Trump doesn’t have the authority to dismantle this vital program.
President Trump doesn’t have the authority to dismantle this vital program.
April 29, 2025 at 12:38 AM
BREAKING: We're suing the Trump administration to protect Head Start, which provides early education, childcare, and other services for low-income children and their families.
President Trump doesn’t have the authority to dismantle this vital program.
President Trump doesn’t have the authority to dismantle this vital program.
Reposted by Whitney Pesek, JD
Immigrant women are the cornerstone of our care workforce. From child care to aging and disability care, they hold families together — but Trump’s anti-immigration policies are pushing them to the brink.
Four Things You Should Know About How Immigration Impacts Care Work - National Women's Law Center
In the United States, our economy depends on care work, with parents and family caregivers relying on early educators, direct care workers, and other professionals to care for their loved ones so they can participate in the labor force. The care sector, in turn, depends heavily on women, particularly women of color and immigrant women, […]
nwlc.org
April 21, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Immigrant women are the cornerstone of our care workforce. From child care to aging and disability care, they hold families together — but Trump’s anti-immigration policies are pushing them to the brink.