SFUSD teachers strike highlights childcare and learning risks for families of students with disabilities

Parents of students with disabilities face added strain as San Francisco public schools remain closed

San Francisco Unified School District’s teachers strike has closed all district schools, disrupting daily routines for roughly 50,000 students and forcing many families to quickly arrange childcare and supervision. The walkout, the city’s first districtwide teachers strike in nearly 50 years, centers on unresolved negotiations over wages, health benefits and staffing levels—issues that educators and district leaders say directly affect student services, including special education.

For families of children with disabilities, the disruption can carry distinct risks. Rachel Gunabe, a special education teacher in the district and parent of an 8-year-old daughter with autism, described how the loss of school-based structure can create immediate challenges at home. She said many families of children with significant support needs depend on predictable routines and trained staff, and that short interruptions can lead to behavioral and learning setbacks that vary widely by student.

“Most of these kids are on individualized education programs, and regression can happen quickly,” Gunabe said, describing how disrupted routines can leave students struggling to re-regulate when classes resume.

The strike’s impact extends beyond learning. Gunabe said many caregivers work multiple jobs and cannot easily miss shifts during school closures without losing income. She also raised concerns that general childcare options available during a strike may not be prepared to support students who require specialized training, accommodations or close supervision.

Negotiations focus on compensation, benefits and staffing—against a deficit backdrop

The union representing roughly 6,000 educators has pushed for higher pay and fully funded family healthcare, arguing that compensation and benefits are critical to recruitment and retention in an expensive region. District leadership has cited financial constraints, including a reported $100 million deficit and state oversight tied to long-standing fiscal challenges, while maintaining that any settlement must avoid cuts to classroom resources and student services.

District officials have stated that their bargaining position is intended to raise salaries while preserving core programs, including special education supports. A neutral fact-finding panel has recommended a compromise approach on wage increases, underscoring the tension between budget limits and staffing needs.

What families are navigating during closures

• Unplanned childcare needs for school-age children, including students who require trained support staff.

• Potential short-term regression for some students with individualized education programs when routines are interrupted.

• Added financial pressure when caregivers cannot adjust work schedules or secure affordable alternatives.

As negotiations continue, parents and community members have urged both sides to reach an agreement quickly, citing the accumulating costs of prolonged closures—costs that can be especially acute for families whose children rely on school-based services and consistent daily structure.