is a movement to create a care economy that invests in early childhood educators, strengthens the workforce, and expands access to quality early childhood education for all children.
Early childhood educators in childcare centers and family child care homes are the workforce behind the workforce. They deserve to earn wages and receive benefits that allow them to remain in the profession they love, build on their education and credentials, and care for their own families. Through the DC Pay Equity Fund, early childhood educators receive wage supplements and access to healthcare—critical investments that help retain a skilled workforce and strengthen the quality of care and education for children. Because this workforce is made up primarily of Black and Brown women who have been historically undervalued and underpaid, fully funding the Pay Equity Fund is not only an investment in early childhood education—it is an investment in racial and economic justice.
Every child deserves access to high-quality early learning opportunities that support their healthy development and set the foundation for future success. Quality early childhood education helps children build the social, emotional, and academic skills they need to thrive in school and beyond. Affordable, accessible, and safe childcare also supports working families by allowing parents to remain in the workforce, pursue education and career opportunities, and provide for their families with the peace of mind that their children are in a nurturing environment. Yet childcare in Washington, DC remains among the most expensive in the nation, with costs comparable to college tuition. We advocate for the full funding and expansion of the Child Care Subsidy Program to help more families afford quality care and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
