WHAT WE ARE FIGHTING FOR.
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.
EARLY EDUCATION WORKFORCE
OUR BABIES AND TODDLERS
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Childcare Champions 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.
We believe healthcare is a human right and advocate for healthcare access for all, beginning in the District of Columbia. Access to coverage is only the first step—people must also be able to access and use the care they need to stay healthy.
Programs like DC Healthcare Alliance, Medicaid, and Healthy DC help ensure that low-income residents and immigrant communities can access affordable, quality healthcare. We advocate for protecting and expanding these programs so that everyone has the opportunity to receive care, improve their health, and thrive. Expanding healthcare access is an investment in health equity, racial justice, and economic justice.
Healthcare is a right not a privilege
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We must care for DC’s babies as our own because it takes a community to raise a child. The earliest years of life are critical to healthy brain development, long-term health, and lifelong outcomes.
We advocate for health programs that support children’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development from birth to age five. Programs such as HealthySteps and Healthy Futures connect families to early screenings, developmental support, and parenting resources during this critical stage.
Investing in these programs ensures every child in DC has a strong foundation to grow, learn, and thrive.
Our Babies and Toddlers
Child Tax Credit was increased and was distributed as monthly payments in 2021. The change lifted children out of poverty and allowed families to take care of necessities. We continue to advocate for a CTC nationally and locally
DIRECT CASH SUPPORT
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Tax Justice
