WE WON.

Stronger Together — Protecting Progress

DC Council Restores Child Care Funding in FY27 Budget

This is what collective advocacy can do. DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson's proposed FY27 budget reverses devastating cuts made by Mayor Bowser — restoring millions to early childhood educators and the families they serve.

Source: DC News Now

Why This Matters

From devastating cuts to community-led restoration.

Before

Mayor's Proposed Budget — April 2026

Pay Equity Fund slashed to just $12 million
Child care subsidy cuts threatening thousands of slots
Pay raises eliminated for DC workers
Built under pressure from declining federal revenue and federal workforce changes

After

Mendelson's FY27 Budget

Pay Equity Fund RESTORED to $72M ✔
Child care subsidy increased by ~$50M (FY26–FY27) ✔
Waitlist for child care subsidy ELIMINATED ✔
8,450 children to be served ✔

Key Wins

💵 Pay Equity Fund Restored

$72M

Restored to the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund (Mayor's budget had cut this to just $12M)

“Recognizing that childcare workers are early childhood educators.”
— Chairman Mendelson

👶 Children Served

8,450

children will now receive child care subsidy support

Waitlist Eliminated

📈 Child Care Subsidy

~$50M

added across FY26 and FY27 for child care subsidies

🏫 How Mendelson Found the Money

Chairman tapped $150M in reserve funds, freed $40M by closing a tax loophole, and accessed $300M in newly released CFO tax dollars — resources unavailable to the Mayor when she drafted her cuts.

What This Means For You

For Early Childhood Educators

You are recognized. The Pay Equity Fund exists because DC requires you to hold credentials — certificates, associate's, or bachelor's degrees. This restored $72M ensures your training and qualifications are compensated equitably alongside PreK-12 teachers.

For Families

No more waitlist. The subsidy expansion means 8,450 children can access quality care. Your family should be able to get support without waiting in line.

For Providers & Programs

This budget acknowledges the infrastructure of care you provide. Continued funding signals that quality early learning environments are a city priority.

⚠️ This is a proposed budget — not final law yet.

The DC Council took its first vote on June 10, 2026. Advocacy must continue to ensure this proposal passes and is fully implemented. Stay engaged. #KeepDCsChildCarePromise

✔ Add Your Voice

Sign on to our official thank-you letter

DCELC is sending an official thank-you letter to the DC Council and Chairman Mendelson. Add your full name and organizational affiliation to amplify the field's gratitude — every signature shows the depth of community behind this progress.

Sign the Thank-You Letter →

Read the Full Story →

#KeepDCsChildCarePromise #DCUnder3 #PayEquityFund #EarlyChildhoodMatters #DCELC

Brought to you by the DC Early Learning Collaborative
fighting for DC's youngest learners and the educators who serve them.
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