DCELC
DC Early Learning Collaborative
In The Community
Discover how DCELC connects, supports, and strengthens the early childhood education community across Washington, DC through events, partnerships, and initiatives.
Community Events and Initiatives
Join us at these upcoming community activities and learn about our initiatives
InitiativeHealthCare4ChildCare (HC4CC)
Free or low-cost health insurance for DC's child care workforce. HC4CC helps OSSE-licensed child development centers and homes provide affordable health insurance to all their employees, regardless of income or immigration status.
Event
DC Child Care Connections - Family Connections February 2026
DC Child Care Connections (DC CCC) is the District's child care resource and referral (CCR&R) program. DC CCC helps families find child care and resources that ensure the healthy growth and development of children birth to age 5.
Accessing Legal Aid Resources in DC
This workshop will introduce DC Resource Bridge, an agency dedicated to creating 'a simple path to legal help.' Learn about the range of services offered and receive practical guidance on how to access and utilize their resources.
Effective Communication in Special Education
Join our family engagement session on effective communication approaches for young children with disabilities. This interactive session will provide strategies to support meaningful connections.
Contact DC Child Care Connections
(202) 829-2500 | OSSE.dcchildcareconnections@dc.gov
EventProvider Appreciation Day 2026
Join us in celebrating the dedicated early childhood educators who shape our children's futures. Provider Appreciation Day honors child care providers, teachers, and educators who nurture our youngest learners every day.
CommunityFaith UCC Mobile Market
Free fresh produce, bread, pastries, and diapers for babies and adults. Bring your bags and invite family, friends, and neighbors!
AdvocacyNAEYC Public Policy Forum 2026
NAEYC's premier advocacy event. Strengthen advocacy skills, engage with policymakers on Capitol Hill, and shape the future of early childhood education.
Past Highlights
Celebrating our community impact
DC Men in ECE Annual Conference 2025
Over 150 male educators gathered to discuss strategies for increasing male representation in early childhood education.
Emerging Leaders Cohort 5 Graduation
Celebrating the graduation of 25 early childhood directors who completed the Maurice Sykes Emerging Leaders Program.
Week of the Young Child Celebration
A week-long celebration featuring read-alouds, music activities, and family engagement events across all 8 wards.
Community Partners
We collaborate with organizations across the District to strengthen the early childhood ecosystem and support families.
Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)
DC Public Schools
DC Child Care Connections
Under 3 DC Coalition
DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority (HBX)
Get Involved in Our Community
Whether you're an educator, parent, or community member, there are many ways to support early childhood education in DC.
