Sign the Petition: Protect Early Childhood Education in DC
DC's early childhood educators and families are under pressure. Critical programs that make quality, affordable early learning possible — including the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund and the Child Care Subsidy Program — are at risk.
These programs have lifted wages, expanded health coverage, and improved access to care for thousands of children and educators. The District must not turn back now.
Join fellow residents in urging Mayor Bowser and Chairman Mendelson to protect and strengthen these vital investments in DC's children, families, and workforce.
The Petition
To:
The Honorable Muriel Bowser
Mayor, District of Columbia
The Honorable Phil Mendelson
Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia
Dear Mayor Bowser and Chairman Mendelson,
We, the residents of the District of Columbia, urge our city leaders to safeguard the essential early learning investments that children, families, and educators rely on every day.
The Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund has raised wages for thousands of early educators across hundreds of child development centers, while HealthCare4ChildCare has connected many to affordable health coverage for the first time. Meanwhile, the Child Care Subsidy Program helps more than 7,500 children access care, though current reimbursement rates remain below the true cost of providing it.
Despite this progress, DC's early learning system remains fragile. A waiting list for new Pay Equity Fund providers has been in place since 2025, and continuing budget shortfalls threaten both subsidy access and workforce stability. Weakening these programs would jeopardize family stability, force educators from the field, and undercut the foundations of our economy.
We call on District leaders to:
- Fully fund the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund to ensure fair pay and retention of qualified educators.
- Protect and strengthen the Child Care Subsidy Program by maintaining rates that reflect actual enrollment and the real cost of care.
- Eliminate barriers to access, including program and subsidy waitlists.
- Recognize early childhood education as essential infrastructure that supports DC's children, working families, and economic future.
Investing in early childhood educators is investing in DC's future.
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Why This Matters
Thousands of educators have received wage increases through the Pay Equity Fund
7,500+ children access care through the Child Care Subsidy Program
HealthCare4ChildCare provides affordable coverage for educators
Hundreds of child development centers participate in these programs
