DCELC
DC Early Learning Collaborative
DC Early Childhood Legislative Advocacy
The DC Early Learning Collaborative advocates for policies that ensure every child in Washington, DC has access to high-quality early education. DC ECE policy matters now more than ever—learn the issues, take action with your Councilmember, and stay connected to advocacy efforts.
Protect DC's Early Educator Pay Equity Program
The DC Council is considering budget decisions that will impact early childhood educator compensation and the Pay Equity Fund. Your voice can help ensure fair pay for the professionals who care for our youngest children.
Take Action Today
Your emails and signatures help shape DC Council decisions on early childhood funding, workforce, and access.
Send a Message to DC Council
Personal messages from constituents make a difference. Fill out the form below to send an email to your representatives.
Find Your Councilmember
Not sure who represents you? Use the DC Council website to find your Ward Councilmember based on your address. Remember, you can also contact the four At-Large members and the Council Chairman who represent all DC residents.
Look Up My RepresentativeSign the Petition: Protect Early Childhood Education in DC
DC's early childhood educators and families are under pressure. Critical programs — including the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund and the Child Care Subsidy Program — are at risk. Join fellow residents in urging Mayor Bowser and Chairman Mendelson to protect these vital investments.
"We call on District leaders to fully fund the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, protect the Child Care Subsidy Program, eliminate barriers to access, and recognize early childhood education as essential infrastructure."
Our DC Early Childhood Priorities
These are the key issues we're asking the DC Council to address for our children, families, and educators.
Fair Pay for Early Educators
DC's early childhood educators are among the lowest paid professionals despite their critical role in child development. The Pay Equity Fund helps close the wage gap between community-based and public school educators.
Ask your Councilmember to fully fund the Pay Equity Fund and expand eligibility to all early childhood educators.
Stable Child Care Subsidy Funding
Child care subsidies help working families afford quality care, but reimbursement rates often don't cover the true cost of care, forcing programs to make difficult choices.
Ask your Councilmember to increase subsidy reimbursement rates to reflect the true cost of quality child care.
High-Quality Pre-K for Every Ward
While DC has expanded Pre-K access, quality and availability vary across wards. Every neighborhood deserves access to excellent early learning programs.
Ask your Councilmember to support equitable Pre-K expansion and quality improvement in underserved wards.
Early Childhood Facilities Investment
Many child care programs operate in aging facilities that need updates to meet health, safety, and quality standards. Facilities funding helps programs create better learning environments.
Ask your Councilmember to invest in the Early Childhood Facilities Fund for program renovations and expansions.
Healthcare for Child Care Workers
Too many early childhood professionals lack access to affordable health insurance. HealthCare4ChildCare provides critical coverage for this essential workforce.
Ask your Councilmember to protect and expand the HealthCare4ChildCare program.
New to Advocacy? Start Here.
Making your voice heard is easier than you think. Follow these steps to become an effective advocate.
Know Your Representative
Find out who represents your ward on the DC Council. Each ward has one representative, plus four at-large members and a Chairman who represent all DC residents.
Prepare Your Story
Personal stories are powerful. Think about how early childhood education has impacted you, your family, or your work. Connect your experience to the policy you're asking about.
Make the Ask
Be specific about what you want your Councilmember to do. Whether it's voting yes on a bill, adding budget funding, or attending a hearing, clarity helps.
Follow Up
After you send an email or make a call, follow up! Thank them for their time, ask if they have questions, and stay in touch as issues progress.
Stay Connected
Join our advocacy network to receive alerts about hearings, votes, and opportunities to make your voice heard throughout the year.
Tips for Parents
- Share how quality child care has helped your family
- Describe the impact of child care costs on your budget
- Talk about what quality early learning means for your child's future
Tips for Educators
- Share why you chose early childhood education
- Describe the challenges of low wages on your life
- Talk about what fair pay would mean for you and your colleagues
Tips for Providers
- Share the challenges of running a child care program
- Describe how subsidy rates affect your ability to serve families
- Talk about what investment in facilities would mean for your program
Voices from DC Early Learning
Real stories from parents, educators, and providers across Washington, DC.
"As a family child care educator in Ward 7, I love what I do, but it's hard to make ends meet. Fair pay would mean I could focus on the children instead of worrying about my bills."
Maria S.
Family Child Care Educator • Ward 7
"Finding affordable, quality child care changed everything for our family. Without subsidies, I wouldn't be able to work and provide for my children."
James T.
Parent • Ward 5
"Our early learning center serves 60 children, but our building needs major repairs. Facilities funding would help us create the safe, inspiring space our kids deserve."
Dr. Angela M.
Center Director • Ward 8
Show Up for DC's Youngest Learners
Upcoming hearings, events, and opportunities to make your voice heard.
DC Council Budget Hearing on Education
Public testimony on early childhood education budget priorities
ECE Advocacy Day at the Wilson Building
Join DCELC and partners to meet with Councilmembers
Pay Equity Fund Oversight Hearing
Council oversight of early educator compensation programs
More Ways to Advocate
Resources & Downloads
DC ECE Fact Sheet
Key statistics and talking points about early childhood education in DC
How to Testify at DC Council
Step-by-step guide for preparing and delivering testimony
ECE Talking Points
Key messages for conversations with elected officials
Sample Testimony Template
Customizable template for written or oral testimony
Join Our Advocacy Network
Sign up for DC ECE Advocacy Alerts to receive action opportunities, hearing notices, and updates on Council decisions.
