Head Start has played a significant role in the lives of children, families, educators, and communities across the country. As discussions continue about the future of the program, organizations and advocates are working to ensure that people with direct experience of Head Start are part of that conversation. DCAEYC is supporting that effort by encouraging members of our community to share how Head Start has influenced their lives, families, programs, or communities. Start Ea

The recently proposed changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards have sparked urgent and critical conversations across our field. While the stated goal is to reduce regulatory burden and increase local flexibility, many of the proposed changes would significantly reduce long-standing federal standards that have helped define what makes Head Start unique. As someone who has dedicated her career to advancing high-quality early childhood education, I believe we must

On Tuesday, June 23, the DC Council took its final vote on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, closing one of the most consequential budget cycles for early childhood education in recent years. For early childhood educators, directors, families, and advocates across the District, the final vote brought meaningful relief. The Council restored significant funding to the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, strengthened the Child Care Subsidy Program, and preserved HealthCare4Chil

DCAEYC joined DC coalitions and partners including DC Action, Under 3 DC, DC Fiscal Policy Institute, and DC Fair Bidget Coalition, at the John A. Wilson Building for a Council office walkaround focused on protecting early learning investments in Washington, DC. The visits took place ahead of the DC Council’s second budget vote, at a critical point for the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund and the Child Care Subsidy Program. During the walkaround, advocates met with Co

DCAEYC will join early childhood education professionals, directors, families, partners, and community allies on Wednesday, June 17, for the Final Wednesday Walkaround at the John A. Wilson Building. This action comes at an important point in the District’s budget process. It is the final walkaround before the DC Council’s final budget vote, and advocates are continuing to call on the Council to secure the final $2 million needed to fully sustain the Early Childhood Educator