Budget Vote Brings hope for Early Childhood Education in DC, with More Work Ahead

The DC Council’s budget vote marked an important step toward a win for early childhood education in Washington, DC.

After sustained advocacy from early childhood education professionals, families, members, partners, and coalitions, the Council moved critical funding back toward early learning programs, including the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund and the Child Care Subsidy Program. The vote helped protect key investments that directly affect educator wages, family access, program stability, and the future of DC’s early learning system.

This outcome was not the result of one day alone. It followed weeks of organizing, public messaging, coalition work, and direct advocacy inside the John A. Wilson Building. During the Council Walkaround, DCAEYC joined Under 3 DC, DC Action, early childhood education professionals, program leaders, members, and partners in visiting Council offices with a clear message: protect pay equity, support subsidy access, and fund early childhood education at the level children, families, and educators need.

That message remained present during the budget vote. Advocates returned to the Wilson Building to witness the decision and to keep the experiences of the field visible as Councilmembers acted on the FY27 budget.

For DCAEYC member Bridget Hall, the vote represented a meaningful victory for educators and working families: “We are able to continue to pay our teachers the well deserved money they have worked so hard to get,” Hall said after attending the vote.

Her words spoke directly to the value of the Pay Equity Fund. Early childhood education professionals have pursued degrees, extended their education, and met professional requirements that strengthen the field and benefit the children they serve. Protecting pay equity means recognizing that work and helping educators remain in the profession.

Hall also pointed to the importance of restored subsidy funding for families. Without that support, many working families could have faced impossible choices between maintaining employment and securing safe, reliable early learning settings for their children.

Travis Ballie, DC Action Organizing Director, recognized the progress made by the Council, while also naming what remains unresolved. He noted that the vote moved significant funding toward early learning programs and helped avert the worst case scenario. At the same time, he emphasized that the Pay Equity Fund still faces a $2 million gap.

“There is no fat in the Pay Equity Fund,” Ballie said. “That is not $2 million you can cut without impacting early educator salaries.” His statement captured the central concern moving forward. Even after an important vote, the remaining gap matters. It can affect salaries, program stability, and the ability of early learning programs to retain qualified educators.

Ballie also noted that the Child Care Subsidy Program still requires continued advocacy. While the vote brought DC closer to improving access for families, the subsidy waitlist has not been fully eliminated. For families waiting for support, and for programs working to serve them, that uncertainty remains significant.

June 3rd - DCAEYC at Councilmembers offices

The budget vote showed the impact of organized advocacy. Educators, partners, and members walked into Council offices on June 3rd. Members shared what was at stake from direct experience. Partners prepared materials, coordinated outreach, and helped sustain the pressure. Coalition leaders connected budget decisions to the real conditions facing families, educators, and programs across the District.

DCAEYC was present throughout this effort, standing with early childhood education professionals, members, families, partners, and coalition allies. Executive Director Berna Artis represented the organization and its members, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the early childhood education field to a collective advocacy effort shaped by many voices across Washington, DC.

The Council’s vote was a real victory for the field. It protected critical early learning investments and showed what is possible when educators, families, organizations, and coalitions remain visible and united. It was also a reminder that progress must be sustained. The Pay Equity Fund still needs full funding. The subsidy waitlist must be eliminated. Early childhood education programs need long term stability, not temporary relief.

DCAEYC is grateful to every educator, member, partner, family, and coalition ally who helped keep early childhood education at the center of this budget process. While this vote represents meaningful progress, the budget is not yet final. These investments remain part of the proposed budget and must still move through the full approval process before they are secured. DCAEYC will continue to follow the process closely and share updates with members as next steps become clear.