Premieres Tuesday, April 4, at 8:00 p.m.
Comcast 95, RCN 10 and Verizon 10 channels in DC
Finding Solutions on Child Care, Together
DC is a recognized leader in early childhood, yet families still have trouble finding affordable, high-quality child care, and providers are undervalued for the vital work they do. Conversations about solutions often happen in a fragmented way among providers, advocates and government officials, and families may be left out altogether. That’s about to change. DCTV and the Bainum Family Foundation have produced a documentary series to drive a conversation about how we make child care work better for everyone.
On April 4, DCTV — the only television station devoted entirely to local programming created by and for DC — launches Stronger Start: Building Better Child Care. DCTV’s first-ever documentary series looks at child care in the District in a new way. The series features DC families talking about cost, but also about the life-changing potential of quality early care and education. It spotlights home- and center-based providers and the issues they face, ranging from pay to regulation, as well as some of the area’s leading child care experts. And it includes government officials trying to find a balance that makes quality early learning more accessible and affordable.
That’s one of the things that makes Stronger Start not just different, but better. It brings all of the critical perspectives together, helping each group of stakeholders understand where the others are coming from. That’s the only way we’ll find solutions that work — if we stop talking at each other and start talking with each other.
Everyone has a stake here. Quality child care isn’t only important to providers, government agencies and families with children. Quality early childhood education has ongoing benefits that can improve a child’s outcomes in school, work and life, and it also supports the economic well-being of families and communities, so this conversation matters to all of us.
Stronger Start: Building Better Child Care was produced by DCTV with support from the Bainum Family Foundation, a leading DC-based early childhood funder. We’ll be watching the premiere on DCTV Tuesday, April 4, at 8:00 p.m. (on Comcast 95, RCN 10 and Verizon 10 channels in DC). I hope you’ll watch too.
About DCTV
DCTV tells stories that matter to help our communities thrive. As Washington, DC’s 24/7 public media platform, we amplify local voices that represent the vibrant communities of our nation’s capital. We create original content and train individuals and nonprofit organizations to engage people through the power of meaningful storytelling. DCTV reimagines the role of media and sparks relevant, inclusive conversations to build a stronger DC.
To contact DCTV, please visit dctv.org or email Brendan Bailes, Director of Community Engagement, at bbailes@dctv.org.
About the Bainum Family Foundation
The Bainum Family Foundation is working to create a society where all children thrive. We work alongside communities experiencing racial and economic disparities to create lasting systems change for the well-being of children and families. Founded in 1968 by Stewart Sr. and Jane Bainum, the foundation today focuses on Early Childhood and what children need for a strong start in life. Our Legacy Programs support other issues important to the Bainum family. Visit us at bainumfdn.org.