DCAEYC Hosts In-Person Conversation with Hannah Matthews on Early Learning Priorities in DC

DCAEYC hosted an in-person conversation with Hannah Matthews, Interim Deputy Superintendent of Early Learning at OSSE, bringing early childhood program administrators and attendees together for a direct discussion about licensing, quality systems, communication, family support, and the operational realities facing early learning programs across Washington, DC.

The gathering was structured as a fireside chat, with questions submitted in advance and additional discussion from attendees in the room. The conversation centered on what early childhood education professionals are experiencing in practice, and how public systems can better respond to the needs of programs, children, families, and educators.

A major focus of the discussion was licensing and quality improvement. Matthews shared that OSSE is continuing its work on proposed revisions to licensing regulations, following public comment on the first proposal released in 2024. She noted that a second notice of proposed rulemaking is expected, followed by an additional comment period before regulations are finalized.

Matthews also discussed ongoing work around Capital Quality, including OSSE’s review of stakeholder feedback and its continued attention to reducing administrative burden for programs. She shared that OSSE has paused the Capital Quality improvement plan requirement and is continuing to review broader opportunities for improvement within the system.

Another important update involved classroom observation and assessment tools. OSSE is preparing to transition to new CLASS Second Edition tools for preschool and infant toddler classrooms. Matthews emphasized that the goal is to make observations more useful for programs and educators, with stronger feedback, technical assistance, and professional learning support during the transition.

Attendees also heard about OSSE’s planned customer service support hub, expected to launch in the summer or fall. The hub is intended to support program operators and future operators through licensing, license renewal, subsidy program entry, resource toolkits, trainings, and opportunities to receive help in person, virtually, or by phone. Matthews also noted that the hub will focus on interagency coordination, helping ensure that agencies involved in early learning systems provide clearer and more consistent information.

The conversation also addressed mental health, trauma-informed practice, family support, inclusive engagement, and culturally responsive practices. Matthews referenced existing supports such as Healthy Futures, Strong Start, the Quality Improvement Network, and professional learning opportunities. She also acknowledged the importance of helping programs connect families with available community-based resources before challenges become crises.

Program leaders raised questions about the DELT platform, licensing transitions, program closures, and the challenges faced by home-based programs. Matthews acknowledged the frustrations programs have experienced with DELT and shared that OSSE is planning listening sessions to gather more specific feedback. She encouraged programs to provide detailed examples, screenshots, timestamps, and descriptions of platform issues so that OSSE can better identify and address problems within current system constraints.

The meeting also created space for deeper discussion about the mixed delivery system in DC. Members raised concerns about the need for stronger coordination among community-based organizations, DCPS, public charter schools, and public agencies. Several participants emphasized that community-based early learning programs must be recognized as essential educational partners within the broader early childhood system.

Throughout the conversation, attendees brought forward practical concerns grounded in daily experience, including administrative burden, succession planning for home-based programs, special education support, agency coordination, and the need for a more human connection between regulators and programs. Matthews acknowledged the complexity of OSSE’s role as both a regulatory agency and a partner, while emphasizing that continued dialogue with the field is necessary.

DCAEYC is grateful to Hannah Matthews and to the early childhood program administrators who participated in this important conversation. The meeting reflected DCAEYC’s ongoing commitment to creating spaces where early childhood education professionals can share their questions, concerns, expertise, and leadership directly with decision-makers.

As DC’s early learning landscape continues to evolve, DCAEYC will continue to support opportunities for connection, advocacy, and collaborative problem-solving that strengthen programs, support educators, and advance high-quality early learning experiences for children and families across the District.