FY27 Budget Engagement Forum at Dock 5: Show Up for Early Childhood in DC

DC’s FY27 budget decisions are being shaped right now, and early childhood must be clearly represented in the room. Mayor Muriel Bowser is hosting the FY27 Budget Engagement Forum, and this is a key opportunity for the early childhood community to be present, hear directly about the budget process, and show that sustained investment in children, families, and early childhood care professionals must remain a clear priority in the District.

DCAEYC members are encouraged to attend, and to invite your families and staff to attend as well. The forum will take place on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at Dock 5 in Union Market, located at 1309 5th Street NE.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

If you plan to attend and would like to coordinate with DCAEYC onsite, please email Berna Artis at executivedirector@dcaeyc.org. DCAEYC will be there alongside Educare DC parents and teachers.

When early childhood is underfunded, programs struggle to retain staff, families face disruptions, and the broader workforce feels the impact. Stable funding strengthens quality, access, and continuity for children and families. We hope you will join us and help ensure early childhood is represented in the room.