March 18: A Day Without Child Care Across DC

Programs and advocates will take collective action at the Wilson Building to demand stable funding for early childhood.

On March 18, 2026, our partner Under 3 DC will host A Day Without Child Care, a coordinated action across Washington, DC. On this day, early childhood programs, early childhood education professionals, families, and allies will take action together by closing for the day, opening late, closing early, or taking off from work, to be at the Wilson Building.

This moment is urgent. In the Mayor’s recent budget briefing, the Pay Equity Fund was not included in the Administration’s approach, putting hard-won progress for early childhood education professionals at risk. That is exactly why broad participation matters right now.

When we take action together, DC leaders cannot ignore that early childhood is essential infrastructure. We must protect Pay Equity Fund investments and fully fund the Child Care Subsidy Program.

The message is direct: DC must fund early childhood infrastructure that is affordable for families, sustainable for programs, and dignified for educators.

Why this action is urgent

Across the District, critical supports are at risk. The Child Care Subsidy and the Pay Equity Fund are underfunded and could face waiting lists and cuts. The Pay Equity Fund is also eliminated in Fiscal Year 2027, which means nearly 4,000 educators could lose the salary increases they have earned over the past few years unless DC leaders do not change course.

When early childhood is underfunded, programs struggle to stay open, early childhood education professionals face instability, and families are left with fewer options. A visible, coordinated action makes the impact impossible to ignore, in real time.

How programs can participate

Under 3 DC recognizes that programs operate under different constraints. A full-day closure is not the only way to participate. Options include:

• Full-day closure and redirection to the rally

• Delayed opening or early closure

• Repurposing a planned admin day or discretionary day

• Skeleton or emergency-only care for a limited number of families

• Solidarity visibility actions, such as signage, flyer distribution, calls to the Council, or hosting a postcard-writing action

Support and risk reduction

Directors are not being asked to do this alone. Organizers are building practical supports, including communications templates, planning help, and OSSE-aligned guidance designed to reduce risk and support compliance.

Get involved

If your program is interested in participating, you can:

• Read the FAQ (Click here)

• Sign up to participate (Click here)

• If you would like to learn more about A Day Without Child Care schedule time here to meet with Travis Ballie, Organizing Director, DC Action.