Sign Up to Testify at DC Council Oversight Hearings: Your Voice Matters for Early Childhood

dcaeycweb
5 days ago
2 min read

The DC Council has opened registration to testify during this year’s Oversight Season, and we want to flag this opportunity early since witness lists tend to fill up quickly.

If you are able to share your experience or perspective, please consider signing up now. You can always revise or withdraw your testimony later, but registering early helps secure your spot.

After you register, please email executivedirector@dcaeyc.org to let us know. We are happy to support you in preparing your testimony and coordinating with coalition partners.

Whenever possible, in-person testimony tends to have a greater impact than virtual testimony. That said, virtual participation is still valuable and encouraged if that is what works best for you.

What to Do Next

Register to testify using the DC Council links for the hearing you choose.
Email us at executivedirector@dcaeyc.org once you have registered so we can coordinate and support you.
If you plan to testify, we can help you prepare a clear message that reflects your experience and aligns with shared priorities.

Key Upcoming Hearings Connected to Our Shared Priorities

Through our Under 3 DC partnership, the hearings below are especially important to the early childhood community.

Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)

Highest Priority HearingWednesday, March 4 at 9:30 AM

Consider Signing up if you can speak to the importance of the Pay Equity Fund and or the Child Care Subsidy Program, especially if you are:

An early childhood program director or leader
An early childhood educator
A parent whose child’s care or stability has benefited from these programs

DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority

Wednesday, March 4 at 9:30 AM

Consider Signing up if you can speak to the impact of the HealthCare4ChildCare program, particularly how it has supported:

Your access to health coverage as an educator
Your early learning program’s staff wellbeing

Department of Human Services (DHS)

Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 9:30 AM

Consider Signing up if you can speak from experience with the child care subsidy program, such as:

A parent who has applied for or received subsidy through DHS
An advocate or provider familiar with navigating the system

Thank you for considering lending your voice. It makes a difference, and it helps ensure the Council hears directly from the people most impacted by these policies.