All families should have access to high-quality early care and education. And the providers responsible for caring for and teaching children must be paid at least a living wage. The District’s early childhood programs have shown tremendous success in providing children safe and supportive learning environments so that District parents can work or pursue an education. While these programs are working well and delivering benefits to DC’s economy, lawmakers have not committed to adequate or consistent funding.
Child care facilities in Wards 5, 7, and 8, where Black and brown families with low incomes are concentrated, are experiencing a steady increase in enrollment since the pandemic.
