Connecting the
dots for DC’s
littlest residents

The benefits of a high-quality early education last a lifetime. Yet today, zip code, race, or income often limit the opportunities of our youngest residents. Throughout DC, vital early childhood services and programs remain inaccessible to families that need them most. And, the COVID-19 pandemic makes everything even worse. As a community, we must do more to reduce these racial and economic inequities.

The early years of a child’s life are a wondrous and amazing period of development. In fact, the first three years shape every year after. And every family needs help when they have an infant or toddler. Together, we can make sure DC remains an attractive place to live, to work, and to raise a family.

The success of the Birth-to-Three Act truly affects every family in DC. Even under usual conditions, early childhood care and education operates on tight financial margins. And now, the COVID-19 pandemic is placing these essential services at further risk. Let’s surround all of our youngest children and their families with a well-coordinated system of care and support, so they can flourish.

Without significant financial support, many of the District’s child care providers may need to shut their doors permanently. This would devastate families already suffering because of the public health crisis and create a cascading effect throughout the city. The shuttering of child care facilities prevents parents from getting back to work and diminishes our already limited supply of child care, raising program costs and spurring displacement of young families. We must not let this happen.