FY27 Budget Letter to Mayor Bowser

We urge Mayor Bowser to tackle the disparities impacting children and youth and people who care for them.

Navigating DC's Child Care Subsidy Program

Hear directly from over 100 DC families about their real experiences applying for child care assistance. This groundbreaking report reveals what's working—and what's not—in the subsidy application process, from confusing paperwork requirements to the transformative power of hands-on support. Learn how DC can make affordable child care more accessible for every eligible family.

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Home Visiting Annual Report

Home visiting remains a critical support system for thousands of DC families, providing voluntary, evidence-based services to expectant parents and families with children from birth to age five. This 2025 Annual Report covers the fiscal year period from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025, documenting the accomplishments, challenges, and outcomes of DC’s home visiting programs.

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Every Child in the District of Columbia Deserves a Strong Beginning

Public investments in early childhood programs are crucial for childhood development and the economic well-being of our community. High-quality, affordable, easy-to-find child care and health and development programs give our kids the best possible start and allow parents to work. Extending these investments to the highly skilled early education and care workforce promotes financial stability for all.

Child Care

Health & Development

Economic Impact

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Agenda

Publications

Our archive includes a variety of publications showcasing vital research, policies, and advocacy efforts impacting outcomes for young children, families, early childhood educators and program directors, and home visitors.

DC Council Passes Budget to Restore Critical Early Childhood Funding
June 24, 2026
Child Care Economic Impact
On Tuesday, June 23, 2026 the DC Council passed the District’s fiscal year 2027 (FY27) budget, adding critical investments to the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund and the Child Care Subsidy program.
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Blog Post
Testimony of Audrey Kasselman, Senior Policy Analyst, before Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) Committee of the Whole
May 7, 2026
Child Care Pay Equity Fund
My testimony will focus on the urgent need for strong and sustained funding for the early childhood education system, specifically the child care subsidy program and the Pay Equity Fund. Thank you Mr. Chairman, and to all the Councilmembers who have expressed their support to protect critical early childhood education funding.
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Testimony
FY27 Budget Asks
April 30, 2026
Child Care Pay Equity Fund
For DC’s early childhood system to function, the Council must fully fund both the Child Care Subsidy Program and the Pay Equity Fund. Together, these investments make the system work - one ensures families can access care, while the other ensures there are qualified educators and stable programs to provide it.
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Budget Priorities

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Equity Can–and Must–Start at Birth

An affordable, equitable, high-quality early childhood system in the district that reaches and addresses the needs of all young children and their families drives the economic engine that moves the community forward, allowing parents to work and businesses to grow.

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A young child sits on the floor in a brightly lit room, playing with a colorful toy. The child is focused, interacting with a shape-sorting toy that encourages learning and development. The background shows a cozy, organized play area designed to support early childhood education.

Latest News

Explore our news feed to see how Under 3 DC’s latest data, research, and advocacy efforts are advancing the case for more public investments in early childhood education and care.

Press Statement
DC Parents, Early Educators, and Child Care Providers Breathe a Sigh of ...
June 23, 2026
Press Statement
Child Care Pay Equity Fund
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Press Coverage
DC News Now
The D.C. Council is one step closer to approving its 2027 fiscal year bu...
June 11, 2026
Press Coverage
Child Care
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Press Coverage
The Washington Post
How D.C. lawmakers avoided deep cuts to child care and social services
June 11, 2026
Press Coverage
Child Care
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Press Statement
DC Council Rescues Child Care, Future Remains Uncertain
June 9, 2026
Press Statement
Child Care
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Every Child in the District of Columbia Deserves a Strong Beginning

Get Involved

Publications

DC Council Passes Budget to Restore Critical Early Childhood Funding

Testimony of Audrey Kasselman, Senior Policy Analyst, before Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) Committee of the Whole

FY27 Budget Asks

Equity Can–and Must–Start at Birth

Latest News

DC Parents, Early Educators, and Child Care Providers Breathe a Sigh of ...

The D.C. Council is one step closer to approving its 2027 fiscal year bu...

How D.C. lawmakers avoided deep cuts to child care and social services

DC Council Rescues Child Care, Future Remains Uncertain