Yesterday the DC Council passed some emergency relief measures. We’re glad they included many of the things we highlighted as important for Early Childhood Education (ECE) and families. And, we’re hopeful that as things progress, they address the remainder.
Under 3 DC March 13 Letter to the Mayor
Our recent letter on emergency relief policies to Mayor Bowser requested immediate and clear guidance and action from the Executive Office of the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the DC Council, and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education and related agencies. We outlined the policy choices that can help child care providers and the families they serve remain operable, financially stable and, to the degree possible, open during and after the ongoing COVID-19/coronavirus emergency. Read the full letter.
We also join our national partners in urging Congress and the federal administration to invest additional, significant, emergency, and flexible funds to support child care and early learning programs at this time. We believe child care centers, family child care providers and parents must hear clearly and directly from leaders in the District of Columbia. Within existing local child care policies, regulations, and agreements, District agencies and providers can make practical program decisions that help protect the staff, their families, and the families they serve from economic crisis and closure.
Working families and the effective functioning of our community benefit from the predictable availability of affordable child care, and children benefit from continuity of care. Child care providers and staff need reliable employment and supports to meet their needs as well. To help keep families and providers economically stable and healthy through this challenging time, the city must ensure its child care assistance policies are responding to the realities and needs of families, providers, and staff.