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Early Childhood Educators Can Now Apply for 2022 Pay Supplements
After much debate and hard work by Under 3 DC and the Early Childhood Educator Equitable Compensation Task Force, along with essential guidance and support from the DC Council, the time has come for early childhood educators to apply for their 2022 pay supplements!
OSSE launched the application this week, and educators working at the agency’s licensed child care facilities on or before May 16 of this year are eligible to apply for up to $14,000 before September 20.
This year’s early educator pay supplement marks the first year of existence for the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund. It was funded in 2021 by the DC Council, which approved a minimal tax increase on District residents earning more than $250,000 annually. Eligible early educators will receive quarterly pay supplements totaling up to $14,000 during fiscal year 2023, which begins in October. OSSE is expected to introduce a new, permanent compensation scale for educators in 2024.
DC Action Promotes Tawana Jacobs to Director of Brand and Communications
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Tawana joined our organization in July 2020 as senior communications manager for Under 3 DC and helped launch the brand along with our key partners. She has managed the brand and elevated it among influencers such as the press and the District's policy makers and lawmakers. Tawana has also worked alongside the policy staff to shape and amplify reports, blogs, fact sheets, and other written materials that articulate our policy positions and advocacy actions.
In her new role, Tawana will lead our communications and digital team of professionals to extend the reach, influence, and impact of DC Action and our signature coalitions and initiatives. She will work collaboratively to develop, execute and oversee an organization-wide, integrated communications strategy. It will leverage data-driven analysis and the lived experience of parents and young people to challenge discriminatory narratives, break down structural barriers, and allow every young person to reach their full potential.
Congratulations, Tawana!
Diane Bernstein Fellow Mary Katherine West Reflects on Home Visiting and Fellowship
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Mary Katherine West, one of DC Action Summer Diane Bernstein’s Fellows DC Action, spent the summer working closely with the Home Visiting Council. During this time, Mary Katherine was able to learn not only about the work of home visitors but also the power of building trusting relationships, being connected to a supportive community, and having compassion for ourselves and others as we navigate new periods of our lives.
Fall Applications for the Diane Bernstein Fellowship are OPEN
Fall applications are now being accepted for the Diane Bernstein Fellowship in Child and Youth Advocacy. DC Action is seeking fellows who are interested in gaining real world experience conducting original research and data and policy analysis, supporting public education and community engagement efforts, and working directly with youth and their families to help drive these efforts. The fall fellowship session begins September 12th and ends November 18th, Fall fellows will receive a $3,500 stipend.
Youth Count DC 2022 survey opens on September 16th
The Youth Count, a District-wide effort to collect information regarding homelessness and housing instability among youth in DC, directly impacts youth homeless resources. The survey takes around 10 minutes and is accessible in multiple languages to ensure all eligible youth can complete a survey. Eligible youth who complete the survey can receive a $20 Visa gift card to thank them for their participation.
The data collected from this survey, also informs the District's response to addressing the needs of youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and serves as a powerful advocacy tool for youth-serving organizations. This year’s Youth Count DC survey will open on September 16th and will remain open until September 30th.
Surveys will be open online at: www.YouthCountDC.org and youth can take a survey themselves, or partnering providers can administer the survey to youth in their programs.
OST Voices: Innovative Community Programs Bring Change
Beacon House
For decades, Beacon House has been at the center of the Edgewood community, providing solid educational support, innovative initiatives for families, and award-winning athletics. In this installment of our OST Voices series, Executive Director Kevin Hinton describes what makes Beacon House work.
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Sitar Arts Center
Some Sitar kids start in their programs as toddlers. Some continue with Sitar–exploring visual arts, music, writing, and more–through high school and now have the opportunity to work as paid interns in partnership with renowned arts institutions. Learn more about this neighborhood anchor for children and families in this installment of OST Voices.
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READ WATCH LISTEN
Read–In case you missed it, be sure to read about how Black District youth and young professionals are joining the climate fight in the Washington Informer.
Watch–CNN’s Nomad with Carlton McCoy. Carlton is a native Washingtonian and Eastern High School graduate. He is a classically trained chef, master sommelier, and winery co-owner on a quest to find the places where food, music, art, and culture collide. Episodes include a visit with his family in DC.
Listen–Check out former President Obama’s eclectic summer playlist before summer ends.