Town Hall: The State of Early Education in Wards 3 & 5
Early education in the District remains top of mind for many. Implementation of the historic Pay Equity Fund is underway, with educators applying for free health care through the DC Health Benefit Exchange and their 2023 pay supplements. We celebrate the advancements. However, family affordability and workforce challenges continue to slow the District’s progress in building an equitable early learning system. Under 3 DC will host a virtual State of Early Education Town Hall with the new Ward 3 and 5 Councilmembers–-Matthew Frumin (Ward 3) and Zachary Parker (Ward 5)--on Thursday, November 17, from 6:30-8pm, to introduce them to the coalition. Our goal is to engage them on these topics:
The purpose and promise of the Birth-to-Three law.
The positive impact the new Pay Equity Fund already has on the lives and careers of our early childhood educators and the need to protect it.
The necessity to work together to stabilize the early education workforce further; and
Why it's essential to work together to make high-quality early learning programs more affordable to families with young children.
All Ward 3 and 5 residents, workers, and organizations are encouraged to attend and participate in what will be a lively discussion! If you have a story to share or want to speak about one of the highlighted issues, please contact Tawana Jacobs at tjacobs@dckids.org.
DC Early Education Expo: Connecting Families and Child Care
The District of Columbia Association for Young Children is hosting a DC Early Education EXPO on Saturday, December 10 from 10am - 3pm at the DC Armory. Early childhood education programs and District families are still in recovery from the pandemic. Families are looking for high-quality child care, and early childhood education centers and homes are seeking educators for employment opportunities. Join Under 3 DC, the DC Family Child Care Association, DC Head Start Association, Hatch Early Learning, Source for Learning, Discount School Supply, and Kaplan Early Learning Company for a day of connection, information, and a little fun!
Youth Justice Coalition Prepares for Advocacy Day on November 14
The Youth Economic Justice and Housing Coalition is organizing a visit to the Wilson Building, and a virtual meeting, on November 14 for coalition members to meet with councilmembers and their staff to lay the groundwork for our budget requests in the spring, receive feedback, and encourage coordination and collaboration among council committees and their leaders.
We will prepare and share ahead of time some suggested talking points to guide your conversations, including:
Increasing contract amounts to account for inflation and ensure last year's one-time additional funding is made recurring
Targeted workforce development programming
Mobile mental health services
Individuals and organizations that support young people experiencing homelessness are invited to join us.
Encourage Parents to Participate in OST Focus Groups
DC Action is partnering with education students from Georgetown University to conduct focus groups about how DC parents find information about out-of-school-time programs, and the challenges that they encounter in this process. There will be a virtual option–available in both English and in Spanish, and an in-person option, and all participants will receive a $25 stipend.
Recomiende a padres a participar en los grupos de enfoque sobre programas extracurriculares
Saludos familias DC!
¿Puede encontrar programas apropiados para antes o después de la escuela para sus hijos? ¿Busca oportunidades de enriquecimiento de alta calidad en el verano? ¿Le resulta difícil o fácil acceder a la programación que funciona bien para su familia? ¡Únase a un grupo de enfoque organizado por DC Action para compartir sus necesidades y experiencias en busca de oportunidades fuera del horario escolar (OST)! Todos los participantes recibirán un estipendio de $25. Regístrese para un grupo de enfoque en persona o virtual. Por favor indique en el formulario si desea interpretación en español. ¡Su aporte ayudará a que las mejoras sean más efectivas y oportunas! ¡Vea el folleto adjunto para obtener más detalles y compártalo ampliamente con otras familias de DC!
About DC Action
DC Action is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, multi-issue advocacy organization making the District of Columbia a place where all kids grow up safe, resilient, powerful and heard. DC Action uses research, data, and a racial equity lens to break down barriers that stand in the way of all kids reaching their full potential. We are home to DC Kids Count, Under 3 DC, DC Out-of-School Time Coalition, the DC Home Visiting Council and the Youth Economic Justice and Housing Coalition. Our collaborative advocacy campaigns bring the power of young people and all residents to raise their voices to create change.
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