Opinion: D.C. is headed toward a child care cliff

Even before the recently ended federal government shutdown, many D.C. families were already struggling.

The financial pressure hasn't let up. The shutdown and the severe congressionally imposed cut to our local budget have been additional strains on the already-stretched resources families depend on to live and thrive in D.C. Our immigrant communities face additional pressures amid the lingering presence of federal agents, which has deterred many from going to work or sending their children to school.

I have played many roles in this city over the past 50 years, none of which is more meaningful than that of early childhood advocate. It has always been my belief, supported by years of research, that our youngest residents fare far better as students and adults when they receive high-quality early care and education. And their families benefit most when this care is accessible and affordable, enabling them to work, care for aging parents, or attend school, thereby improving their economic outlook. 

Early learning in the District has evolved from a disjointed configuration of independent programs that failed to fairly serve all children — except those from higher-earning families who could afford them — to a connected system that meets the needs of an increasing number of young children, regardless of their zip code or economic situation. In recent years, the District has developed new quality standards, increased teacher credentialing requirements and launched a "pay equity" program that ensures fair compensation to educators. We have made real progress, but we still have much work to do if we are to meet the needs of all families. Unfortunately, that very progress is under threat, and without course correction from Mayor Muriel Bowser, we are racing toward a child care cliff.

The mayor has eliminated future funding for the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund. Unless we act, the program, which has raised wages for thousands of educators over the past four years and improved the quality and accessibility of child care, will end next September. Additionally, our Child Care Subsidy Program, which helps thousands of families afford care, is severely underfunded this year. As our neighbors reel from widespread layoffs and brace themselves for the forthcoming “big, beautiful” benefit reductions, families needing access to the subsidy program may soon have to join a city-wide waitlist. 

We moved even closer to the child care cliff earlier this month when the D.C. Council approved legislation that cuts early educators’ pay in 2026, even though most agreed that early education is vital to the well-being of the District, its children and families, and to a strong economy. They acknowledge that the increased wages have enabled these teachers to send their children to college, buy their first homes, and take better care of themselves for the very first time. 

The salary cuts will take effect beginning in January unless the mayor acts now to reallocate 9 million dollars to fully fund early education. If she doesn't, we will see educators forced to quit, classrooms and programs close, and costs for families rise. Mayor Bowser must budget to avoid the child care cliff this year and in the future.  

I hope you will join me and others from across our city by taking a few minutes this week to raise your voice in support of the Pay Equity Fund and a fully funded subsidy program by reaching out to Mayor Bowser. She needs to hear from you. The strength of our collective advocacy could be the difference-maker.

Beatriz Otero is a former Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services for the District of Columbia. She now heads a consulting practice on policy areas like health, education, human services, and community development.