Dozens rally against proposed DC early childhood education budget cuts

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — Families, educators and staff are demanding something be done about proposed budget cuts for D.C.’s early childhood programs.

More than a hundred people stood in front of the John A. Wilson Building protesting against a possible $300 million cut for early childhood education in Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 2025 proposed budget.

The cut would remove the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, which ensures early childhood educators are paid almost the same as teachers at D.C. Public Schools (DCPS).

Bridget Hall, executive director of Big Momma’s Childhood Center, said cutting the Pay Equity Fund could cause early education centers to close their doors.

“We’ll lose our teachers because they have to go to other programs to find employment, salaries and benefit packages that will sustain their families,” said Hall.

On Friday, early childhood centers opened late or closed early as part of “A Day Without Childcare.” The purpose was to show the impact of the proposed budget cuts if not reversed.

Ciera James grew up going to Big Momma’s Childhood Center, and now her three-year-old goes there too. She said she can’t imagine what she’d do without affordable childcare.

“The cost of living here in D.C. is high and they just offer so much support and it’s just not fair,” she said. “She looks forward to seeing her friends every day, you know, it would definitely affect her routine.”

Organizers said they plan to return to Freedom Plaza on May 13th for another “A Day Without Childcare” Day to continue sending a strong message.

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