FY27 Budget Letter to Mayor Bowser

We urge Mayor Bowser to tackle the disparities impacting children and youth and people who care for them.

The Impact of the District’s Childcare Waitlist

Childcare is critical infrastructure for DC families, workers, and providers. More than 7,000 families rely on childcare subsidies, yet a new waitlist is preventing families from accessing care—even when providers have space available. This report examines the impact of this policy and why it matters for the District.

Read the Report

Home Visiting Annual Report

Home visiting remains a critical support system for thousands of DC families, providing voluntary, evidence-based services to expectant parents and families with children from birth to age five. This 2025 Annual Report covers the fiscal year period from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025, documenting the accomplishments, challenges, and outcomes of DC’s home visiting programs.

Read Report

A young child and an adult, both smiling and wearing matching purple Under 3 DC shirts, stand against a vibrant yellow background. The child is hugging the adult around the waist, exemplifying a warm, supportive relationship highlighted by the community spirit of the Under 3 DC advocacy group.

Every Child in the District of Columbia Deserves a Strong Beginning

Public investments in early childhood programs are crucial for childhood development and the economic well-being of our community. High-quality, affordable, easy-to-find child care and health and development programs give our kids the best possible start and allow parents to work. Extending these investments to the highly skilled early education and care workforce promotes financial stability for all.

Child Care

Health & Development

Economic Impact

View Our
Agenda

Publications

Our archive includes a variety of publications showcasing vital research, policies, and advocacy efforts impacting outcomes for young children, families, early childhood educators and program directors, and home visitors.

Disrupting Care: The Impact of the District’s Childcare Waitlist
September 8, 2026
Child Care
The District of Columbia’s Childcare Subsidy Program is critical infrastructure for children, families, the local workforce, and the District’s early care & education system. More than 7,000 DC families currently rely on subsidies to afford childcare that would otherwise be financially out of reach.
View PDF
Report
The Business of Child Care
August 24, 2026
Child Care
View PDF
Fact Sheet
DC Council Passes Budget to Restore Critical Early Childhood Funding
June 24, 2026
Child Care Economic Impact
On Tuesday, June 23, 2026 the DC Council passed the District’s fiscal year 2027 (FY27) budget, adding critical investments to the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund and the Child Care Subsidy program.
Read More
Blog Post

View All Publications

Equity Can–and Must–Start at Birth

An affordable, equitable, high-quality early childhood system in the district that reaches and addresses the needs of all young children and their families drives the economic engine that moves the community forward, allowing parents to work and businesses to grow.

More About Us

A young child sits on the floor in a brightly lit room, playing with a colorful toy. The child is focused, interacting with a shape-sorting toy that encourages learning and development. The background shows a cozy, organized play area designed to support early childhood education.

Latest News

Explore our news feed to see how Under 3 DC’s latest data, research, and advocacy efforts are advancing the case for more public investments in early childhood education and care.

Press Statement
DC Parents, Early Educators, and Child Care Providers Breathe a Sigh of ...
June 23, 2026
Press Statement
Child Care Pay Equity Fund
Read More
Press Coverage
DC News Now
The D.C. Council is one step closer to approving its 2027 fiscal year bu...
June 11, 2026
Press Coverage
Child Care
View Link
Press Coverage
The Washington Post
How D.C. lawmakers avoided deep cuts to child care and social services
June 11, 2026
Press Coverage
Child Care
View Link
Press Statement
DC Council Rescues Child Care, Future Remains Uncertain
June 9, 2026
Press Statement
Child Care
Read More

View Newsroom

Every Child in the District of Columbia Deserves a Strong Beginning

Get Involved

Publications

Disrupting Care: The Impact of the District’s Childcare Waitlist

The Business of Child Care

DC Council Passes Budget to Restore Critical Early Childhood Funding

Equity Can–and Must–Start at Birth

Latest News

DC Parents, Early Educators, and Child Care Providers Breathe a Sigh of ...

The D.C. Council is one step closer to approving its 2027 fiscal year bu...

How D.C. lawmakers avoided deep cuts to child care and social services

DC Council Rescues Child Care, Future Remains Uncertain