Opens in a new tab

DC’s Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund

The District’s Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund (PEF) helps child care providers boost staff wages and provide affordable health insurance to retain talented educators and improve education quality. The foundation of lifelong learning, early education, which includes child care, is a foundation of our local economy, enabling parents to work and communities to thrive.

Join us in making the Pay Equity Fund permanent!

Under 3 DC on FY26 Early Childhood Education


Under 3 DC Appreciates the Bowser Administration’s Commitment to Early Childhood Education in FY26 Budget Proposal

Read our statement

Meet with an Organizer

There are a variety of opportunities for you to get involved in the campaign for high-quality, affordable child care for every District family. Sign up to request a one on one meeting with an Organizer from our coalition. We look forward to telling you more about our coalition and upcoming volunteer opportunities. 

Schedule a 1:1 with an Under 3 DC Organizer

Who benefits from the Pay Equity Fund?

When early educators are fairly compensated, they can stay in the classroom and programs can stay open for families. This means children have the care and education they need and parents can work. An independent evaluation found that the Pay Equity Fund has a 23% return on DC’s investment!

READ this Publication: Washington, DC’s Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund (PEF): Benefits, Costs, and Economic Returns
“We must recognize that investing in early childhood education is not just an expenditure but an investment in our future. Study after study has shown the lifelong benefits of quality early childhood education, from improved academic performance to increased earning potential and reduced involvement in crime. By supporting our educators, we are laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and equitable society for generations to come.”
Jill
Teacher
“The Pay Equity program is not just about money; it's about fairness and respect for the amazing people who shape the future of our community – our early childhood educators. This funding is not just about attracting new educators; it's about honoring the dedication and hard work of those already in the field. Regardless of the school size, all early childhood programs rely on this funding. Without it, we will struggle to pay our teachers fairly, and that's not fair to them or to the kids they teach.”
Nina
Executive Director, The Hill Preschool

Publications

Our collection features diverse publications highlighting the Pay Equity Fund and our advocacy to positively influence the outcomes for young children, families, early childhood educators, and program directors.