WASHINGTON — It's National Day Without Child Care, and D.C. providers and families are rallying for affordable and accessible child care — and better pay for workers.
The focus of advocates in the District is on the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, which DC Mayor Muriel Bowser stripped from the FY25 budget.
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education said it distributed more than $80 million to more than 4,000 early childhood educators in FY 22 and 23 through the fund, which they have used to supplement their pay and better access healthcare.
The supplements have ranged from $5,000 to $14,000, allowing workers to pay off debt, take care of their family, even buy a home.
Councilmember Christina Henderson, who has championed the fund, has said that the child care sector will collapse without the continuation of the fund.
"We know that the Mayor cut funding entirely. We know that there are some councilmembers that are fighting to put it back in, but we actually need this pay equity fund fully funded, so that our child care workers and educators, they can afford to stay open and really so people can get back to work," organizer with SPACEs In Action, Domonique James said.
To continue to push councilmembers to act on their promises to restore the fund, organizers with SPACEs in Action are holding a rally outside of the Wilson Building, where the council works, Monday at 10:30 a.m.
Eight child care providers are shutting down for the day or pausing classes to head to the rally, and some parents are also taking time off work to show their support for this initiative.
Councilmembers Zachary Parker, Janeese Lewis-George, Robert White, and Charles Allen are scheduled to speak at the rally.
After the rally, organizers plan to meet with councilmembers inside the building to continue their advocacy for the fund.
Twenty-six states and D.C., and more than 80 providers, are participating in National Day Without Child Care Monday, with 1,309 childcare providers and parents of young children planning to close their doors or call out of work. 3,714 people in total have signed a pledge in solidarity.
The 10:30 a.m. rally at the Wilson Building will also feature a kids zone on Freedom Plaza, with games, a live band, face painting, a bounce house, and other activities.
"Then, we're going to meet with our city councilors and tell them to fund the Pay Equity Fund, healthcare for child care, and other critical services that parents and child care providers and our educators need in the upcoming budget," James said.
Speakers are scheduled to start at 11 a.m.