Dcaeyc

05/18/2026

With DC’s primary election coming up on June 16, 2026, many residents are preparing to use Ranked Choice Voting for the first time. This new voting process will change how ballots are filled out and how votes are counted, making clear, accessible voter education especially important across the city.

On May 12, DCAEYC hosted a nonpartisan educational session in partnership with Rank the District, a project of Grow Democracy DC Civic Education Fund, to help community members better understand what to expect b
efore heading to the polls.

We are grateful to Brandon Bush-Thompson, Engagement Coordinator for Grow Democracy DC, for leading a practical conversation on how to rank candidates, how votes move through the counting process, and what common ballot mistakes voters should avoid. Thank you to everyone who joined us, asked questions, and took part in this timely community learning opportunity.

Learn more about Ranked Choice Voting on our website: https://shorturl.at/zGuzC

05/15/2026

05/13/2026

In partnership with Temple Sinai Nursery School, DCAEYC was pleased to bring together early childhood education professionals on April 29 for an evening that felt thoughtful, engaging, and genuinely inspiring.

As participants moved through each space, what emerged was a clear appreciation for the intentionality behind the environment, the opportunity to see ideas in practice, and the value of being able to reflect together in community. From movement and loose parts play to the the two-year-old learning environment, the experience invited attendees to observe closely, ask questions, and leave with ideas they could carry into their own work.

Thank you Temple Sinai Nursery School for opening your doors and sharing your practices so generously. We are grateful to Melanie Douglass, Judi Sperber, Kim Perks, Lora Fader Dunne, and Joanna Finnegan for guiding such a meaningful experience, and to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so rich with reflection, conversation, and shared learning. It was wonderful to see an NAEYC accredited program in action.

05/11/2026

On April 22, DCAEYC attended Under 3 DC’s briefing at the John A. Wilson Building on new Mathematica research about DC’s Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund.

The findings showed a 21 percent return on investment in FY24, with benefits reaching educators, families, programs, and the broader early learning system.

The conversation brought together data, parent experiences, program perspectives, and policy context at a critical moment for DC’s early childhood field.

Read the full article: https://shorturl.at/OqwsM

05/08/2026

On April 22, DCAEYC hosted “Celebrating ECE Professionals” in partnership with Kaplan Early Learning.

We are grateful to Kaplan for joining us in recognizing the dedication, professionalism, and everyday impact of early childhood education professionals in our community.

05/08/2026

Yesterday, DCAEYC and Under 3 DC co-hosted a wonderful event in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week.

It was incredibly meaningful to gather in community with educators, college professors, and early childhood program directors; all individuals deeply committed to children, families, and the future of education.

Beyond the great food and warm atmosphere, what stood out most were the conversations. Thoughtful discussions, shared experiences, laughter, encouragement, and the collective understanding that the work educators do each day matters deeply.

Early childhood education is often described as the foundation of society, yet the professionals within this field are too often underrecognized for the impact they make every single day. It is important to remember the importance of pausing to celebrate, connect, and appreciate one another as professionals and as human beings doing meaningful work.

Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and continues to advocate for children and the educators who support them.

Grateful to be part of a community that leads with purpose, care, and commitment.

05/06/2026

DCAEYC members are invited to an in-person meeting with Hannah Matthews, Interim Deputy Superintendent of Early Learning, on May 26, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the DCAEYC Office. This gathering will offer early childhood program administrators an opportunity to engage in a thoughtful, candid, and collaborative conversation about the needs, priorities, and realities of the early childhood field in Washington, DC.

Register now and submit your questions in advance (by May 20,2026) here: https://tally.so/r/2EOye9

05/05/2026

On April 20, DCAEYC, in partnership with BCDI-DC, hosted a special screening of 'Make a Circle', followed by a thoughtful conversation between Rahshida Lowe-Watson and our Executive Director, Berna Artis.

The film offered a powerful look at the lives, leadership, and advocacy of early childhood professionals, and everyone in the room, its message deeply felt familiar. The stories on screen reflected realities that continue to resonate across the early childhood field in Washington, DC and beyond. It was a meaningful evening of reflection and connection, grounded in the voices and experiences of the professionals who do this work every day.

Read more here: https://shorturl.at/pZE5w

05/01/2026

DCAEYC invites early childhood education professionals, families, partners, and community members to join us for a nonpartisan educational session on Ranked Choice Voting in DC. Presented in partnership with Rank the District, a project of Grow Democracy DC Civic Education Fund, this session will offer clear, accessible information about Ranked Choice Voting and what DC residents should know as the city prepares for upcoming election changes.

This session will be presented by Brandon Bush-Thompson, Engagement Coordinator at Grow Democracy DC.

Join us on Tuesday, May 12, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the DCAEYC Office, West Boardroom, 7th Floor, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Suite 2073, Washington, DC 20003.

You do not need to be a DCAEYC member to attend. This session is open to all. Registration is required.

Register here: https://tally.so/r/D40KdN