Washington, DC

Our 2010 Policy Priorities:

We are asking the Mayor and City Council to:

  • Continue full funding at $18.3 million, of the “Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Act of 2008” to continue to expand and improve the quality of pre-school and pre-K across the city;
  • Increase funding for childcare subsidies for low-income working families; and
  • Increase reimbursements to childcare providers to the market rate for childcare.

Did you know that in Washington, DC:

  • 122,000 children (to the age of 18) live in the District;
  • More than 1 out of every 2 children live in a household with only one parent;
  • More than 2,400 children participate in the federally-funded Head Start program;
  • 83 percent of fourth graders are reading below grade level; and
  • 89 percent of eighth graders are below grade level in math.

On Thursday, June 10, the Washington Examiner published a Letter to the Editor by America’s Edge member Jennifer Zatkowski, reaffirming the D.C. City Council’s $18 million funding increase for a free, voluntary pre-K program for all 3- and 4-year-olds as a good investment for the District.

On Thursday, March 31, America’s Edge member Jennifer Zatkowski (Pawticulars) and America’s Edge Deputy Director Joe Weedon testified before the City Council in support of early care and education in Washington, D.C.  Click here to read Jennifer Zatkowski’s March 31st Testimony, and click here to read Joey R. Weedon’s March 31st Testimony.

On Tuesday, April 27, Ms. Zatkowski renewed her calls for the Council to support early care and education during a council hearing on the Office of the State Superintendent for Education budget, which funds the District’s preschool and pre-k programs. Click here to read the April 27 Testimony.

“At a time when the City is facing severe revenue shortfalls, research by America’s Edge concludes we can jump-start our economy and lay the foundation for continued economic growth through investments in high-quality early care and education.”

–Jennifer Zatkowski, Owner, Pawticulars, Washington, D.C.


*For more information, please contact Susan Gates at (202) 408-9282 or sgates@americasedge.org