Bill > B26-0434

This bill amends the Day Care Policy Act of 1979 to update the minimum salary requirements for early childhood educators in the District of Columbia, focusing specifically on assistant and lead teachers in child development facilities. Beginning in January 2026, the bill establishes detailed salary scales based on educators' credentials, with minimum annual salaries ranging from $48,736 to $71,010, depending on the teacher's educational background and certification level. The legislation also revives and modifies the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, which will receive substantial annual funding (ranging from $53.9 million to $72.1 million) to support these salary improvements. Additionally, the bill reconstitutes the Early Childhood Educator Equitable Compensation Task Force, which will be responsible for reviewing the Department of Education's annual salary reports, making recommendations for systemic improvements, and ensuring ongoing evaluation of the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Program. The bill includes provisions to ensure that payments from the fund do not count against eligibility for various District government benefit programs, and requires quarterly financial reporting on the fund's expenditures. The legislation is temporary, set to expire 225 days after taking effect, and aims to provide more competitive and equitable compensation for early childhood educators in the District of Columbia.

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0434