Bainum Family Foundation Statement on DC’s Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund

WASHINGTON, DC – Marica Cox Mitchell, the Bainum Family Foundation’s Vice President of Early Childhood, responded to yesterday’s budget proposals with the following statement:

“Any significant cuts to the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund would harm educators, young children, and families. We know that the well-being and expertise of early childhood educators who care for our youngest children have an impact on the quality of services children receive. Compensation is tied to quality. Any action that penalizes educators who choose to support young children is an action that penalizes young children.

A recent Bainum Family Foundation report shows that our local families are struggling to find accessible, affordable, and quality child care options as it is. The data from our WeVision EarlyEd initiative also elevate compensation as a critical component of an equitable and effective child care system. As a funder focused on creating a society where all children thrive, early childhood educator compensation across all settings has and will continue to be a priority for us.

The ripple effects from cuts to the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund will have national implications. Since 2022, the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund has been promoted as an innovative and bold model that supports families, young children, and early childhood educators alike. Advocates and lawmakers at national and state levels are looking to D.C. to lead the way and lay a path for them. Failure to continue this program erodes trust locally and nationally at a time when it is most needed. This is a vital program that must be protected from any cuts.”

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The Bainum Family Foundation is working to create a society where all children thrive. We work alongside communities experiencing racial and economic disparities to create lasting systems change for the well-being of children and families. The foundation focuses on Early Childhood and what children need for a strong start in life (including early learning, health and mental health, family economic security, and stable housing). In the last decade, the foundation has invested more than $60 Million in early childhood education, with a majority of the funding focused in the District. Our Legacy Programs support faith-based education and other issues important to the Bainum family.