Early childhood educators spend the vast majority of their week supporting the growth and development of young children. This work often comes at the expense of their well-being. DC Early EdX was created in response to our DC partners asking us to provide these educators with what they provide young children daily — a space to learn, build relationships, and celebrate. For educators, by educators, DC Early EdX is hosted by the Bainum Family Foundation in collaboration with four practitioner-led organizations — DC Association for the Education of Young Children, DC Head Start Association, DC Family Child Care Association, and the Multicultural Spanish Speaking Providers Association. This year, the event brought together 1,000 early childhood educators and administrators as they earned professional development credit and celebrated — and were celebrated for — the important work they do each day!
The day opened with remarks from our foundation’s President and CEO, David Daniels, who set an energetic and inspiring tone, stating:
“We are here to celebrate you today … we appreciate your passion and commitment, and the perseverance you show through any adversity that comes your way … Early childhood educators do not stop. You are there as anchors for children at the most crucial years of their life. And I want to thank you.”
The spirit of celebration continued with the day’s keynote speaker, a Washington, D.C. area-native and star of Abbott Elementary, Lisa Ann Walter, who shared how her earliest learning experiences shaped her artistic journey and enabled her to thrive. Her heartfelt message resonated with the room and closed with an especially poignant quote:
“Let me take this moment, as mother of four … to say loud and clear: I see you, and I thank you. And every other parent owes you a deep, deep debt of gratitude for what you do.”
From there, the day unfolded through a series of breakout sessions designed to equip early childhood educators to flourish through a dual-focus on effective practices and self-care. At the core of every session was a unifying theme: educator well-being and ongoing professional development are essential.
For example, in a session focused on mental health, one facilitator emphasized the deep connection between presence and impact:
“When we become more clear, present, and attuned, we are put in a better place to connect, live, see and be with one another. How we are matters. It matters for ourselves, for those we care for, educate, and support. It matters for our profession. You matter.”
Other sessions offered tools and insights for classroom success, covering topics like high-value educational materials for early childhood classrooms, curriculum-building best practices, and time management tips for early learning environments.
DC Early EdX wasn’t just a day of professional and personal development — it was a shared experience of joy and well-being that should be the rule, not the exception, for early childhood educators and administrators. It was also a collective affirmation of the essential role these individuals play in our city’s fabric. We look forward to honoring these educators next year.
Mark your calendars for the 2026 DC Early Educator Experience on Friday, April 17, 2026. We’ll be returning bigger and better than ever at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. We’ll see you there!
