Save District Childcare Centers!

Save District childcare centers! Email the Mayor and Council today and demand that the City reopen closed centers, reinstate workers and stop the privatization of childcare services in the city.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Keep Childcare Centers Open!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to urge you to stop the illegal closings of Dept of Parks & Recreation Child Care Centers. These closings, which are due to take place on September 25th, will greatly harm DC residents & workers.

DC Parks and Rec has provided Early Childhood Education services since 1974 and achieved gold standard accreditation for its centers. The centers, which are federally funded, are essential to the well-being of our communities. Nearly 100% of the families served in DPR centers hold vouchers under the Child Care Subsidy Program and with more than a quarter of DC residents living below the poverty line, these centers are needed more than ever. Without them many parents will not be able to go out and find work, children will have to stay home to look after their siblings and small kids will be left home alone. Please take action at the September 22nd legislative session to stop the closure of these centers, prevent their impeding privatization and reinstate workers.

Thank You,

Campaign Launched:
September 17, 2009

Background Information

DC Mayor Adrian Fenty's fiscal year 2010 budget eliminated funding for the Early Childhood and Out of School Time programs operating out of 13 Department of Parks & Recreation sites, primarily in Wards 6, 7 & 8. The Dept of Parks & Recreation has provided Early Childhood Education services since 1974 and has achieved gold standard accreditation for its centers. Nearly 100% of the families served in DPR centers hold vouchers under the Child Care Subsidy Program.

The Council passed the 2010 budget without restoring the funds for these programs. The programs are funded from Federal Head Start and Child Care Development Block Grant monies - NOT local tax dollars - and operate under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Office of the State Superintendent for Education (OSSE) and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).

The Mayor has said that his goal is to privatize the child care services, and interim Parks & Rec director Ximena Hartsock has reportedly said that the Department should "not be in the education business."

After recognizing the harmful impacts impeding closures would have on the community, Councilman Harry Thomas introduced and the Council passed Emergency Legislation that requires the Mayor to deliver substantial analysis of what impact the closings and proposed privatization would have on residents and workers (legislation attached). Councilman Thomas also held a public hearing on June 29th at which DPR Director Hartsock failed to appear, and continued the hearing on July 15th still with no testimony from the Director. Subsequently, the Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation voted to support a resolution allowing for their use of subpoena power to compel the DPR Director to appear, and to continue its investigation of this issue over the course of the summer recess. Director Hartsock finally testified before the committee on July 27th 2009.

The Mayor and Director Hartsock have defied Council legislation, failing to deliver any analysis as required. Additionally, center directors have been told to freeze enrollment, ready their resumes and prepare to close their centers. At least 160 jobs are at stake, and hundreds of families face losing their child care.