District of ColumbiaB26-0004Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

Early Childhood Educator Pay Scales Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Phil Mendelson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Minimum pay for child care educators

D.C. child care facilities contracted to receive Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund money must pay the listed minimum salaries. Beginning January 1, 2025, they must use Fund money for these minimums, based on each educator’s role and education. Here, CDA means a child development associate credential, and ECE means early childhood education. From October 1 through December 31, 2024, assistant teacher minimums were: less than a CDA, $43,865 a year; CDA, $51,006; associate degree, $54,262. Lead teacher minimums were: CDA or 48 college credits including at least 15 ECE credits, $54,262; associate degree in ECE or an associate degree with at least 24 ECE credits, $63,838; bachelor’s degree in ECE or a bachelor’s degree with at least 24 ECE credits, $75,103. Beginning January 1, 2025, assistant teacher minimums are: CDA, $51,006 a year ($24.52 an hour); associate degree or higher, or 60 college-level credits, $54,262 ($26.09 an hour). Lead minimums are: child development center teacher or expanded child development home caregiver with a CDA, $51,006 ($24.52 an hour); child development home caregiver with a CDA, $54,262 ($26.09 an hour). The $63,838 minimum ($30.69 an hour) applies to an associate degree in ECE, an associate degree with at least 12 ECE credits, or 60 college credits including at least 12 ECE credits. The $75,103 minimum ($36.11 an hour) applies to a bachelor’s degree or higher in ECE, or a bachelor’s degree with at least 12 ECE credits. The Department must issue guidance matching these pay floors to its teacher qualification rules. This emergency law lasts no more than 90 days after mayoral approval.

More ways child care educators qualify

The law broadens credential and education rules for child care educators in D.C. A child development associate credential must be recognized by the Council for Professional Recognition and accepted by the Department. A state-awarded certificate also counts if it meets or exceeds those credential requirements, as defined by the Department. Lead and assistant teachers can use related fields of study identified in the Department’s teacher qualification regulations. The amended home-care language includes both child development homes and expanded child development homes.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Phil Mendelson
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 1/7/2025

Final Reading, CC