District of ColumbiaB26-0433Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

Early Childhood Educator Pay Scales Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Phil Mendelson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Minimum pay for DC childcare teachers

From January 1 through September 30, 2026, facilities with Department funding agreements must use Fund money to meet salary minimums. Assistant teachers get at least $48,736 yearly with a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Their minimum is $51,576 with an associate degree or higher, or 60 college-level coursework hours in any field. Lead teachers with a CDA get at least $48,736 in centers or expanded child development homes, or $51,576 in child development homes. Lead teachers with qualifying associate-level early childhood education credentials get at least $60,678; qualifying bachelor’s-or-higher credentials bring a $71,010 minimum. The District can revise these minimums through its rulemaking process, within approved funding; increases are not automatic.

Childcare worker payments protect local benefits

Lump-sum payments from the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund do not count as income or assets for covered District benefits. This protects both eligibility and benefit amounts, unless federal law bars the exclusion. Covered programs include District Public Assistance Act programs and other locally funded benefits, including Strong Families, Strong Futures. This protection applies to Fund lump-sum payments, not all teacher wages.

Health premium help for childcare workers

The Fund can help lower health insurance premiums paid by eligible childcare facilities or their employees. Facilities or employees must qualify under the law’s minimum salary rules. Help depends on approved funding and an agreement with the District of Columbia Health Benefit Exchange. The law does not set a reduction amount or guarantee premium help.

Dedicated funding for childcare teacher pay

The Department administers a dedicated Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund to support pay at participating facilities. The law directs fiscal-year deposits of $53.920878 million for 2022, $72.889092 million for 2023, and $69.508332 million for 2024. It directs another $70 million for 2025 and $72.126902 million for 2026. The Department cannot spend more than 5% of each year’s deposits on program administration.

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 • 10/21/2025

Final Reading

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Act A26-0196 Published in DC Register Vol 72 and Page 012882, Expires on Feb 08, 2026
11/21/2025House
Returned from Mayor
11/10/2025House
Signed by the Mayor and Enacted with Act Number A26-0196, Expires on Feb 08, 2026
11/10/2025House
Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on Nov 12, 2025
10/28/2025House
Legislative Meeting
10/21/2025House
Retained by the Council
10/21/2025House
B26-0433 Introduced by Chairman Mendelson at Office of the Secretary
10/20/2025House

Bill Text

Enrollment
10/21/2025
PDF
Introduced
10/20/2025
PDF

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