DC Early LearningCollaborative
Building a Thriving Future for Every Child
A city where every child from birth to age 5 has equitable access to high-quality early education and care.
10+
Years of Leadership
15
Board Members
0-5
Ages Served
Stronger Together
A DCELC Initiative for Collective Leadership in Early Childhood Education
In May 2026, more than 70 early childhood leaders, educators, and advocates gathered for Stronger Together: Protecting Progress Through Collective Leadership — a convening born from a simple but urgent recognition: Washington, DC's early childhood education field is strongest when it moves as one.
That single gathering is now becoming something bigger. Stronger Together is DCELC's ongoing initiative to protect progress in DC's early childhood field through collective leadership.
Leadership doesn't happen by accident. It has to be cultivated, trained, and resourced.
Why This Work
Matters
Progress in ECE has always depended on people willing to lead — to testify, to organize, to speak up for children, families, and the workforce.
But leadership is not a trait some people have and others don't. It's a capacity that grows when it's invested in.
Too often, the field has asked its educators and providers to lead without ever building the pipeline, training, or support structure to help them do it well — or sustain it over time.
Where the field has often relied on episodic collaboration — coming together during a budget crisis, a subsidy rate fight, or a licensing change, then dispersing once the moment passes — Stronger Together builds the leadership base that holds between those moments, so protecting progress isn't dependent on a handful of the same people carrying the field forward again and again.
DC's early childhood sector includes hundreds of family child care providers, center-based programs, and community organizations, each carrying deep expertise and a shared stake in the systems that shape their work — subsidy reimbursement, pay equity, facility standards, workforce development, and public investment in the Birth-to-Three continuum. But that expertise is too often scattered.
Sustained progress depends on a deep, growing bench of leaders across every level of the field — classroom educators, family child care providers, center directors, association staff — with the skills, confidence, and support to carry the work forward.
Stay Tuned.
More details about this new DCELC initiative are on the way. Cohort tracks, leadership pathways, training opportunities, and how to get involved — announced soon.
History of DC Early Childhood Education
The Development of the Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Act of 2008
Head Start Pilot Program
Washington DC's Anacostia Pre-School Project serves as a pilot site for the Federal Head Start Program.
Vision, Mission, Values & Theory of Change
Guiding principles that drive our commitment to early childhood education in Washington, DC.
Vision
We envision a future where every child enters school with a strong foundation built on high-quality early childhood educational experiences. We strive for a future where early learning experiences close the opportunity and achievement gaps, educators are valued and supported, families are engaged, and communities unite to create equitable opportunities that last for generations.
Mission
The DC Early Learning Collaborative (DCELC) strives to ensure that all children receive high-quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) by advocating for equity, strengthening the workforce, shaping policy, and building a better system of early care and education. Through partnerships, education of the public, and policy advocacy, we elevate ECE professionals, empower families, and create a more inclusive, effective early learning system where every child thrives and reaches their full potential.
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Equity
We are committed to dismantling systemic barriers and ensuring that children of color and all children receive high-quality, engaging educational experiences that nurture their full potential.
Advocacy
We champion systemic change, amplifying the voices of ECE professionals, children, and families to influence policy and public perception.
Excellence
We strive to build a highly skilled, well-compensated, and well-supported ECE workforce that delivers exceptional education and care.
Partnership
We strengthen connections between families, educators, and local organizations, fostering community-driven solutions that enhance early learning opportunities.
Growth & Development
We work to elevate the role, value, and competency of ECE professionals, ensuring they receive the respect, compensation, and acknowledgment they deserve.
Legacy
We focus on long-term solutions to create a stable, thriving ECE system, benefitting children, families, and educators for generations to come.
Theory of Change
Our strategic roadmap for improving infant and toddler education in the District, helping children reach their full potential.
Awareness
Educating and engaging the public and media about ECE
Action
Direct advocacy, policy change, and systemic improvements
Education
Professional development and support for ECE workforce
10+ Years
Of Leadership
Continuing the legacy of the historic Pre-K for All DC movement.
Who We Are
Our Role in Advancing Early Childhood Education
The DC Early Learning Collaborative (DCELC) stands at the forefront of advancing equitable access to high-quality early childhood education (ECE) across Washington, DC. As a trusted convener of educators, policymakers, and community leaders, DCELC brings together diverse voices to strengthen the city's early learning system and champion policies that uplift children, families, and the workforce that serves them.
Trusted Convener
Bringing together educators, policymakers, and community leaders
Equity Champion
Championing policies that uplift children, families, and workforce
Knowledge Leader
Guided by data, lived experience, and equity-centered practices
System Builder
Strengthening the city's early learning system
Strategic Vision for 2026–2029
Our 2026–2029 strategic plan builds on this foundation by deepening DCELC's commitment to positioning early childhood education as a public good, an essential pillar of the District's educational progress, workforce stability, and long-term economic health.
Strengthen Internal Capacity
Build organizational strength to better serve our community and partners.
Expand Professional Development
Create pathways for Directors, programs, and educators to grow professionally.
Lead Coordinated Advocacy
Secure equitable funding and systemic reform through unified action.
Community Mobilization
Ensure every child, regardless of zip code, has the opportunity to thrive.
2026-2029
Strategic Plan
Intentional & Forward-Looking
Organizational Overview
A Cross-Sector Coalition for Early Learning
Cross-Sector Coalition
The DC Early Learning Collaborative (DCELC) is a powerful cross-sector coalition of educators, advocates, community-based organizations, and policymakers united by a shared commitment to strengthening the District's early learning system.
As the successor to Pre-K for All DC, which led the passage of the landmark Pre-K Expansion and Enhancement Act of 2008, legislation that became a national model, DCELC continues to serve as a driving force for innovation, collaboration, and equity in early education.
Inclusive Governance and Representation
DCELC's governance structure reflects the strength of its coalition and the diversity of the field it represents. Its 15-member board includes leaders from key associations.
Our Team
The dedicated professionals driving our mission forward
Ihkeem D. Ma'at
Collaboration and Advocacy Director
Leads cross-sector partnerships and advocacy initiatives to strengthen early childhood education across the District. Oversees operational coordination for DC ELC's leadership, board, and coalition activities.
Zainab Sulaiman
Sr. Programs and Communications Manager
Leads organizational narrative development, strategic communications, and program alignment at DC ELC. Guides cohesive messaging, branding, and funder-facing materials to strengthen organizational sustainability.
Our Partner Organizations
A coalition of dedicated associations working together - click to learn more
"When you do the right thing for children, you believe in the inherent value of every child, regardless of background."
Maurice R. Sykes
DCELC Leader & Visionary
Maurice R. Sykes
Maurice R. Sykes dedicated his life to advancing early childhood education in Washington, DC. His vision, leadership, and unwavering belief in every child's potential continue to inspire DCELC's mission. Honor his legacy by supporting the work he loved.
Honor His LegacyIn The Community
Explore our community activities, events, and initiatives that strengthen the early childhood education ecosystem across Washington, DC.
InitiativeHealthCare4ChildCare (HC4CC)
Free or low-cost health insurance for DC's child care workforce. HC4CC helps OSSE-licensed child development centers and homes provide affordable health insurance to all their employees, regardless of income or immigration status.
CommunityFaith UCC Mobile Market
Free fresh produce, bread, pastries, and diapers for babies and adults. Bring your bags and invite family, friends, and neighbors!
Get in Touch
Have questions or need more information? We're here to help!
Contact Information
Phone
(202) 961-5502Mailing Address
700 Pennsylvania Ave. S.E 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20003