ONLY ON NEWSCHANNEL 8

WASHINGTON - The Wilson Building knows protests; its steps are stamped with a cause nearly every day.

But there was something unusual there Thursday. Dozens of toddlers in tennis shoes and rain jackets lined Pennsylvania Avenue holding posters protesting the closing of community-based child care centers in D.C.

In the past year, budget cuts forced the city to close more than 25 child care centers, leaving families without a place for their children and providers without a paycheck.

Protesters carried tombstone signs in remembrance of those centers, but they say they have no plans to rest in peace.

From solemn to sharp, nearly 200 children, parents and child care providers rallied to raise awareness about the importance of quality care.

Recent budget cuts have led to closures for some programs and others are in jeopardy of shutting their doors. "If I don't have child care, I can not go to work," said Tonya Pickett, a mother of two.

Pickett says if her children's care center closes, she'll stay home, lose her job and end up on welfare. "They don't have money for all of us if we have to stop working," she said.

Child care providers say the programs deliver a dual benefit -- allowing parents to work and children to learn. "The money put in quality care is a true investment," said Debbie Hall, executive director of Big Mama's Children's Center.

One that Hall says saves taxpayer dollars. "For every dollar invested in early care and education, the government can save anywhere from $7 to $14," she said.

Statistics show children from low-income families who participate in subsidized early child care programs are less likely to end up on welfare or in jail.

Said Fahim Shabazz, a father of two, "If they don't learn now, how can they lead us in the future?"

Councilman Harry Thomas credits quality child care for his current success. "I would not be here if I did not have extended family and day care services that took care of me and saw my way. Miss Hall, God bless you and thank you for putting me on my feet," he said.

In the past two years, the budget for subsidy programs has decreased by $22 million and many providers receive less money now than they did in 2004.

"This is one of the top issues in our city," said Thomas. "This ranks along with unemployment."

Within the next two weeks, Thomas plans to ask for an audit to determine why $7 million intended for District day care was never funneled to those programs.

 Email To Friend