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Mayor Bowser Launches Thrive by Five DC

Monday, May 1, 2017
New Initiative Connects Parents with Services that Support Healthy Childhood Development

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser launched Thrive by Five DC, the District’s first comprehensive childhood health and learning initiative. Thrive by Five DC will empower and support families with young children through a holistic approach to healthy childhood development. The Mayor was joined at the launch by Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services HyeSook Chung and Deputy Mayor for Education Jennifer Niles.

“The first years of a child’s life are incredibly important, and we know that during this critical developmental period, parents and caretakers are a child’s first teacher and most important advocate,” said Mayor Bowser. “As we work to spread inclusive prosperity and ensure that all Washingtonians are benefitting from our city’s growth, initiatives like Thrive by Five DC will put more families on a path to long-term success and prosperity.”

At the center of the new initiative is ThriveByFive.dc.gov, a one-stop service center that will help parents and caretakers navigate the city’s wide range of early health and learning resources. ThriveByFive.dc.gov connects families to resources that support maternal and child health, behavioral health, and early education.

“Children who have nurturing, healthy and supportive experiences in their early years are much better prepared to thrive in school and life,” said Deputy Mayor Chung. “Thrive by Five DC will eliminate opportunity gaps by connecting families with the resources they need to help their children thrive once they enter the classroom.”

“Thrive by Five DC is the result of District agencies coming together to give parents access to the critical information and support they need – all in one place,” said Deputy Mayor Niles. “We know that becoming a new parent can be overwhelming and the District wants to ensure that families have the resources they need to help their children build a strong foundation for success later in life.”

Last month, Mayor Bowser announced that “DC Values in Action: A Roadmap to Inclusive Prosperity,” the Mayor’s Fiscal Year 2018 Budget and Financial Plan, includes a $15.3 million investment to increase access to infant and toddler childcare options in Washington, DC. Over the next three years, the investment will create an additional 1,300 infant and toddler seats and support 300 DC residents gain certification as educators for infants and toddlers.