Licensed Daycare in District of Columbia
Search 0 verified daycare and childcare centers across District of Columbia, sourced directly from DC OSSE — Division of Early Learning. Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.
District of Columbia Childcare Licensing
In District of Columbia, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the DC OSSE — Division of Early Learning. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:4 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:8 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
Verify a license at DC OSSE — Division of Early LearningWhat's distinctive about District of Columbia: Washington DC has the highest daycare costs in the US ($2,700/mo infant care). The Universal Pre-K program serves all 3- and 4-year-olds for free regardless of income — one of the most generous in the country.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- DC OSSE — Division of Early Learning
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:4
- Preschool ratio
- 1:8
- Avg infant cost
- $2,700/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $1,900/mo
Top Cities for Daycare in District of Columbia
View all cities →District of Columbia Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
District of Columbia families can apply for DC Child Care Subsidy Program based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (202) 727-2316
Daycare in District of Columbia — Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the staff-to-child ratio in District of Columbia?
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Are subsidies available for childcare in District of Columbia?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a District of Columbia daycare?
Search 0 Licensed District of Columbia Centers
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