Licensed Daycare in District of Columbia
Find the right daycare in District of Columbia in under 5 minutes. 0 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against DC OSSE — Division of Early Learning. Free, no signup.
Listings updated May 2026 from official District of Columbia licensing records.
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.
What'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
District of Columbia Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in District of Columbia runs about $32,400/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from District of Columbia center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in District of Columbia
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Check eligibility for DC Child Care Subsidy Program. Most District of Columbia families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
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Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in District of Columbia often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (202) 727-2316.
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Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
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Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the DC OSSE — Division of Early Learning database and tour during operating hours.
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
Official District of Columbia & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Daycare in District of Columbia — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in District of Columbia is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in District of Columbia?
How much does daycare cost in District of Columbia?
Are subsidies available for childcare in District of Columbia?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a District of Columbia daycare?
Where to get childcare help in District of Columbia
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programDC Child Care Subsidy Program can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(202) 727-2316 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with DC OSSE — Division of Early Learning.
Official license searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for District of Columbia are compiled from official DC OSSE — Division of Early Learning licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 0 Licensed District of Columbia Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.