District of Columbia childcare licensing requirements.
Ratios, group sizes, certifications, and drills for District of Columbia — per OSSE Child Development Facility Licensing (5-A DCMR). Bloomily tracks every one of them live, so the paperwork is ready before anyone asks.
Staff-to-child ratios in District of Columbia
| Age group | Ratio | Max group size |
|---|---|---|
| infant_toddler | 1:4 | 8 |
| Older Toddlers (24-36 months) | 1:4 | 12 |
| preschool_young | 1:8 | 16 |
| preschool_older | 1:10 | 20 |
| School Age (5+ years) | 1:15 | 30 |
Per OSSE Child Development Facility Licensing (5-A DCMR). Ratios in Bloomily are computed live from real check-ins against these limits.
Required certifications
DC requires minimum 18 clock hours annual professional development
Renews every 12 months
CDA credential or equivalent for lead teachers
Renews every 36 months
DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) registry check required
Renews every 24 months
DC Metropolitan Police and FBI fingerprint background check required
Renews every 24 months
Director qualifications per 5-A DCMR including CDA or higher and experience
Pediatric first aid certification required
Renews every 24 months
Lead teacher qualifications per 5-A DCMR regulations
California mandated reporter training for child abuse
DC mandatory reporter training on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect
Renews every 24 months
Medication administration training required
Renews every 24 months
Initial orientation training within first 90 days of employment
Infant and child CPR certification required for all caregivers
Renews every 24 months
Safe sleep training required for infant caregivers per DC regulations
Renews every 60 months
Drill requirements
| Drill | Frequency | Required |
|---|---|---|
| fire | monthly | Yes |
| evacuation | semi_annually | Yes |
District of Columbia OSSE Pre-Inspection Checklist
- Current OSSE license posted in visible location
- License capacity not exceeded
- Operating within licensed hours
- Parent handbook current and available
- Written policies and procedures current
- Fee schedule posted or provided to parents
- Liability insurance current and adequate
- Required postings visible (license, emergency plans, menus)
- OSSE contact information posted
- Reporting requirements met (incidents, changes)
- All staff have current background clearances (MPD and FBI)
- CFSA Child Protection Registry checks completed
Run a District of Columbia program? Keep it compliant without the binder.
Ratios computed live from real check-ins, certifications flagged before they lapse, and inspection-ready reports one click away.