District of Columbia child care assistance.

The program that helps District of Columbia families pay for child care, who can apply, how to apply, and how providers take part. Last checked November 3, 2026.

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The program in District of Columbia

WhatDetails
ProgramDC Child Care Subsidy ProgramSource: DC Child Care Subsidy Program, Office of the State Superintendent of Education. Checked November 3, 2026.
Run byOffice of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)Source: DC Child Care Subsidy Program, Office of the State Superintendent of Education. Checked November 3, 2026.

For families: who can apply

For families: how to apply

For providers: how to take part

Questions about child care assistance in District of Columbia

What is the child care assistance program in District of Columbia called?

DC Child Care Subsidy Program. It is run by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).

Who can apply for child care assistance in District of Columbia?

Eligibility is based on need and income, such as a parent working or in school. Families with incomes up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level may be eligible if they meet other criteria. Families who receive TANF benefits can also get help, along with other groups the program lists. The program has a waitlist, and eligible families are assigned a priority group.

How do families apply in District of Columbia?

Families apply online, or in person at the DC Department of Human Services or a Level II child care provider facility. Official page: https://data.osse.dc.gov/childcare-subsidy/

How does a child care provider take part in District of Columbia?

A child development facility must be licensed by OSSE and complete the subsidy agreement process OSSE sets. In-home care providers must pass a background check and get training in health and safety topics.

Sources

Every source is an official government page.

About this page

We read each source above on an official government site on November 3, 2026. Each fact links to the page it came from.

If a fact is not here, we could not read it on an official page, so we left it out.

Programs change their rules, limits and forms. Confirm with the agency before you apply or enroll as a provider.

This page is a summary of public information. Bloomily does not run these programs or decide who qualifies.

More about child care in District of Columbia

Child care assistance in other states

Billing a family with a subsidy

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