| License type | Small family child care home |
| Regulating agency | District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education — Early Learning Division — Child Care Licensing and Compliance |
| Regulatory code | DCMR 5-A (Child Development Facilities: Licensing); DC Official Code §7-2031 et seq. |
| Typical maximum capacity | Up to 6–8 children (verify with DC OSSE) |
| Provider credential | No Director Permit required in most states; background check + pre-licensing orientation required |
| CPR/First Aid | Required — must be current before license issued |
| Annual training | Continuing education required (hours vary by state) |
| Setting | Provider’s own private residence |
Washington DC small family child care home: Capacity rules
Small family child care homes in Washington DC use a capacity model rather than a traditional staff-to-child ratio. The licensed capacity is set under DCMR 5-A (Child Development Facilities: Licensing); DC Official Code §7-2031 et seq. and depends on the ages of children and whether the provider is alone or has an assistant present.
Small family child care homes operate on a capacity model, not a staff-to-child ratio model. The provider is the caregiver — no assistant is required. For programs caring for a larger group, see the Washington DC large family child care home requirements.
| Capacity scenario | Staffing required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 6 children | Provider alone | Typical base capacity; verify with DC OSSE for infant limits |
| 7–8 children | Provider alone (if criteria met) | Additional criteria may apply (age mix, infant limits); verify with District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education |
| Provider’s own children | Counted in total | Own children under specified age who are home during care hours typically count toward capacity |
Washington DC small family child care home: Credential & training requirements
Provider / Licensee requirements
To operate a small family child care home in Washington DC, the provider must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check (fingerprinting), and complete a pre-licensing health and safety orientation approved by District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education. A formal ECE degree or director permit is generally not required for small family homes in most states.
CPR and first aid
Current CPR and pediatric first aid certification is required before the license is issued and must be kept current throughout the licensing period. Some states require household members or substitutes to also hold CPR certification.
Annual training requirements
After licensure, providers in Washington DC must complete continuing education hours annually as required by District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education. Training topics typically include child development, health and safety, and first aid. Contact DC OSSE for the current annual training requirement.
Washington DC small family child care home: Facility requirements
The following physical environment standards apply to small family child care homes in Washington DC under DCMR 5-A (Child Development Facilities: Licensing); DC Official Code §7-2031 et seq..
| Setting | Must be the provider’s primary residence; not a commercial building |
| Home inspection | DC OSSE licensing analyst inspects the home before license issuance — checks for safety hazards, fencing, safe sleeping areas, and emergency exits |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area required; equipment must be age-appropriate and in good repair |
| Sleeping arrangements | Safe sleep practices required; appropriate sleep surfaces for infants; no shared sleep surfaces |
| Zoning | Check with your local city/county — some jurisdictions require a home business permit or conditional use permit for a family child care home |
How to get a small family child care home license in Washington DC
The small family child care home licensing process in Washington DC is administered by District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education. Follow these general steps:
- Contact District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education — Early Learning Division — Child Care Licensing and Compliance to request a small family child care home application packet.
- Complete the application forms including disclosure of all adults (18+) residing in the home, who must submit fingerprints for background checks.
- Complete the required pre-licensing health and safety orientation.
- Obtain current CPR and pediatric first aid certification for the provider.
- Schedule and pass the pre-licensing home inspection by a DC OSSE licensing analyst.
- Obtain any required local permits (zoning, fire, or home business permit) from your city or county.
- Receive your small family child care home license from District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education.
Licensing contact: District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education — Early Learning Division — Child Care Licensing and Compliance.
Official resource: https://osse.dc.gov/service/licensing-and-compliance
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Frequently asked questions: Washington DC small family child care home licensing
Sources & references
This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education before making licensing or compliance decisions.
- District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education — family child care home licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Washington DC
Also in this guide: Washington DC Childcare Center Requirements, Washington DC Large Family Child Care Home Requirements, Washington DC Preschool Requirements