How to Start a Daycare in Washington, D.C.

Childcare businesses are a vital resource for many communities. Many families need high-quality child care and early education programs have an extremely important impact on children’s development and growth. Becoming a licensed childcare provider requires understanding of the many laws and regulations that programs must follow. 

In this article, we discuss the different childcare license types in Washington, D.C. as well as the licensing requirements, how to navigate the application process, and how to remain compliant.

Do I need a childcare license in Washington, D.C.?

Each state has unique regulations, processes, and standards for childcare. The District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) also has its own rules for opening a daycare center or starting a preschool at home. In the District of Columbia, nearly all childcare programs must be licensed. 

There are three different types of childcare programs:

• Child development centers: Provide care for more than 12 children located in a facility other than the provider’s home. This often includes preschools, childcare centers, nursery schools, and before and after-school programs
• Child development homes, also called family childcare homes: Provide care for up to six children in the provider’s home
• Expanded child development homes: Provide care for six to twelve children

However, certain programs are exempt from licensure. For instance, occasional babysitting for a family member, care provided in places of worship during religious services, and informal or occasional parent-supervised playgroups don’t require a license. 

Childcare licensing requirements in Washington, D.C.

There are different licensing requirements for each type of childcare program. Before applying for a license, it’s important to determine which category applies to your program and ensure you meet all the regulations.

Child development centers

Provider qualifications

A licensed child development center must be managed by a center director. A center director must meet at least one of the following qualification requirements:

• A bachelor’s or more advanced degree from an accredited institution in early childhood education or development and at least one year of supervised experience working with children in a licensed District of Columbia child development center
• An associate’s degree from an accredited institution with a major in early childhood education or development, and has at least three years of supervised occupational experience working with children in a licensed District of Columbia child development center, provided that they earn a bachelor’s or more advanced degree
• Have earned at least 48 credit hours from an accredited institution with at least 15 semester credit hours in early childhood education or development, and have at least four years of supervised occupational experience working with children in a licensed District of Columbia child development center and be employed as a qualified center director in a licensed child development center in the District of Columbia 
• For a Montessori School Director, earned a Montessori certificate and have at least three years of supervised occupational experience working with children in a licensed District of Columbia child development center

Teacher qualifications

A teacher in a child development center must be at least 18 years old and meet at least one of the following requirements:

• An associate’s or more advanced degree from an accredited institution with a major in early childhood education, early childhood development, child and family studies, or a closely related field
• An associate’s or more advanced degree from an accredited institution with a major in early childhood education, early childhood development, child and family studies, earned at least 24 semester credit hours from an accredited institution in early childhood education, early childhood development, child and family studies, and have at least one year of supervised experience working with children in a licensed child development center
• Have earned at least 48 semester credit hours from an accredited institution of which 15 semester hours must be in early childhood education, early childhood development, or child and family studies, and has at least two years of supervised experience working with children, provided that the individual earns an associate’s degree within four years
• A high school diploma or its equivalent and a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, provided that the individual earns an associate’s degree within four years
• For a Montessori school teacher, must have earned an associate’s degree from an accredited institution and a Montessori certificate

The OSSE provides more details on these qualifications in the Licensing Orientation for New Child Development Centers packet. This document also details the staff suitability requirements for all employees that work in the center, including the director and licensing applicant. All are required to pass drug and alcohol testing, a traffic records check, and a criminal background check.

Facility requirements

The physical location for a child development center must also meet specific regulations. These building and space requirements ensure that children are in the best possible learning environment. Certain items are prohibited, such as infant walkers, crib gyms, collapsible cribs, playpens, and projectile toys. The building must be kept clean, sanitary, and safe for children. The following is required for a facility:

• 45 square feet of program space per infant
• 35 square feet per toddler and child (unencumbered space)
• 45 square feet per child (encumbered space)
• One toilet and sink per 10 children
• Access to a minimum of 60 square feet of outdoor play space per child
• Separate staff restroom
• Isolation area for sick children
• Age-appropriate toys and furniture that are safe, clean and in good repair

Ratio requirements

Child development centers serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers must maintain the following adult-to-child ratios and group sizes:

Child development centers must have at least two staff members supervising each group at all times. When children of different ages are combined in one group, the adult-to-child ratio for the youngest age will apply.

Child development homes and expanded child development homes

Caregiver qualifications

There are different requirements for caregivers to operate a child development home: 

• The licensee must live on the premises and work at the facility located in the home
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent and must earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential within two years
• Must attend at least four child development-related training courses approved by the District of Columbia government, per year, for a total of 12 hours annually
• Must complete all health and safety training requirements 

Expanded home caregivers must meet all requirements for caregivers in child development homes and must have earned at least one of the following:

• An associate’s or more advanced degree from an accredited institution with a major in early childhood education, early childhood development, child and family studies, or a closely related field
• A high school diploma or equivalent and a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, provided the individual earns an associate’s or more advanced degree within three years

An expanded home caregiver must have also successfully completed one of the following:

• At least one year of operating as a caregiver in a licensed District of Columbia child development home or its equivalent in another jurisdiction
• At least one year of supervised experience in a licensed child development center or its equivalent as a center director or teacher

All caregivers are required to pass drug and alcohol testing, a traffic records check, and a criminal background check.

Facility requirements

There are also requirements for the home where care will be provided. These rules cover the indoor and outdoor space, furnishings, supplies, equipment, and sanitation of the home. Items such as walkers, crib gyms, stacked cribs, playpens, projectile toys, and tricycles with spokes are prohibited. The indoor space is required to have the following:

• Storage space/cubbies/napping equipment
• Space for individual groups/classes
• Drinking water
• Food preparation area to include a sink, hot and cold water, refrigeration, and storage
• Facility must be clean, safe, sanitary, and in good repair
• Hazardous materials must be inaccessible (i.e., paint, cleaning supplies, etc)
• Storage areas for poisons must be locked
• An individual crib or cot for every child enrolled in a full-day program

For sanitation purposes, child development homes also must locate their diaper-changing area near a source of running water and soap away from the kitchen area. There should also be adequate room for active and quiet play and individual and group activities. A sufficient amount of materials, games, equipment, and books must also be provided for the number of children. The OSSE provides more information on the requirements for child development homes in the Child Development Home Licensing Orientation packet.

Ratio requirements

Child development homes and expanded homes serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers must maintain the following adult-to-child ratios and group sizes:

Childcare licensing application in Washington, D.C.

The licensing processes for childcare providers in the District of Columbia are similar between child development centers, child development homes, and expanded child development homes. For all providers, the first step is to attend a licensing orientation webinar and pass the following quiz. From there, you’ll receive more information that will help you through the rest of the process, which may take one to three months.

Child development centers

The application process for child development centers is as follows:

Step 1: Complete orientation

Complete the child development center licensing orientation webinar, pass the quiz, and print your completion certificate. A copy of your certificate must be submitted with your application.

Step 2: Obtain the required permits and certificates

After selecting your location, you’ll need to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy permit (COO) from the District of Columbia Department of Buildings (DOB).

Step 3: Submit your initial application

Submit your initial child development center license application and required fees along with the following documents:

• Documentation of completion of background checks
• Certificate of Clean Hands from the Office of Tax and Revenue
• Director qualifications
• Proof of insurance that includes commercial general liability, umbrella “Follow Form” liability, sexual abuse and molestation liability, and vehicle liability
• Fire safety inspection certificate from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)
• Lead-based paint certification or clearance report from the Department of Energy and Environment
• Notarized building use agreement (if applicable)
• Original Certificate of Occupancy
• Program policies and procedures
• Emergency preparedness and response plan
• Sample five-day menu following the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program Meal Pattern
• Documentation of two staff members with first aid and CPR certification

Step 4: Complete an initial inspection

A licensing specialist will contact you to schedule an inspection within 10 business days of receipt of your application. Prepare for the initial inspection by having the following ready:

• Written program policies and procedures
• Emergency contingency plan
• Sample five-day menu following USDA Child and Adult Food Care Program Meal Pattern (if serving food)
• Developmentally appropriate materials, equipment, cots/cribs sufficient for the number of children
• Designated storage spaces and learning/activity areas for children
• Complete staff files including health records and criminal background checks

You have up to 60 days to fix anything noted deficient in the inspection, but the licensing specialist may give you a specific deadline. The licensing specialist will conduct a follow-up visit to ensure the deficiencies were corrected. 

Step 5: Pass a validation inspection

Your licensing specialist and a licensing supervisor will visit the facility for a final visit to ensure compliance with all licensing regulations. If approved, you’ll receive your license.

Child development homes and expanded child development homes

The application process for child development homes is as follows:

Step 1: Complete orientation

Complete the child development home licensing orientation webinar, pass the quiz, and print your completion certificate. A copy of your certificate must be submitted with your application.

Step 2: Obtain the required permits and certificates

After selecting your location, you’ll need to obtain a Home Occupancy permit from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).

Step 3: Submit your initial application

Submit your initial child development home license application and required fees along with the following documents:

• Documentation of completion of background checks
• Certificate of Clean Hands from the Office of Tax and Revenue
• Caregiver qualifications
• Proof of insurance that includes commercial general liability, umbrella “Follow Form” liability, sexual abuse and molestation liability, and vehicle liability
• Fire safety inspection certificate from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)
• Lead-based paint certification or clearance report from the Department of Energy and Environment
• Notarized building use agreement (if applicable)
• Original Home Occupancy permit
• Program policies and procedures
• Emergency preparedness and response plan
• Sample five-day menu following the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program Meal Pattern
• Documentation of two staff members with first aid and CPR certification

Step 4: Complete an initial inspection

A licensing specialist will contact you to schedule an inspection within 10 business days of receipt of your application. Prepare for the initial inspection by having the following ready:

• Program and policy statement
• Emergency contingency plan
• Sample five-day menu following USDA Child and Adult Food Care Program Meal Pattern (if serving food)
• Developmentally appropriate materials, equipment, cots/cribs sufficient for the number of children
• Designated storage spaces and learning/activity areas for children
• Complete staff files including health records and criminal background checks

You have up to 60 days to fix anything noted deficient in the inspection, but the licensing specialist may give you a specific deadline. The licensing specialist will conduct a follow-up visit to ensure the deficiencies were corrected. 

Step 5: Pass a validation inspection

Your licensing specialist and a licensing supervisor will visit the home for a final visit to ensure compliance with all licensing regulations. If approved, you’ll receive your license.

As you complete your licensing application, develop your business plan, choose a name for your center, and create a marketing plan. A tool like brightwheel’s center management feature simplifies your administrative tasks so you can spend less time on busywork and more time with children and families.

How to stay compliant with a daycare license in Washington, D.C.

After you have completed the application process, you’ll receive an initial license. An initial license is valid for three years beginning on the date of issuance. After that, a renewal license will be issued and valid for three years. OSSE may also issue a restricted license as an alternative to suspending or revoking an existing license when a facility is found to have one or more deficiencies.

Once an initial license is granted, you’ll be subject to monitoring visits. Each year, a licensing specialist will do one announced visit and one unannounced visit; additional visits may happen at any time. These are to ensure that child development centers and homes are maintaining licensing compliance, following regulations and policies, and providing the best possible care. The main things they’ll check for are:

• Ownership, organization, and administration
• Supervision of children
• Condition of equipment and materials
• Discipline practices
• Staff-to-child ratios
• Environment indoors and outdoors
• Staff qualifications and training
• Criminal background checks
• Menus and food served

Completing renewals promptly is another aspect of compliance. Renewal applications, including all required documents and fees, must be submitted no later than 90 days before the expiration date of the existing license. You must also notify OSSE in writing at least 30 calendar days before implementing any significant changes in operation. This includes things like renovations or any changes to the phone number, capacity, hours, services, or operation of the program. For child development homes specifically, OSSE needs to be notified if new people are moving into the home or if the caregiver changes their first or last name.

There are also annual health and safety training requirements for caregivers to complete. Any new staff members must undergo the same background checks, drug and alcohol testing, and training. The best way to stay compliant is to stay in touch with the licensing specialist you work with during the application process and always contact the OSSE for questions.

Funding resources for your childcare business

As you go through the licensing process, you may come across grants or other funding resources that can help fund your childcare business. A grant is an often overlooked financial resource given by a government agency or private foundation that does not need to be repaid. This makes them an attractive funding option if you are looking to expand or enhance the quality and accessibility of your program.

Grants provide funding that can be used towards a variety of purposes, such as improving facilities, purchasing new equipment or materials, or offering professional development opportunities for staff. The available resources vary by state so it is crucial to research and understand the grants for childcare providers in Washington, D.C. to make informed decisions about which ones to apply for.

Start a childcare business

Becoming a childcare provider involves a great deal of research and planning. Obtaining a license is often one of the first steps to starting your business. However, this process is an important part of providing high-quality child care and becoming a trusted resource for families in your community.