Almost all DC child care programs require licensing, subject to exemptions. Categories are centers, homes for up to six children in the provider's home, and expanded homes for six to twelve children.
The online licensing webinar requires passing an accompanying quiz.
No later than 90 days before the expiration date of the existing license
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), Division of Early Learning, Licensing and Compliance Unit
Office of the State Superintendent of Education ... The provider submits the following applicable forms to the Division of Early Learning, Licensing and Compliance Unit (LCU):Official source
Licensing Process for Child Care ProvidersOfficial source
Complete the center or home licensing orientation before applying and submit its completion certificate.
Completing an orientation in person or through the online licensing webinar is required prior to applying for a child care license. ... A copy of your certificate must be submitted with your application.Official source
The online licensing webinar requires passing an accompanying quiz.
The provider completes a licensing orientation in person or through the online licensing webinar which requires successfully passing an accompanying quiz.Official source
The licensing orientation gives information and instructions for submitting an application.Official source
Review the official instructions for your situation before applying.
Open the official agency pageAlmost all DC child care programs require licensing, subject to exemptions. Categories are centers, homes for up to six children in the provider's home, and expanded homes for six to twelve children.
Child development centers; ... Child development homes, also called family child care homes, which care for up to six children in the provider’s home; and ... Expanded child development homes, which care for between six to 12 children. Almost all child care programs in the District of Columbia must be licensed. (There are some exemptions.Official source
The center application includes a USD 75 application fee.
Child Development Center Application, application fee of $75, and all applicable formsOfficial source
Renewal instructions and required forms are on the licensing-process page.
Child care licenses must be renewed every three years. The process for renewing a license is very similar to the process for getting a new license:Official source
No later than 90 days before the expiration date of the existing license
The provider submits a renewal application, fee, and all applicable forms no later than 90 days before the expiration date of the existing license.Official source
3 years
The license is good for three years and must be renewed every three years.Official source
Have a license or permit? Use the expiration date printed on it to set up your calendar and reminders.
Application/renewal documentation includes proof of reasonable commercial general liability, umbrella follow-form liability, sexual abuse/molestation liability and vehicle liability coverage.
Proof of insurance that includes a reasonable coverage (i.e. commercial general liability, umbrella “Follow Form” liability, sexual abuse and molestation liability, and vehicle liability)Official source
Confirm the charges and conditions for your application with the official agency.
No later than 90 days before the expiration date of the existing license
The provider submits a renewal application, fee, and all applicable forms no later than 90 days before the expiration date of the existing license.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), Division of Early Learning, Licensing and Compliance Unit
Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), Division of Early Learning, Licensing and Compliance Unit
Office of the State Superintendent of Education ... The provider submits the following applicable forms to the Division of Early Learning, Licensing and Compliance Unit (LCU):Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
https://osse.dc.gov/service/licensing-process-child-care-providers
Licensing Process for Child Care ProvidersOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
https://osse.dc.gov/service/licensing-process-child-care-providers
The licensing orientation gives information and instructions for submitting an application.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Complete the center or home licensing orientation before applying and submit its completion certificate.
Complete the center or home licensing orientation before applying and submit its completion certificate.
Completing an orientation in person or through the online licensing webinar is required prior to applying for a child care license. ... A copy of your certificate must be submitted with your application.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
The online licensing webinar requires passing an accompanying quiz.
The online licensing webinar requires passing an accompanying quiz.
The provider completes a licensing orientation in person or through the online licensing webinar which requires successfully passing an accompanying quiz.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Application/renewal documentation includes proof of reasonable commercial general liability, umbrella follow-form liability, sexual abuse/molestation liability and vehicle liability coverage.
Application/renewal documentation includes proof of reasonable commercial general liability, umbrella follow-form liability, sexual abuse/molestation liability and vehicle liability coverage.
Proof of insurance that includes a reasonable coverage (i.e. commercial general liability, umbrella “Follow Form” liability, sexual abuse and molestation liability, and vehicle liability)Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
3 years
3
The license is good for three years and must be renewed every three years.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
No later than 90 days before the expiration date of the existing license
no later than 90 days before the expiration date of the existing license Applies to: Renewal application, fee and all applicable forms for a child care license
The provider submits a renewal application, fee, and all applicable forms no later than 90 days before the expiration date of the existing license.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Almost all DC child care programs require licensing, subject to exemptions. Categories are centers, homes for up to six children in the provider's home, and expanded homes for six to twelve children.
Almost all DC child care programs require licensing, subject to exemptions. Categories are centers, homes for up to six children in the provider's home, and expanded homes for six to twelve children.
Child development centers; ... Child development homes, also called family child care homes, which care for up to six children in the provider’s home; and ... Expanded child development homes, which care for between six to 12 children. Almost all child care programs in the District of Columbia must be licensed. (There are some exemptions.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
The center application includes a USD 75 application fee.
The center application includes a USD 75 application fee.
Child Development Center Application, application fee of $75, and all applicable formsOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Renewal instructions and required forms are on the licensing-process page.
Renewal instructions and required forms are on the licensing-process page.
Child care licenses must be renewed every three years. The process for renewing a license is very similar to the process for getting a new license:Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Not yet verified: license fee, required hours, continuing education — see the official agency.
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Last verified Oct 25, 2026.
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