Washington D.C. Child Care Grants, Programs and Services
Whether you are looking to start a child care program in District of Columbia or are a seasoned owner, there are many resources available to help fund your programs. Each state has a primary agency or organization responsible for subsidizing child care programs. They partner with local child care resource and referral (CCR&R) agencies and shared services organizations to raise awareness of grant opportunities and support the distribution of funding. They also provide additional programs and services to help you run your business.
Washington D.C. Child Care Grants, Programs and Services
Primary State Agency (Child Care Development Fund)
This primary agency oversees early care and education programs and services in District of Columbia, and is responsible for subsidizing child care programs through federal and state grants. Visit the Office of the State Superintendent of Education.
Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R Agency)
Child Care Resource & Referral agencies (CCR&Rs) are another great resource for assisting child care providers with available grants and funding and other resources. Find your local CCR&R.
Shared Services Organizations and NAEYC Regional Affiliates
The community of ECE leaders working to provide services to support sustainable child care programs is growing all the time. Reach out to your local organizations to learn more about their services.
- District of Columbia Association for the Education of Young Children (DCAEYC)
- MY CHILD CARE DC
- Early Childhood Share DC
Champions of Mixed Delivery Monthly Call
The Early Care and Education Consortium (ECEC) and National Child Care Association (NCCA) and are partnering to offer Champions of Mixed Delivery, a series of monthly check-in calls to share and receive updates about key proposals, coordinate messaging and talking points and share resources for advocacy. View dates and register for a call here.
Washington D.C. Child Care Licensing Requirements
Learn more about Washington D.C. early learning standards: Office of the State Superintendent of Education – DC Early Learning Standards
Learn more about child care licensing requirements in Washington D.C.: Office of the State Superintendent of Education – DC Licensing and Compliance
Washington D.C. Early Childhood Education Quality Ratings, Curriculum and Assessments
Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS)
Child care providers earn a rating when they meet quality standards. Many states require these quality standards in order to receive grants and additional funding. View more details at Capital Quality (QRIS).
State-Aligned Curriculum
Feel confident knowing your curriculum aligns to your state standards. Procare Early Learning by Learning Beyond Paper provides a 100% digital curriculum and assessments addressing the needs of child care centers, daycares, preschools and early learning teachers.
Assessments
Simplify the assessment process and meet state standards with a unique early childhood assessment framework that makes clarity a key strength of your child care center’s assessments and communications.
Average Cost of Child Care in District of Columbia
Understanding the cost of child care in District of Columbia is important for both parents and child care providers.
Annual Child Care Costs in Washington D.C.
Annual child care center based infant care costs in DC are approximately $24,000.
Child Care Affordability in Washington D.C.
In the District of Columbia, single parents pay 93.8% of their income for center-based infant child care. The price of center-based child care for two children would cost a married-couple family living at or below the federal poverty level over 100% of annual household income. The average price of center-based infant child care in the District of Columbia is more than the average annual tuition and fees at a public four-year college or university. View child care costs in other states.
Professional Development Resources
Professional development programs are designed to encourage, support and recognize early childhood professionals seeking to expand their skills to raise the quality of their programs. View a list of professional development resources for child care providers here.