Childcare programs provide education and care for young children in a center or a residential home. Many facilities offer schedules to meet families' needs including daycare, extended care, and before and after care. Programs are classified by the age of the children in their care.

Preschools must meet the same license requirements as any other childcare facility and receive accreditation from the National Association for Education of Young Children. Some programs follow a model, such as Montessori or Waldorf. But most emphasize play for very young children, rather than academics.

The DC Department of Health licenses DC childcare facilities.  The DC Department of Human Services, Early Care and Education Administration (ECEA) provides support for and collaborates with other public and private child and family advocacy organizations to formulate an effective continuum of services and care for District children 5 years of age and younger. ECEA also provides access to before and after school services for eligible children up to age 12. In addition, the ECEA manages scholarship programs for national accreditation of centers and homes. The administration provides a scholarship program for individuals seeking professional early childhood development credentials.

 

Visit DC School Search  to learn more about childcare terminology and to find a licensed childcare facility in DC.