DC licenses home-based child care through the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) under DCMR Title 5-A Chapter 1 and DC Code section 4-401. Home caregivers may serve up to 5 children (child development home) or 6-12 children (expanded home) depending on license tier. Zoning approval plus Basic Business License from DLCP are also required.
Home child care in DC is tightly regulated by OSSE's Division of Early Learning under DCMR 5-A100 et seq. The two residential license tiers are: Child Development Home (up to 5 children including the provider's own children under age 10) and Expanded Child Development Home (6-12 children with an approved assistant). Licensure requires a background check with FBI and DC CJIS clearance, pediatric CPR/first aid certification, tuberculosis screening, 9 units of Early Childhood Education coursework (Credential 1) with ongoing requirements to reach a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, home safety inspection (fire, lead, carbon monoxide), immunization records for all children, and liability insurance of at least $500,000. Zoning compliance requires a Home Occupation Permit from the Department of Buildings under DCMR 11-U section 253, which limits non-resident employees to one and restricts signage. A Basic Business License in the Child Development Facility category is also required from DLCP. OSSE conducts announced and unannounced inspections at least annually. DC also participates in Quality Rating and Improvement System and the Child Care Subsidy Program.
Unlicensed operation: $2,000 fine plus immediate closure under DC Code 4-402.04. Exceeding capacity: license suspension and $500 per overage. Missing background checks or training: license non-renewal. Health or safety violations: corrective action plan with re-inspection.
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