Washington, DC Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Before operating any home daycare
- Covers
- Children ages 2 to 15, infants, toddlers
- Exempt
- Occasional babysitting, informal play groups, relative care
- Penalty
- Up to 6 months jail, $300 fine
- Licensing agency
- Office of the State Superintendent of Education
Summary
Anyone operating a child development facility, including a home-based daycare, in Washington, D.C. must obtain a Mayor-issued license before operating: occasional babysitting and informal parent-supervised play groups are exempt.
Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, no person shall, either directly or indirectly, operate a child development facility in the District without first having obtained a license to do so.
Full Breakdown
The District's Child Development Facilities Regulation covers any center, home, or other structure that provides care and supervision for children ages 2 to 15, infants, and toddlers on a regular basis: home-based daycares are included. Operators must first obtain a license from the Mayor, submitting an application, supporting documentation, and the required fee, and are subject to right-of-entry inspections. Exemptions cover occasional babysitting for one family, informal parent-supervised neighborhood play groups, care during religious services, and care by a relative. Operating without a license is a criminal offense punishable by up to 6 months' imprisonment and a $300 fine per violation.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlicensed child development facility, including a home daycare, is a criminal offense: up to 6 months imprisonment, a $300 fine per violation, plus license denial, suspension, or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a home daycare in D.C. need a license?
Is babysitting a few kids at home exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington
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