District of Columbia Statewide Rule
Home Daycare Licensing Rules in the District of Columbia
Key Facts
- Regulator
- OSSE
- Standard home cap
- 6 children
- Expanded home cap
- 12 children
- License requirement
- D.C. Code § 7-2034
- Max penalty
- $5,000 and jail
Summary
In the District of Columbia you cannot run a home child care program without an OSSE license. A standard child development home cares for up to 6 children; an expanded home with two caregivers may serve up to 12.
(a) 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 Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) licenses every home child care operation under DCMR Title 5-A, Chapter 1. D.C. Official Code § 7-2034(a) bars anyone from operating a child development facility, which by statute includes a home, without a license. Applicants complete an OSSE licensing orientation, pass background checks, and show a Certificate of Occupancy or Home Occupation Permit proving the dwelling meets D.C. building, fire-safety, and zoning codes. A standard child development home serves up to six children; a two-caregiver expanded child development home may serve up to twelve. Licenses renew annually.
Violations & Penalties
Operating an unlicensed child development home is a crime under D.C. Official Code § 7-2046: up to $300 and 6 months in jail for a first offense, and up to $5,000 and one year for a repeat offense. OSSE may also issue cease-and-desist orders and civil fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to babysit kids in my D.C. home?
How many children can a D.C. home daycare take?
What happens if I run an unlicensed home daycare?
Sources
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