The DC Child Care Subsidy Program helps DC families pay for the cost of child care. The program supports families with low and moderate incomes or other special circumstances that create a need for assistance to access high-quality education and care in the District. The Child Care Subsidy Program has a waitlist for new applicants. Families currently receiving child care subsidies may continue to receive subsidies as long as they remain eligible and complete the eligibility redetermination process. More information on the DC Child Care Subsidy Program is available at osse.dc.gov/subsidy. 

Waitlist Status  

As of July 8, 2026, Priority Groups 1, 2, and 3 are open for enrollment. Families found eligible in any of these priority groups may now enroll in the DC Child Care Subsidy Program and receive subsidized child care services. Priority Groups 4, 5, and 6 remain subject to the waitlist at this time.  

Waitlist Data 

• DC Child Care Subsidy Waitlist data as of July 1, 2026 
  • Note: At the time of this report, only children eligible under Priority Group 1 were permitted to enroll in the program and receive child care subsidies. Children in Priority Groups 2-6 were placed on the waitlist.