Pursuant to DC Official Code §38‑1804.02, §38‑205, and §38‑2906(d), the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is required to annually collect enrollment counts of resident students, nonresident students, students with disabilities, all students attending District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools, children in pre‑K3 and pre‑K4 programs in community‑based organizations (CBOs) receiving Pre‑K Enhancement and Expansion Program (PKEEP) funds, and students whose tuition or education in schools or programs is paid for with District funds. This count must be completed on Oct. 5, or the following business day, for each school year.

OSSE is then required to conduct an audit to verify the accuracy of the enrollment counts, including DC residency status. The audit also identifies any material weaknesses in enrollment systems, procedures, or methodology at the local education agency (LEA) level. Data from the Enrollment Audit and Child Count (EACC) are used for annual federal reporting and to determine funding levels under the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula (UPSFF). OSSE reports the results of the audit to the mayor, the Council of the District of Columbia, and the appropriate congressional committees.

Residency verification in the District begins at the school. Each LEA and CBO is responsible for collecting accurate documentation to verify the residency of students at the time of enrollment. This handbook provides LEA and CBO enrollment audit points of contact (POCs) with an outline of the steps required to prepare for the enrollment audit and child count and highlights key deadlines throughout the audit process.

If an issue arises that is not explicitly addressed in this handbook, please contact OER for specific guidance.

Related Content: Enrollment Audit and Child Count (EACC) Training