The DC Child Care Subsidy Program helps DC families pay for the cost of child care. Families can use child care subsidies to pay for care at a licensed child development facility that accepts subsidies.

To accept subsidies, a child care provider must meet the eligibility criteria, complete the application process, and participate in annual required trainings.

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is currently accepting application from new child care providers that are interested in becoming a Level I subsidized child care provider. A Level I subsidized child care provider is a child care provider that has a current valid Child Care Subsidy Provider Agreement and can provide subsidized child care services.

Level I Provider Eligibility Requirements

Child care providers that operate a child development facility or facilities licensed by OSSE are eligible to become a Level I subsidized child care provider.

Level I Provider Application Process

To become a Level I subsidized child care provider, a provider must complete the application process below.

1. View the orientation video: Watch the orientation video (Español) (Amharic);
2. Complete the orientation quiz: Take the brief quiz (Español) (Amharic). A score of 80 percent of higher is required to pass.
3. Submit proof of passing quiz score: Save or print proof of your passing orientation quiz score and send it to [email protected]. Include the subject line: Passing Subsidy Quiz: <Insert Facility Name>
4. Submit application and supporting documents: After proof of a passing quiz score is received and reviewed, OSSE will provide the application, a list of required documents, and an instruction guide. Complete and submit the application via the secure web portal provided by OSSE.
5. Respond to any feedback from OSSE: After OSSE reviews the initial application, respond to and return any outstanding required documents until your application is approved. 
6. Meet with a subsidy team member: An education services monitor (ESM) will contact you to review the Child Care Subsidy Provider Agreement and discuss next steps.
7. Sign the agreement: OSSE will send an electronic agreement for you to sign. The Deputy Superintendent of Early Learning must also sign the agreement. The final signed copy with both signatures will be emailed to you for your records.
8. Onboard as a Level I subsidized child care provider: Your assigned ESM will send you a welcome letter and subsidy resources. Each facility listed on the agreement will become active in the subsidy eligibility and assignment system.

The process may take up to five weeks. This time frame primarily depends on how quickly you submit all required documents. 

Level I Provider Expectations

Level I subsidized child care providers must comply with the requirements established in the Child Care Subsidy Provider Agreement (“the agreement”) to become and remain a subsidized child care provider. Some of the agreement requirements include:

• Provide child care services to eligible families in accordance with the agreement; 

• Use funds received to support the cost of providing subsidized child care services; 

• Maintain daily attendance records;

• Allow Strong Start early interventionists, service coordinators, or evaluators access to the facility to deliver services in accordance with a child’s approved Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP);

• Participate in Capital Quality, the District of Columbia’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS);

• Maintain a copy of all attendance reports, co-payment records, documents, and records to support a child’s participation in the subsidized child care program, and any other documents required for participation in the subsidy program for a period of no less than five years; and

• Cooperate with in-person or virtual monitoring visits and audits to verify recordkeeping, attendance, placement, and services provided to the eligible child(ren).

Level I Provider Trainings

Required Trainings

Level I providers are required to participate in the following trainings each agreement period: 

• Attendance and Error Report Training; and 

• Mini OSSE Attendance Tracking System (OATS) Training.

Optional Trainings

Level I providers that have been enrolled in the subsidy program for at least one year can participate in the Eligibility Institute to become a Level II provider.

More information on the subsidy training schedule is available here.