The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) published a draft waitlist policy for the DC Child Care Subsidy Program in August 2025. This is a draft policy; OSSE is not currently implementing a waitlist for child care subsidies.
Background on the Draft Waitlist Policy
OSSE is developing a waitlist policy for the DC Child Care Subsidy Program as a proactive measure should a waitlist need to be implemented in the future due to fiscal constraints or unexpected growth in program enrollment. The purpose of the draft policy is to enable OSSE to receive input from stakeholders as well as to assist stakeholders in taking into account the potential need for a waitlist when making future plans.
The draft waitlist policy details how families will be prioritized for child care subsidies in the event that funding is insufficient to serve all families who are eligible for the DC Child Care Subsidy Program. The draft waitlist policy establishes six priority groups for subsidized child care services based on eligibility classifications listed in the DC Child Care Subsidy Program Policy Manual and in adherence with federal and local regulations.
In the event a waitlist is implemented, OSSE could limit enrollment in the DC Child Care Subsidy Program to some priority groups, placing others on the waitlist, or could place all eligible applicants on the waitlist and admit new enrollees to the program based on priority group as spaces become available.
The waitlist policy applies to new applicants to the DC Child Care Subsidy Program, and if implemented, would not affect services for currently enrolled children.
In the event a waitlist is implemented, OSSE could limit enrollment in the DC Child Care Subsidy Program to some priority groups, placing others on the waitlist, or could place all eligible applicants on the waitlist and admit new enrollees to the program based on priority group as spaces become available.
The waitlist policy applies to new applicants to the DC Child Care Subsidy Program, and if implemented, would not affect services for currently enrolled children.
How to Provide Feedback
The DC early learning community can provide feedback on the draft waitlist policy using this form.
OSSE will review and consider all feedback received. OSSE will notify child care providers when the final waitlist policy for the DC Child Care Subsidy Program is published.
In the event OSSE does implement a waitlist for the DC Child Care Subsidy Program, OSSE will notify child care providers and other stakeholders at that time.
