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.

Effective May 12, 2026, the DC Child Care Subsidy Program has a waitlist for new applicants. OSSE will notify families and child care providers of any changes in the status of the waitlist. Families currently receiving child care subsidies may continue to receive subsidies as long as they remain eligible and complete the eligibility redetermination process.

DC families may continue apply for the DC Child Care Subsidy Program. New families applying to the program that are found eligible are assigned to a priority level. Children eligible under Priority Group 1 are permitted to enroll in the program and receive child care services. Children in Priority Groups 2-6 are placed on the waitlist and may not receive subsidized child care services at this time. More information on Priority Groups is available here.

Families can complete the application online or in person at the DC Department of Human Services (DHS) or an authorized Level II child care provider facility. Additionally, families experiencing homelessness may apply at the Virginia Williams Family Resources Center.

Click on the boxes below to learn more about the waitlist. For questions, email [email protected].