The District of Columbia provides universal pre-kindergarten through a mixed delivery system that includes District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), public charter schools and child development facilities operated by community-based organizations (CBOs). The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) administers the Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program (PKEEP) to fund delivery of high-quality public pre-K in CBOs.
Information for Families
Did you know? There are licensed child development facilities in DC that offer free pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds! These facilities offer pre-K at no cost through the PKEEP grant. To participate in the PKEEP program, a facility must be licensed by OSSE, participate in the DC Child Care Subsidy Program and meet high-quality standards. The PKEEP program offers DC families another free and flexible opportunity to enroll their child in the pre-K program that best meets their needs. Families with questions about enrolling their child in free pre-K offered by a PKEEP provider should contact the program directly. A list of PKEEP providers is available here.
Resources for Families
Information for Providers
To participate in the PKEEP, a child development facility must be licensed by OSSE, participate in the DC Child Care Subsidy Program, and receive a PKEEP high quality designation from OSSE. To receive a PKEEP high-quality designation, the facility must demonstrate that they meet the PKEEP standards. OSSE hosts a PKEEP high-quality designation application process annually. Facilities that receive a PKEEP high-quality designation are eligible to receive PKEEP funding.
Child care providers who have questions or are interested in joining the PKEEP program should contact Dionne Muir-Clarke, education program specialist, at [email protected] or (202) 445-9031.