Head Start and Early Head Start
Federal programs for families with low incomes, from pregnancy through age five.
District of Columbia state guide
Childcare centers in District of Columbia
District of Columbia has 452 childcare centers and homes in its state licensing records, across 1 city, with about 25,000 licensed seats at the 431 centers that report capacity. This guide covers how to find a center in your city.
Data updated September 30, 2026 · Source: state licensing public records · How we compile this →
Largest cities for childcare in District of Columbia
Ranked by centers and homes on file. Each city page lists every center in that city.
Centers and homes listed per city, of 452 in District of Columbia.
All 1 District of Columbia citiesThe city in District of Columbia
Jump to a letter, or open a group below.
District of Columbia childcare centers by county
1 District of Columbia county has licensed centers or homes on file, ranked here by how many. District of Columbia County has the most, with 452 centers and homes.
License types in District of Columbia
District of Columbia’s licensing records use these categories. Each listing shows which one applies.
Child development center
343 listingsA facility located somewhere other than the operator's residence that serves more than 12 children. It includes child care centers, preschools, nursery schools and before- and after-school programs. Source: 5-A DCMR §199, DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (opens in a new tab)
Expanded child development home
54 listingsA child development home that may be licensed to care for up to twelve children. Source: 5-A DCMR §169, DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (opens in a new tab)
Child development home
34 listingsA private residence that provides a child development program for up to six children. Source: 5-A DCMR §199, DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (opens in a new tab)
Paying for childcare in District of Columbia
Federal help for families with low incomes, and how to find it in District of Columbia.
Frequently asked questions about childcare in District of Columbia
Answers use the numbers on this page, as of September 30, 2026.
How many childcare centers are in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia has 452 childcare centers and homes in the state licensing records Clear Day reads, across 1 cities.
What kinds of childcare are listed in District of Columbia?
The District of Columbia records in our directory include Child development center (343), Expanded child development home (54), and Child development home (34).
Where does this data come from?
Center records come from state licensing public records. Every share on the page names the number of centers it is counted over, and the methodology page explains how.
When was this data last updated?
The state records on this page were last imported September 30, 2026. Each center page shows its own record date. See the methodology for details.
For center directors
Run a center in District of Columbia?
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Other state guides
District of Columbia is one of 16 states in the directory: 100,804 centers and homes across 7,976 cities. Each state has its own guide with its own rules, agency and license lookup.
- New York17,433 centers and homes
- Texas15,702 centers and homes
- Massachusetts9,440 centers and homes
- Ohio8,707 centers and homes
- Minnesota7,814 centers and homes
- Michigan7,700 centers and homes
- Pennsylvania7,670 centers and homes
- Wisconsin4,687 centers and homes
- Colorado4,602 centers and homes
- New Jersey4,163 centers and homes
- Connecticut3,976 centers and homes
- Virginia3,569 centers and homes
- Washington2,581 centers and homes
- Delaware1,260 centers and homes
- Vermont1,048 centers and homes
- All 16 states100,804 centers and homes
Where this data comes from
Center records come from District of Columbia's public licensing records. Every percentage on this page names the number of District of Columbia centers it is counted over. This page is a guide, not legal advice. Clear Day does not rate, rank or review centers.
- Last updated
- September 30, 2026
This information is sourced from public records and may be incomplete or out of date. For the most current and accurate details, please verify directly with your state licensing authority or contact the center directly. Clear Day does not rate, rank or endorse any center.
Data updated Sep 30, 2026 · Source: state licensing public records · How we compile this →