The following options for “Parental Choice” are available to parents or guardians who are eligible to receive child care subsidy payments through the Department of Human Services (DHS), Economic Security Administration (ESA), Child Care Services Division (CCSD). A brief description of the types of services offered is identified as Options for Parental Choice.
In addition, the DC Child Care Connections Resource and Referral Center offers telephone and walk-in referral services for Parents/Guardians and Providers
Parents/Guardians
This free and confidential telephone service assists parents/guardians looking for licensed child care in the District of Columbia. You may identify a provider of your choice or obtain a listing of providers through the DC Child Care Connections My Child Care DC at http://childcareconnections.osse.dc.gov/.
The DC CCR&R offers public search options for parents to conduct their own searches. The center includes a resource lending library where families can obtain articles, books, resources, and other materials that focus on issues of child development, special needs, school readiness, and other topics of interest to parents. The resource library is online at http://childcareconnections.osse.dc.gov/.
In addition to traditional services from 7 am to 6 pm, Monday-Friday, non-traditional services or evenings, nights, and weekends are available at selected sites. The DC Child Care Connections Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Service provide a listing of providers a http://childcareconnections.osse.dc.gov/.
Providers
The DC Child Care Connections Child Care Resource and Referral Service (DC CCR&R) is located at:
CentroNia
1420 Columbia Road, NW,
Washington, DC 20009
- The DC CCR& R offers high-quality training and technical assistance
- The DC CCR& R offers assistance in attaining national accreditation
- DC CCR& R has a walk-in, an online resource library with books, articles, brochures, media support and learning kits for children, and more.
You may contact DC Child Care Connections Resource and Referral Service at (202) 862-1111.
Child Care Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Center-Based Provider Level 1 | Child Care Center provider licensed by the Department of Health (DOH) Licensing Regulation Administration; children are referred to the provider after the intake process with DHS representative. |
| Center-Based Provider Level 2 | Licensed Child Care Center provider who can conduct child care intake using DHS eligibility requirements. |
| Family Child Care Home Provider | Home-Based Child Care provider licensed by DOH. Children referred to the provider after the intake application process with DHS representative. |
| Child Development Home Satellite System - Level 2 | Licensed center-based providers, non-profit organizations, or Child and Adult Care Food Program sponsors can conduct child care intake for associated independent home-based providers. |
| Relative Care Provider | Relatives selected by the parent or guardian to provide care in the child’s home. Parental intake is performed by DHS representatives. Provider intake is performed by the Office of the State Superintendant (OSSE). |
| In-home Care Provider | Care provider selected by the parent or guardian to provide care in the child’s home. It is identified as the “care of last resort”, according to the Day Care Policy Act of 1979, as amended. Parental intake must be performed by the DHS representative. |
| Head Start Programs | Care for children ages 3-5 and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promotes school readiness for children in families at the Federal Poverty Level by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Full day and full-year programs available.Center-Based school readiness programs provide pre-reading and math skills and introductory socialization activities in community-based settings throughout the city. |
| Pre-Kindergarten Programs | Center-Based school readiness programs provide pre-reading and math skills and introductory socialization activities in community-based settings throughout the city. |