The information provided on this page is a basic outline of the District of Columbia Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of District of Columbia. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
District of Columbia Health Regulations
1050 First Street, NE, Washington DC 20002
(202) 727-6436
License renewal is required every 3 years.
Indoor Space Requirements: 45 sf per child
|
|
0-24 Mos. |
24-30Mos. |
30-48 Mos. |
48-60 Mos. |
<6 Years |
6+ Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher: Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:4 |
1:8 |
1:10 |
1:12 |
1:15 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
8 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
24 |
30 |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
8 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
24 |
30 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
360 sf. |
540 sf. |
720 sf. |
900 sf. |
1080 sf. |
1350 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 60 square feet per child
- The outdoor play area must have a daily inspection to see if there is anything hazardous to the children on the equipment.
- At least one staff member needs to be outside with the children for supervision at all times.
- The outdoor play area has to have a least fifty square feet for each child for the maximum number of children who will use the playground at one time.
- The play areas must be free of water, littler, broken glass, wooden splinters, weeds, and high grass.
Building Code Requirements
2012 International Building Code
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
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Fire Code Requirements
|
2 |
There must be at least 2 staff members that are able to administer 1st aid and CPR. |
30 |
Within 30 calendar dates of hire, each staff member will receive pre-service training in health and safety. |
12 |
Every director must complete 12 hours a year in professional development. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
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Children will never be left alone in any rooms, outdoor areas, or vehicles. |
 |
A licensee must establish a written program of activities that will every day. |
 |
All staff is required to get a background check before they are employed in the child cares. |
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Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019
-This article was written by Rebecca Calbert.
With over 35 years of experience, Rebecca leads the way at Childcare Design (formerly Calbert Design Group). She is dedicated to guiding her clients through the complexities commercial real estate development.
Discover more of her valuable insights and resources at SaveOnBuilding.com , where Rebecca’s “purpose” is to educate small business owners and protect them them from what they don’t know.