UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - District of Columbia - post

Washington, DC-Approved Child Care Training You Can Trust

If you work in early care and education in Washington, DC, staying current on preservice and annual training requirements is essential for licensing compliance and professional growth. ChildCareEd is an Exempt Training Organization through the Trainer Approval Program (TAP) of OSSE, Division of Early Learning (DEL), and our courses may be used to meet training hour requirements for DC child care professionals working in child development centers, child development homes (family child care homes), and expanded child development homes.

ChildCareEd courses also provide International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) Continuing Education Units (CEUs). We offer online self-paced and Virtual Instructor-Led training formats to fit busy schedules. Many online courses are available in multiple languages (excluding media), including Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Urdu, Farsi, and more—supporting diverse teams and communities across the District.

What Washington, DC Training Does ChildCareEd Provide?

ChildCareEd offers training aligned with DC preservice and ongoing professional development needs, including required health and safety topics and broader early childhood competency areas. Our course library supports professionals across roles, including directors, teachers, assistant teachers, caregivers, associate caregivers, and program staff.

Preservice Training Requirements (All Providers and Caregivers)

ChildCareEd offers training that supports DC preservice requirements in the following topic areas:

• Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases 
• Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Use of Safe Sleep Practices
• Administration of Medicine 
• Prevention of and response to allergic reactions 
• Building and Physical Premises Safety 
• Shaken Baby Syndrome 
• Responding to Emergencies 
• Handling and Storage of Hazardous Materials
• Appropriate Precautions in Transportation of Children
• Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Reporting

Annual Training Requirements

DC requires ongoing professional development for many roles each year. Common requirements include:

• Teachers and Assistant Teachers: 12 hours of annual training
• Caregivers and Associate Caregivers in Child Development Homes: 12 hours of annual training
• Directors: Degree coursework plus 12 hours of annual training
  CDA Credential Training

CDA Credential & Renewal Courses

The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is a key qualification pathway in Washington, DC. ChildCareEd offers complete CDA Credential and CDA Renewal training online.

• Birth to Five CDA Credential with Portfolio Review
• CDA Infant/Toddler Credential with Portfolio Review
• CDA Preschool Credential with Portfolio Review
• CDA Family Child Care Credential with Portfolio Review
• CDA Home Visitor Credential Birth to 5
• CDA Infant/Toddler Renewal
• CDA Preschool Renewal
• CDA Family Child Care Renewal

Licensing Contact Information

Please contact your local child care licensing office to confirm requirements, as standards are subject to change:

Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), Division of Early Learning
Phone: (202) 478-5903
Email: ECEhelpdesk@dc.gov
Child Care Licensing Website: https://osse.dc.gov/service/early-learning