Top Trainings for DC Child Care Professionals

Provider Requirement Levels

• Center Director: Must have a Bachelor’s degree in ECE (or related field with ECE credits).
• Teacher: Must have an Associate’s degree in ECE or a CDA Credential.
• Assistant Teacher: Must have a High School Diploma/GED and a CDA Credential (or be enrolled in a program to obtain it within 2 years).
• Note: DC has some of the strictest education requirements in the nation.

Required Training Courses

• Pre-Service: Orientation covering health, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Annual Requirements:
• Directors: 21 clock hours annually.
• Teachers/Assistants: 18 clock hours annually.
• Aides: 15 clock hours annually.
• Mandated Topics: SIDS/Safe Sleep, Shaken Baby Syndrome, Homelessness awareness, First Aid/CPR.

Reimbursable Training Information through the State

• OSSE Scholarships: The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) provides funding for ECE degrees and CDA credentialing through partner organizations like the University of the District of Columbia.
• Apply: DC OSSE Division of Early Learning
• Quorum: DC providers often have free access to the Quorum eLearning platform for CDA training and annual hours.

Opening a Childcare Facility in DC

• Agency: OSSE - Division of Early Learning (Licensing Unit).
• Contact: 202-727-2993
• Email: osse.del.licensing@dc.gov
• Website: DC Child Care Licensing
• Steps: Attend a Child Care Licensing Orientation (usually a webinar) and pass a facility inspection.

Training we do not offer

• Official DC Licensing Orientation: Conducted by OSSE.

Please verify with your specific state or local licensing agency to ensure our training courses meet your current regulatory requirements.