Childcare Center Director / District of Columbia
2026 data District of Columbia board official source

District of Columbia Childcare Center Director License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Manages childcare facilities providing care for young children.

What the District of Columbia data shows for Childcare Center Directors

District of Columbia's path to childcare center director licensure runs through 69 hours of approved instruction with no mandatory state exam, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. District of Columbia folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Education or Training Requirements".

Budget $125 to get started, plus $97 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 24-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

For childcare center directors, the reciprocity picture is: Not typically reciprocal.

Licensing Requirements in District of Columbia

Education / Training Hours
Education or Training Requirements
69 hours
Exam Requirement
Not Required
Initial License Fee
$125
Renewal Fee
$97
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Childcare Center Director All District of Columbia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with District of Columbia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Childcare Center Director in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia requires 69 education/training hours, and an initial fee of $125. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Childcare Center Director in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia licenses childcare center directors who complete its requirements (69 education hours). Verify the latest details with the District of Columbia licensing board.
Can I transfer my Childcare Center Director license to District of Columbia from another state? ▼
Childcare Center Director licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Not typically reciprocal. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The District of Columbia licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does District of Columbia require a background check for Childcare Center Director licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for childcare center director licensing in District of Columbia. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Childcare Center Director in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia ties continued childcare center director licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $97 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.