This brief presents findings from our analysis of survey data collected from a representative sample of child care providers in spring 2026.

Why This Matters

In May 2026, DC implemented a new child care subsidy waitlist policy that capped enrollment in the subsidy program. The policy is intended to keep program costs within budget, but it could have additional consequences for child care providers participating in the subsidy program. We describe how child care providers in DC perceive the child care subsidy program and the waitlist policy.

What We Found

• Child care providers view subsidies as important and financially reliable.
• Most child care providers are aware of the waitlist policy.
• Providers are uncertain about the waitlist implications, and some anticipate changes in future subsidy participation.

How We Did It

Between March and April 2026, researchers at the Urban Institute surveyed a representative sample of child care center directors and managers and family child care providers participating in the DC Child Care Subsidy Program (N = 56). Thirty-two respondents were from child care centers and 24 were from family child care providers. 

For this brief, we conducted descriptive analyses of responses to questions about the importance of the subsidy program and the recently announced waitlist policy.