Help Paying for Preschool in District of Columbia (2026)
Preschool is expensive, but District of Columbia families have three main ways to lower or eliminate the cost: Head Start, public pre-K, and a childcare subsidy. Here's who qualifies for each — then check your family in seconds.
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Head Start & Early Head Start in District of Columbia
Head Start is free, federally funded preschool (ages 3–5; Early Head Start under 3) for families at or below the federal poverty line — about $33,000 for a family of four in District of Columbia (2026) — and it's free regardless of income if your family is experiencing homelessness, your child is in foster care, or you receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI. See the full income limits by household size → · Find a District of Columbia program →
Public pre-K in District of Columbia
District of Columbia's public pre-K, DC Universal Pre-K (PK3 and PK4), is open to all age-eligible children regardless of income (PK3: turn 3 by September 30; PK4: turn 4 by September 30 — free/universal (in-boundary seat via lottery)) — free, though seats can be limited, so apply early. Official District of Columbia program info →
Childcare subsidy in District of Columbia
Separate from preschool programs, District of Columbia's childcare subsidy — DC Child Care Subsidy Program — helps working families pay for care (infants and toddlers included, not just preschoolers), for income up to at or below 300% of the federal poverty level (about $99,000 for a family of four) — roughly $99,000 for a family of four — measured against the federal poverty level. A new-applicant waitlist began May 2026 (protective-services/homeless enroll immediately). Apply or learn more →
See also: when your child can start school in District of Columbia · how to afford preschool · how much preschool costs.