Federal Block Grant Award Summary

The District of Columbia, Government Of (doing business as the DC State Education Office) received a $3.9 million discretionary block grant award from the Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families under the Child Care and Development Block Grant program (CFDA 93.575). The award, announced on October 1, 2025, extends through September 30, 2028, and supports the District's efforts to provide child care subsidies and improve early childhood education infrastructure for low-income families throughout Washington, DC.

Under this three-year award, the District of Columbia will utilize funding to deliver child care services primarily through vouchers and certificates to eligible low-income families, while simultaneously enhancing the quality of child care for both subsidized and unsubsidized children. As the designated lead agency, the DC State Education Office is accountable for developing and implementing a comprehensive Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) plan that complies with federal requirements, including coordination with other federal, state, and local child care and early childhood development programs. The discretionary block grant funds support direct service delivery, quality improvement initiatives, and administrative functions necessary to successfully operate the state's child care assistance program.