At DCPS we know that high quality early childhood education matters! That’s why DCPS partners with community-based organizations to operate several infant and toddler child development centers co-located within our schools.

The child development centers co-located in our elementary schools offer a coordinated and supported transition between infant and toddler programming and Pre-K 3. High School-based child development centers prioritize seats for parenting DCPS students, followed by Early Head Start eligible community members. Enrollment in the elementary school-based CDCs is determined by the Provider and DCPS based on the unique needs of each school community, prioritizing families attending the school who qualify for Early Head Start or who are eligible for childcare subsidy.

With the support of Mayor Bowser, DCPS plans to greatly expand the number of school-based child development centers across the District over the next several years. 

Below is a list of current and future child development centers co-located in DCPS.

Elementary School Child Development Centers:

• Centro Nia at Bunker Hill
• UPO at C.W. Harris
• UPO at Ketcham
• UPO at Marie Reed
• Centro Nia at Stevens Early Learning Center
• UPO at Malcolm X
• UPO at Randle Highlands

High School Child Development Centers:

• UPO at Anacostia
• UPO at Ballou
• UPO at Coolidge
• MCIP at Bell
• UPO at Dunbar
• UPO at Luke C. Moore
• UPO at Roosevelt
• UPO at Woodson

Opening in 2025!

• Amidon-Bowen (ECMPCC)
• Whitlock (BBI)
• Garfield (BBI)
• Miner (UPO)
• Davis (UPO)

Requests for Applications

DCPS is currently accepting competitive applications from providers interested in operating infant toddler child development centers co-located in DCPS for the following location(s):

A new RFA will be released on January 31, 2025, for the CDC at Truesdell and Browne Elementary Schools!

Infant Toddler Enrollment Information

For more information about the United Planning Organization’s (UPO) infant and toddler programs located within DCPS, contact:

Gerika Brownlee
[email protected]

For more information about the Edward C. Mazique Parent Child Center’s (ECMPCC) infant and toddler programs located within DCPS, contact:

Laurencia Ampedu
[email protected]

For more information about the Bright Beginnings Incorporated (BBI) infant and toddler programs located within DCPS, contact:

Andrea McLean
[email protected]

For more information about Centro Nia's infant and toddler programs located within DCPS, contact:

​Lisa Rivera
[email protected]

For more information about Multi Cultural Internship Program’s (MCIP) infant and toddler program located within DCPS, contact:

Kapindi Kroma
[email protected]