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Elementary Student Dismissal

Elementary Student Dismissal Authorization Form and Family Resources

At DCPS, student safety is paramount. To support that priority, each year, families of elementary-aged students must provide information about their student’s dismissal plan including a list of authorized adults to whom your student may be released as well as whether your student has your permission to self-dismiss. DCPS defines “self-dismiss” as a student leaving school grounds at the end of the school day to travel home or to another designated location alone. Self-dismissal also includes students being dismissed to an older authorized student, such as an older sibling.

Beginning in School Year (SY) 2026-2027, all elementary-aged students must have an Elementary Student Dismissal Authorization form on file by the first day of school. Fillable forms are available below and can be submitted to your student’s school electronically, or you can pick up a paper copy of the form in the school’s main office. Parents must submit a separate dismissal form for each student.


The Elementary Student Dismissal Authorization Form has two parts:

  • Part 1: Authorization to Release - Required for all students in Grades PreK through 5, including those who dismiss to an afterschool program and/or transportation provided by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
  • Part 2: Permission to Self-Dismiss - Required for any student in Grades K through 5 who will self-dismiss alone or with an older authorized student. Please note that only students in Grades K through 5 can self-dismiss; students in PreK3 and PreK4 should be released only to a parent or authorized adult and may not be released to another elementary-age child.


Before completing the form, we encourage you to review the following reminders and recommendations:
Part 1 – Reminders for Authorized Release

  • Adults must bring a photo ID when picking up your student.
  • If your student is picked up from school by an afterschool provider that provides transportation, please ensure that the program is listed on the authorization form.

Part 2 – Recommendations for Self-Dismissal

  • Students in grades K-3 may dismiss to an older, authorized student (e.g., sibling, cousin) who is in grade 4 or above. In alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other student safety experts, DCPS does not recommend that students in grades K-3 self-dismiss alone.
  • Consider your student’s readiness, including their age, maturity, and ability to travel alone safely.
  • Make sure your student knows their home address, a caregiver’s phone number, and what to do in an emergency.
  • Review the route, including any street crossings, bus rides, or train transfers, and practice with your student.
  • Emphasize safe travel habits, such as using crosswalks, following crossing guard directions, and knowing Metro rules and expectations (rail or bus) if using public transportation.
  • Create a clear system to help your student remember where to go each day, if their dismissal plan changes by day.

Traveling independently can help students build confidence and healthy habits. At the same time, students face higher safety risks when traveling without adult supervision — especially in busy, urban environments like our city. We encourage families to make decisions around self-dismissal that reflect their child’s readiness and daily route.

Please contact your student’s school with any questions, and thank you for partnering with us to keep every student safe.


Elementary Student Dismissal Authorization Form(s):

Printable Versions - Families may download and print a copy of the form in their preferred language. Once printed, please fill it out, sign, and submit to the main office at your child’s school. Please submit a separate form for each child. Paper copies of the form are also available in the main office at your child’s school.

Fillable Versions - Families may follow the steps below if completing the form electronically. Families are encouraged to access and complete the fillable version of the form from a desktop or laptop computer. The fillable sections may not be accessible on all tablet or mobile devices.

  1. Download a blank copy of the form to the computer you are working on.
  2. Save the file name with your child's name and school (Example: Jane Doe_Sunnyside Elementary Dismissal Form)
  3. Add the requested information in all fillable sections. Digitally sign the form by typing your name into the signature field.
  4. Save again and submit electronically to your child's school. Your child's school will share details about exactly how to submit the form electronically. If you aren’t sure how to submit, please reach out to a staff member in the main office at your child’s school. Please submit a separate form for each child.