Families and the community are vital to ensure the success of every child in DC. Please use the materials on this page to support student attendance in your family and community.
- Every Day Counts! Attendance Tutorials (Four recorded informational tutorials on chronic absenteeism in D.C., citywide attendance policies, strategies to support improved attendance, and family engagement)
- Attendance Guide for Families
- OSSE’s Attendance and Truancy Resources (This guide explains the District’s policies regarding attendance and truancy as well as provides vital information about resources.)
- DCPS Student Attendance and Support (This page explains DCPS’ attendance policies. For information about public charter school s’ attendance policies, please visit their individual websites.)
- What are DC’s Attendance Policies? And How Can I Support My Child? (This presentation explains the District’s attendance policies as well as explores the roles families and parents can play to support good attendance.)
Additionally, you can find more information and resources on the following topics below:
- Attendance and Truancy
- Child Care
- Counseling and Mental Health
- Family and Parenting Support
- Health
- Housing
- Transportation
- General DC Agencies
Attendance and Truancy
ACCESS Youth
Phone: (202) 652-0287
Website: accessyouthinc.org
ACCESS Youth provides a range of programs and services for at-risk juveniles. Developing skills and fostering friendships, ACCESS Youth combines the benefits of mentorship and mediation in dynamic and engaging summer and after school programs.
Attendance Works
Website: www.attendanceworks.org
Attendance Works is a national and state initiative that promotes better policy and practice around school attendance. This organization promotes tracking chronic absence data for each student beginning in kindergarten or earlier, and partnering with families and community agencies to intervene when poor attendance is a problem for students or schools.
DC ReEngagement Center
Address: 100 42nd Street, NE Washington, DC 20019
Phone: (202) 671-2539
Website: backontrackdc.osse.dc.gov/about
The ReEngagement Center is a “single-door” through which youth ages 16-24 who have dropped out can reconnect back to educational options and other critical services to support their attainment of a high school diploma or GED. Services provided: assessing academic status and non-academic needs of youth and using this information to help them develop individualized education plans; identifying good-fit educational options; supporting the re-enrollment process (e.g., collecting required documents, accompanying youth on site visits, connecting to resources that will address reconnection barriers); and providing ongoing support for at least one year once re-enrolled.
Parent and Adolescent Support Services (PASS) – Department of Human Services (DHS)
Address: 64 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 698-4334
Website: dhs.dc.gov/service/parent-and-adolescent-support-pass
DHS’ Parent and Adolescent Support Services serve DC families of youth who are committing status offenses. Status offenses include truancy, running away, curfew violations and extreme disobedience, among other behaviors that are illegal for young people under the age of 18.
Show Up, Stand Out
Phone: (202) 727-1700
Website: showupstandout.org
Show Up, Stand Out is a free program from the DC Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG). The program helps parents to get their kids to school every day and help to solve the problem of truancy in DC schools. If your child has five unexcused absences, this program is for you. While Show Up, Stand Out is sponsored by the DC government, all emails, visits, and phone calls are confidential. Our team members are here to help parents get their kids to attend school and to help with problems that hinder their attendance.
Child Care
Finding Child Care
My Child Care DC
Phone: (202) 829-2500
Website: childcareconnections.osse.dc.gov
OSSE’s My Child Care DC is a searchable list of licensed child care providers in DC that meet your specific criteria, such as type of care, age of child, location, services needed and more. Check the options that apply to you and then click on "view results" to obtain the list of referred providers. You can adjust your selections and re-run the search as often as you need. The more specific you are, the fewer providers will be listed.
Paying for Child Care
Department of Human Services Child Care Subsidy Program
Address: 4001 South Capitol Street SW, Washington, DC 20032
Phone: (202) 724-0284
Website: dhs.dc.gov/node/120852
The Child Care Subsidy Program helps low-income families pay child care fees. The subsidy is based on an assessment of need, income and family size. Parents must visit the Child Care Services Division to apply for assistance. Doors open at 7:30 am and close at 4 pm. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early for appointments. Limited walk-in visits for new applicants are available on a “first come, first served” basis: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 8:15 am - 3:30 pm. Applicants are encouraged to call to schedule an appointment, Monday-Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
School-Based Child Care for Parenting Teenagers
DCPS New Heights Program for Expectant and Parenting Students
Website: dcps.dc.gov/page/expectant-and-parenting-students
This program provides expectant and parenting DCPS students (male or female) with the assistance, support, and guidance they need to handle the responsibilities of raising a child and graduating from high school. The program seeks to keep students engaged in school, improve the graduation rates of these students, prepare them for college or career, and prevent subsequent pregnancies. The following DCPS schools have the New Heights program in their buildings:
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Anacostia, (202) 645-4040 Ballou, (202) 645-3400 Ballou STAY, (202) 727-5344 Cardozo, (202) 671-1995 |
Columbia Heights Education Campus, (202) 939-7700 ext. 5063 Coolidge, (202) 282-0081 Dunbar, (202) 698-3762 Luke C. Moore, (202) 678-7890 Roosevelt, (202) 576-8899 |
Roosevelt STAY, (202) 576-8399 Washington MET, (202) 727-4985 Wilson, (202) 282-0120 Woodson, (202) 939-2030 |
Counseling and Mental Health
Department of Behavioral Health (DBH)
Phone: (202) 673-2200
Website: dbh.dc.gov
DBH provides prevention, intervention and treatment services and supports for children, youth and adults with mental and/or substance use disorders including emergency psychiatric care and community-based outpatient and residential services. DBH serves eligible adults, children and youth and their families through a network of community based providers and unique government delivered services.
Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Resource Directory
Website: dbh.dc.gov/page/behavioral-health-resource-directory or washington.dc.networkofcare.org/mh/
DBH seeks to make it easy for residents to access quality behavioral healthcare when needed and recognizes that needs, services, and priorities are very individualized and often complex. The Behavioral Health Resource Link is an online directory of mental health and substance use services and resources.
Mental Health Crisis Hotline – Department of Behavioral Health (DBH)
Access Helpline: 1-888-7-WE-HELP (1-888-793-4357)
Website: dbh.dc.gov
Call for help with: emergency psychiatric care, problem-solving assistance, determining whether to seek ongoing mental health services or other types of services, and to learn more about DBH services.
Emergency Psychiatric Services: (202) 673-9319
Website: dbh.dc.gov/service/emergency-psychiatric-services
Call for help with: comprehensive emergency psychiatric services.
Children and Adolescent Mobile Psychiatric Service (ChAMPS)
Phone: (202) 481-1440
Website: catholiccharitiesdc.org/ChAMPS
Call for help with immediate on-site assistance for children and youth ages 6 to 18 facing a behavioral or mental health crisis in the home, school, or community.
Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Child/Youth Ombudsman Program
821 Howard Road SE, Washington, DC 20020
Phone: (202) 698-2329 or (202) 671-4035
The DBH Child/Youth Ombudsman Program assists parents, guardians, and youth with challenges related to behavioral health needs for children/youth (up to 25 years old) with concerns or complaints about services, questions about rights, navigation assistance to access services and benefits, ideas for making services better, and general questions about services for persons with behavioral health needs.
Family and Parenting Support
Neighborhood Collaboratives
There are five Neighborhood Collaboratives operating in DC. Each Collaborative draws on the unique capabilities and services found within its network of service providers to assist at-risk children and families. There is a set of core neighborhood-based prevention services that each Collaborative provides. Services are provided by ward:
| Ward(s) Served | Ward Location | Neighborhood Collaborative |
|---|---|---|
| 1,2 | 1 |
Collaborative Solutions for Communities (formerly Columbia Heights/Shaw Family Support Collaborative) |
| 4 | 4 | Georgia Avenue Family Support Collaborative |
| 5,6 | 5 | Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative |
| 7 | 7 | East River Family Strengthening Collaborative |
| 8 | 8 | Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative, Inc. |
Collaborative Solutions for Communities (formerly Columbia Heights/Shaw Family Support Collaborative)
3333 14th St. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20010 (Ward located: 1; Wards served: 1, 2)
Phone: (202) 518-6737 | Website: www.chsfsc.org
Examples of services provided: home visitation, family advocacy, family group decision making meetings, truancy prevention and intervention, parenting education, and parental support.
East River Family Strengthening Collaborative
3917 Minnesota Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20019 (Ward located: 7; Ward served: 7)
Phone: (202) 397-7300 | Website: www.erfsc.org
Examples of services provided: case management, crisis intervention, life skills/workforce development, parenting empowerment, adolescent services, housing assistance, fatherhood support, youth activities, financial education classes, community engagement, capacity building, and technical assistance.
Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative
601 Edgewood St. NE, Suite 25, Washington, DC 20017 (Ward located: 5; Wards served: 5, 6)
Phone: (202) 832-9400 | Website: www.ebfsc.org
Examples of services provided: family preservation and case management.
Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative, Inc.
2041 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, Fourth Floor, Washington, DC 20020 (Ward located: 8; Ward served: 8)
Phone: (202) 889-1425 | Website: fsfsc.org
Examples of services provided: family support, housing assistance, Men and Boys Program, and youth after-care.
Georgia Avenue Family Support Collaborative
4420 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20011 (Ward located: 4; Ward served: 4)
Phone: (202) 722-1815 | Website: gafsc-dc.org/
Examples of services provided: parent empowerment, Family Rehousing and Stabilization Program, and K-8 truancy program.
Parenting Classes and Resources
Common Sense Parent Training (THEARC and Children’s Health Project of DC)
Address: 1901 Mississippi Avenue SE, Suite 101, Washington, DC 20020
Phone: (202) 889-5901
Website: http://thearcdc.org
Services provided: parent resources library, parenting classes, and grandparent support group
Participants learn how to communicate effectively and avoid power struggles with their children, give positive attention, stay calm in frustrating situations, balance discipline with affection, and praise their children’s good behavior.
The Parent Encouragement Program, Inc. (PEP)*
10100 Connecticut Ave., Kensington, MD 20895
Phone: (301) 929-8824
Website: pepparent.org
Services provided: parent classes and workshops
PEP, Inc. is a nonprofit educational organization located in Maryland that provides classes, events, and other educational resources to parents and all who care for children, from toddlers through teens. Classes are for parents, teachers, and others who want to deal constructively with children and teens.
*There are fees associated with classes; scholarships and a free introductory class are available.
Parent Suuport Groups
Mary’s Center
2333 Ontario Road NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 483-8196
Website: www.maryscenter.org
Mary’s Center provides a Father-Child Program, which is designed to help men develop the attitude, knowledge, and skills to become involved in and connected to their children’s lives. Father-Child has three main components: home visits, sports activities, and monthly fatherhood outings. During home visits, fathers receive social support services, training, and advocacy services. Sports activities are designed to promote healthy habits and behaviors among fathers.
Advocates for Justice and Education, Inc. (AJE)
25 E St. NW, Third Floor, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 678-8060
3912 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20011
Phone: (202) 876-5690 / Tuesdays and Thursdays Only
Website: aje-dc.org
AJE is DC’s designated parent training and information center. AJE’s mission is to educate parents, youth, and the community about the laws governing public education, specifically for children with special needs.
Grandparent Support Group (Children’s Health Project of DC)
1901 Mississippi Ave. SE, Suite 101, Washington, DC 20020
Phone: (202) 889-5901
Website: thearcdc.org
This program offers a support group to encourage grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.
Health
Asthma: Children’s National IMPACT DC
Phone: (202) 476-3970
Website:childrensnational.org/departments/asthma-impact-dc
IMPACT DC is a pediatric asthma program dedicated to improving asthma care and outcomes for children through clinical care, education, research, and advocacy. One of IMPACT DC’s main goals is to lessen the need for emergency room visits and hospital stays by educating patients and families about ways to manage the condition, and connecting them with valuable resources in the local community.
Department of Health (DC Health)
Multiple Locations
Phone Directory: (202) 442-5955
DC Health promotes health, wellness, and equity across DC, and protects the safety of residents, visitors and those doing business in the nation’s capital. DC Health’s responsibilities include: identifying health risks; educating the public; preventing and controlling diseases, injuries and exposure to environmental hazards; promoting effective community collaborations; and optimizing equitable access to community resources.
Department of Health (DOH) Infants, Children, Teens and School Health
Phone: (202) 442-5925
Website:doh.dc.gov/service/infants-children-teens-and-school-health
DOH operates a number of programs to ensure that infants, children and teens are equipped with the necessary tools and services to make them successful at home, in school, and in their communities. Visit the website or call for more information on: dental services, immunizations, free pregnancy test and birth control, newborn screening and various other health related topics.
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DC Healthy Families (Health Insurance)
Multiple Locations
Phone: (202) 639-4030
Website: dhcf.dc.gov/service/dc-healthy-families
DC Healthy Families is a program that provides free health insurance to DC residents who meet certain income and US citizenship or eligible immigration status to qualify for DC Medicaid. The DC Healthy Families program covers doctor visits, vision and dental care, prescription drugs, hospital stays, and transportation for appointments. DC Healthy Families also offers special programs for newborn babies, children with disabilities or special health care needs, and people with HIV or AIDS.
Healthy Youth Resource Guide
Website: osse.dc.gov/healthy-youth-resource-guide
The Healthy Youth Resource Guide is a directory that assists users to identify youth-serving organizations, which offer sexual health services and other care within the District. Users of this guide include school staff and community stakeholders who serve youth. The guide also offers assistance on how users can navigate the referral process to encourage and instruct youth on seeking care.
Office of Health Care Ombudsman and Bill of Rights
441 Fourth St. NW, 900 South, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 724-7491
Website: healthcareombudsman.dc.gov
The Health Care Ombudsman Program was established to provide assistance to uninsured DC residents and individuals insured by health benefits plans in DC regarding matters pertaining to their health care coverage. In addition to commercial insurance, this office can help with Medicaid, Medicare, DC HealthCare Alliance, DC Healthy Families, prescription drug coverage, and medical billing issues.
Housing Support
Department of Human Services (DHS) – Family Services Administrations (FSA)
Address: 64 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 399-7093 (24-hour Shelter Hotline)
Website: dhs.dc.gov/page/family-services
FSA features the Homeless Services Program and administers the following housing-related social service programs and grants: emergency rental assistance program, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing program, homeless services, permanent supportive housing program, temporary shelter, and transitional shelter.
Transportation
Kids Ride Free
Phone: (202) 673-1740
Website: ddot.dc.gov/page/school-transit-subsidy-program
Kids Ride Free offers free or reduced fares for District students who use Metrobus, the DC Circulator, or Metrorail to travel to and from school and school-related activities. The program is available to students enrolled in DC public, public charter, and private schools. The program relies on an electronic pass that is loaded onto a student’s DC One Card.
General DC Agencies
DC Office of Unified Communications’ (OUC) 311 Call Center
Phone: 311 in DC, (202) 737-4404 from outside DC
Website: 311.dc.gov
The OUC 311 Call Center Operation provides a one-stop service experience for constituents, residents, and visitors searching for DC government services, numbers, and information. OUC’s 311 Call Center is designed to make the public's interaction with the DC government less frustrating.
Department of Human Services (DHS)
64 New York Ave. NE, Sixth Floor, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 671-4200
Website: dhs.dc.gov
DHS administers a number of public assistance programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and provides a wide range of family services, including child care assistance, homelessness prevention, family violence prevention, and the Parent and Adolescent Support Services (PASS).
State Board of Education (SBOE) Online Education and Community Resources Guide
Website: sboe.dc.gov/page/resource
The SBOE Resource Guide is a continuously evolving resource that currently has more than 400 resource listings organized into 33 category areas. The guide provides students, parents, families, and communities across all eight wards with a roadmap to getting started in navigating the public education landscape in DC.
Office of the Student Advocate
Phone: (202) 741-4692
Website: sboe.dc.gov/page/office-student-advocate
Email: [email protected]
The Office of the Student Advocate guides and supports students, parents, families, and community members in navigating the public school system in DC. The mission of the office is to empower DC residents to achieve equal access to public education through advocacy, outreach, and information services.
Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education
Phone: (202) 741-0886
Website: sboe.dc.gov/page/office-of-the-ombudsman-for-public-education
Email: [email protected]
The Office of the Ombudsman is responsible for helping students and parents resolve problems as they engage with District of Columbia Public Schools and public charter schools. The Ombudsman offers conflict resolution services to parents, families, and students and is committed to resolving school related complaints, disputes and problems quickly and efficiently in all areas that affect student learning.