The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Virginia Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Virginia. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
VIRGINIA Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Virginia Department of Social Services Division and Licensing Programs
7 North 8th Street, 2nd Floor, Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 726-7154
See Virginia childcareregulations here
License renewal is required every year.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child
|
|
0-16 Mos. |
16 Mos.- 2 Years |
2 Years |
3-5 Years |
6-8 Years |
9-12 Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher:Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:5 |
1:8 |
1:10 |
1:18 |
1:20 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
8 |
10 |
16 |
20 |
36 |
40 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
280 sf. |
350 sf. |
560 sf. |
700 sf. |
1260 sf. |
1400 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per child
- When the outdoor activity area is not adjacent to the center, there shall be at least two staff members supervising one or more child.
- Outdoor play is required for one hour per day if the center operates more than five hours a day.
- Staff shall be trained on playground safety procedures unless they will have no responsibility for playground activities or equipment.
- Trampolines may not be used.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1:15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
68 |
Inside areas occupied by children, the temperature shall be maintained no lower than 68°F. |
120 |
Sinks need to be located near the toilets and supplied with running warm water that does not exceed 120°F |
1 |
A restroom used for school age children that contains more than one toilet shall have at least one toilet enclosed. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
Outside lighting provided at entrances and exits used by children before sunrise or after sundown |  |
Cleaning materials, insecticides, and pesticides shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. |  |
Emergency evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures/maps shall be posted in a location conspicuous to staff and children on each floor of each building. |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019
Virginia Childcare Licensing Process
Embarking on your journey towards becoming a licensed childcare provider in Virginia? Fantastic! ‘The Complete Guide on How to Get a Childcare Provider License in Virginia’ is your comprehensive companion, equipping you with essential information and detailed step-by-step instructions tailored just for you.
From understanding the prerequisites to mastering the application process and beyond, this guide is designed to support you, simplifying your path, and boosting your confidence as you set your sights on this noble profession.
Let’s turn your passion for nurturing young minds into a formal, recognized profession in Virginia. Ready to begin?
Understanding the Virginia Childcare Provider Licensing Process
You may have wondered what exactly a childcare provider license is. Well, as you embark on your journey to offer childcare services in Virginia, you will soon find out.
What is a Childcare Provider License
A Childcare Provider License is a legal permission granted by the state of Virginia to individuals or organizations interested in providing care for children other than their own. The license signifies that the provider has met all required standards and regulations, thereby ensuring the safety and overall well-being of the children under their care.
Why is it Required
The need for a license isn’t just a formality; it’s crucial for the safety and wellbeing of the children you’ll be caring for. Having a license means you’ve met specific legal requirements set by the state, ensuring that children are receiving care in a safe, sanitary, and nurturing environment.
Who Oversee the Licensing Process
In Virginia, the Department of Social Services (VDSS) oversees the childcare provider licensing process. The department ensures that all childcare providers meet the requisite safety, health, and training standards.
Initial Requirements for Childcare Provider License in Virginia
As with any license, there are initial requirements you need to meet to qualify for a childcare provider license in Virginia.
Minimum Age Requirement
To begin with, you must be at least 18 years old. This is because the state believes that at this age, you would have attained the necessary maturity and judgment to care for young children.
Educational Background
For your educational background, a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED is required. This ensures that you have a basic level of literacy and numeracy to provide care and guide the children’s learning experiences.
Health and Safety Trainings
Virginia recommends that all childcare providers partake in health and safety trainings. This includes understanding the basic childcare principles that involve nutrition, child development, and injury prevention given how crucial it is to ensure the overall well-being of the children.
CPR and First Aid Certifications
Another critical requirement for obtaining a childcare provider license in Virginia is possessing a certificate in CPR and First Aid. This guarantees that in case of emergencies, you are capable of delivering life-saving care to children.
Conducting Background Checks
Background checks are an integral part of obtaining your childcare provider license in Virginia. This helps ensure that individuals who have access to children do not pose any risks.
Fingerprint-Based Background Checks
One of the ways the state runs background checks is through fingerprints. This helps authenticate your identity and reveal any criminal history that may endanger the children.
Child Protective Services (CPS) Registry Check
Virginia also requires a CPS registry check. This ensures that there’s no record of child abuse or neglect associated with your name.
Importance of Clean Record
Keeping a clean record helps to build trust and confidence with parents. Furthermore, a clean record is a reflection of your character and integrity. The state wants to ensure that all children in childcare are safe, and one of the ways they do this is by granting licenses to individuals with a proven track record of responsible behavior.
Understanding Types of Childcare Settings
Childcare services can be provided in a variety of settings, each with their own distinctive regulations and requirements.
Family Day Care Homes
Family day care homes are small-scale childcare services typically operated in the caregiver’s home. These homes take between four to twelve children, depending on the children’s ages.
Child Day Centers
Child day centers are larger establishments that offer childcare services to groups of children in a non-residential setting. These centers often have more staff and children than family day care homes.
Religious Exempt Child Day Centers
In Virginia, child day centers operated by religious institutions may be exempt from licensure but must comply with certain conditions.
Certified Pre-schools
These are learning centers for children in the pre-kindergarten stage and must meet specific teaching and safety standards to function.
Voluntarily Registered Family Day Homes
In Virginia, you may voluntarily register your family day home with the state, even if licensure is not required for the number of children you care for. This registration can provide added assurance to parents about your commitment to safety and quality care.
Application Process for Childcare License in Virginia
Once you’ve cleared the initial requirements and understood different childcare settings, it’s time to apply for the license officially.
Obtaining Application Package
The first step involves obtaining the application package either online or from the Virginia Department of Social Services. The package contains all the necessary forms and instructions for the application.
Completing Application Form
Completing the application form involves providing necessary personal and professional details like your name, contact number, educational background, previous work experience, among others.
Submission Process
Once completed, you need to submit the application form, along with all the required documents, to the Virginia Department of Social Services.
Fees Associated
There’s an application fee associated with the childcare provider license, which must be paid at the time of application submission. The VDSS determines this fee, and it is non-refundable.
Compiling Essential Documents
There are several documents you are required to compile and submit along with your application.
Educational Certificates
These serve to validate your educational background.
Health Certificates
Health certificates state that you are physically and mentally fit to care for children.
Proof of Residence
This is used to verify your home address.
Identity Proofs
Identity proofs such as your driver’s license, passport, or Social Security card are used to confirm your identity.
Inspection Process
Your childcare center will likely have to undergo several inspections before your license is granted.
Pre-Licensing Inspection
A pre-licensing inspection confirms that your childcare facility is in compliance with state and local regulatory requirements.
Health and Safety Inspections
Health and safety inspections are carried out to verify that your childcare center conditions are ideal for children.
Fire Safety Inspection
Fire safety inspection is done to ensure that your center has a safe environment, free of fire hazards and has well laid out emergency evacuation plans.
Childcare Training Requirements
Continuous training is vital for every childcare provider. It helps you stay up-to-date with the best childcare practices.
Required Training Hours
The state of Virginia requires childcare providers to undergo at least 16 hours of training per year. This training is in addition to first aid and CPR training.
Approved Training Programs
The training should be from programs approved by VDSS. This can be formal college education, workshops, conferences, or in-service training sessions.
Record Keeping of Training Hours
You should record all training hours and subjects covered because this documentation is required for license renewals.
Maintaining Compliance with Licensing Standards
Once you have received your license, it’s crucial to maintain compliance with all licensing standards.
Child-to-Staff Ratio Requirement
One such operational standard involves maintaining proper child-to-staff ratios. This ensures that each child receives individual attention and care.
Health and Safety Standards
Adherence to health and safety standards should be of paramount importance. These standards involve maintaining cleanliness, ensuring regular medical checks for children, and a well-nourished food plan.
Continuous Training
The Childcare Provider License calls for continual training to keep abreast with the latest practices in childcare.
Periodic Inspection
There will be regular inspections by VDSS to check the compliance with all standards.
Renewing Your Childcare License
The work doesn’t stop once you’ve received your license. It’s equally important to renew your license periodically.
License Renewal Procedure
The renewal process involves similar steps to the initial application process. You need to complete and submit a renewal application before your current license expires.
Renewal Fees
There are fees associated with license renewal, but they are typically less than the initial licensing fee.
Continuing Education Requirements for Renewal
Continuing education is a big part of license renewal. You must have a specific amount of training hours to renew your license.
In conclusion, getting a childcare provider license in Virginia requires a level of dedication and commitment to quality childcare. However, as you navigate this process and fulfill the necessary requirements, you are making a real difference by providing a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow.
-This article was written by Rebecca Calbert.
With over 35 years of experience, Rebecca leads the way at Calbert Design Group. She is dedicated to guiding her clients through the complexities commercial real estate development.
Discover more of her valuable insights and resources at SaveOnBuilding.com , where Rebecca’s “purpose” is to educate small business owners and protect them them from what they don’t know.