Virginia Child Care Licensing Requirements

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

https://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/licensing/cdc/intro_page/code_regulations/regulations/final_cdc_reg.pdf

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
2006 Virginia Construction Code

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.
2012 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code

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.

To access Virginia Child Care requirements along with other states please see our interactive Child Care Requirements US map here.

Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019