Providers that care for five through twelve children in their home (not including their own children or children that reside in the home) are mandated by the Code of Virginia to be licensed. Providers that care for more than four children under the age of 2 (including their own children and children that reside in the home) are also required to be licensed or Voluntary Registered. Licensed family day homes are allowed to care for a maximum of 12 children at any given time (not including their own children or children that reside in the home).
If a family day home provider exceeds 16 points based on the ages of children in care, they will need an additional caregiver.
- Birth-15 months: 4 points
- 16-23 months: 3 points
- 2-4 years: 2 points
- 5-9 years: 1 point
- Over 10 years: 0 points
Licensed family day homes receive two state inspections annually and must renew their license after a period of 1-3 years.
Review the following information:
1. Contact the Office of Child Care Health and Safety in your region to sign up for Pre-Licensure Orientation for Licensed Family Day Homes – Phase 2.
2. Contact your local zoning office to determine the number of children you may request to care for in your home.
3. Submit a complete initial application for licensure and upload the application and all required attachments through the online portal. Refer to this quick reference guide for step-by-step instructions on using the online portal. If you are unable to access the online portal or encounter difficulties using the online portal please contact the Office of Child Care Health and Safety in your region. Application must be completed at least 60 days prior to your opening date
4. Submit the following documents with your application:
- Budget form
- Zoning form signed by zoning official
- Documentation of completed Phase II Pre-Licensure Orientation
- Verification of age for the applicant, assistant(s) and substitute provider(s)
- Documentation of the provider’s education
- Documentation of the provider’s programmatic experience
- Proof of current first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test/Screening results for all caregivers and adult household members (completed within the last 30 days)
- Background checks for all caregivers, household members, individuals listed in the business entity section of the application (completed within the last 90 days)
- Three letters of reference for all individuals listed in the business entity section of the application (reference letters must not be dated more than 12 months prior to the date of the application from three persons not related to the individual by blood or marriage who have known the individual for at least one month and can attest to his/her character and reputation) – This is not required for public agencies
- A credit reference for the business entity – This is not required for public agencies
- Documentation of a fictitious name from the Virginia State Corporation Commission (VSCC) if the home will operate under a name other than that of the business entity
- If applicable, business entity paperwork such as partnership agreements, association bylaws, or certificates and articles of formation from the VSCC
- After your application has been received, a licensing inspector will contact you to schedule an inspection.
5. Prepare for your home inspection. After you have completed steps 1-4 and your application is complete, a licensing inspector will contact you to schedule an inspection of your home
To ensure timely processing, the applicant must submit a complete application to the Office of Child Care Health and Safety at least 60 days prior to the facility’s planned opening date.
Visit the VDOE website for more information about this process here.
- Assistant/Substitute Provider Record
- Authorization to Apply a Non-Prescription Topical Skin Product
- Budget form (with instructions)
- Caregiver Reference
- Checklist for Adult Household Members
- Child’s Record
- Contact with Local Zoning Administrator
- Documentation of Assistant & Substitute Provider Orientation Training
- Emergency Preparedness & Response Plan
- Register for our Emergency Preparedness training for more information on Virginia specific requirements and how to create an Emergency Preparedness plan that is appropriate for your individual program.
- General Permission for Regularly Scheduled Trips
- Information for Parents
- Injury Record
- Liability Insurance Declaration
- Medication Administration- Decision to Administer
- Medication Administration Log for Child Day Programs- Individual Child
- Medication Administration Log for Child Day Programs- Multiple Children
- Medication Authorization
- Permission to Participate in Swimming or Wading Activities
- Provider Record Checklist
- Provisions of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan
- Record of Annual Training
- Record of Daily Attendance
- Record of Emergency Response Drills
- Report of Tuberculosis Screening Evaluation
- School Entrance Health Form
- Special Field Trip Permission Form
- Staffing Recommendations for a Child with Special Needs
- Substitute Provider Time Sheet
- Weekly Menu
- Additional Forms, Policies, and Templates available to members of the Virginia Shared Services Network. Learn more about joining here.
VDOE offers a variety of training, education, and resources to help providers earn the continuing education and training needed to be successful in the early childhood and school-age care workforce. Click here for more information.
