Providers who wish to become Voluntarily Registered family day homes must care for less than 4 children at any given time (not including their own children and children that reside in the home). Voluntary Registration is not available in areas where local ordinances regulate unlicensed providers (Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Norfolk).
Providers interested in becoming Voluntarily Registered must submit an application, a $50 application fee, results of TB screening, results of criminal history search and child abuse registry search, child abuse search for children in the home aged 14-17, a sworn statement of affirmation for all adults in the home, and a self-assessment of health and safety compliance. The Office of Child Care Health and Safety or a contract agency will conduct a home inspection to assess health and safety compliance. Voluntarily Registered family day homes receive a two-year certificate of registration and must receive a new inspection every 2 years to renew.
- Review the following resources: Welcome Letter, Voluntary Registration of Family Day Homes: Requirements for Providers, and Background Checks for child day programs
- Determine if your home is in a city/county administered by the Office of Child Care Health and Safety or a contract agency
- If your location falls under the Office of Child Care Health and Safety, you will complete the initial application for registration 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, contact the Office of Child Care Health and Safety in your region. The application fee should be mailed separately to the Office of Child Care Health and Safety in your region. Your check or money order should be made payable to the “Treasurer of Virginia”
- If your location falls under a contract agency, you will submit the following forms directly to the contract agency along with their payment requirements:
- Asthma Action Plan
- Children’s Emergency Medical Authorization
- Children’s Record
- Emergency Escape Plan
- Health and Safety Checklist
- Individual Health Care/Asthma
- Individual Health Care/Special Needs
- Information for Parents Statement
- Liability Insurance Declaration
- Medication Error Report
- Permission to Take Child on Trips or Outings
- Program Decision to Not Administer Medication
- Record of Emergency Evacuation Drills
- School Entrance Health Form
- 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.
