While Child Care Aware of Virginia only refers families to regulated child care programs, not all providers in the state are licensed. Child care centers and family day homes who are licensed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) are subject to regular, unannounced inspections to ensure they meet health and safety standards.
CHILD CARE CENTERS
Unlicensed, Unregulated Child Care Center
These programs have no state oversight or regulations. They don’t need to follow requirements for staff background checks, training, or health and safety guidelines, and they are not inspected by VDOE.
Licensed Child Care Center
VDOE inspects these centers at least twice a year. They must meet state requirements for staff background checks, ongoing education, and strict health and safety standards, including First Aid/CPR certification for all staff.
Religiously Exempt Child Care Center
Some centers operated by religious institutions may be exempt from licensing. Religiously exempt centers must complete background checks and follow health and safety requirements (first aid/CPR certification for at least one person at the location, safe sleep practices, handwashing policy, etc.) listed in 22.1-289.031 of the Code of Virginia. The VDOE Office of Child Care Health and Safety will conduct inspections to monitor the RECDC’s compliance with Code requirements, investigate complaints of alleged noncompliance with Code requirements, and, if a program participates in the Child Care Subsidy Program, monitor compliance with subsidy health and safety inspection requirements. For more information, visit VDOE’s website here.
FAMILY DAY HOMES
Unlicensed, Unregulated Family Day Home / Family, Friend, & Neighbor Care
These programs have no state oversight or regulations. They don’t need to follow requirements for background checks, training, or health and safety guidelines. VDOE does not inspect these programs.
Licensed Family Day Home
These homes must have a license if they care for five or more children. They’re inspected twice a year by VDOE. They must meet state requirements for background checks, ongoing education, and strict health and safety standards, including First Aid/CPR certification for the provider and any additional staff.
Voluntarily Registered or Local Ordinance Family Day Homes
Some family day homes can register voluntarily or follow local ordinances instead of getting a full license. These programs care for a maximum of four children and must meet some health and safety requirements. While all Local Ordinance Family Day Homes are required to maintain First Aid/CPR certification, Voluntarily Registered Family Day Homes are only required to be certified if approved to accept subsidy payments. These programs are inspected if there is a complaint or if they’re approved for subsidy payments.
Why Choose Licensed Care?
Choosing a licensed child care program ensures that your child’s care meets established safety, quality, and professionalism standards. Knowing that the program has undergone regular inspections and meets state standards for staff qualifications, health and safety protocols, and ongoing education gives you peace of mind.
Did you know….
You can learn a lot about a care provider by checking their inspection records. Visit the Department of Social Services website to search for specific programs and providers. You can see their most recent inspection reports, any violations, and how the program plans to correct them. This can help you make an informed decision about which care option is best for your child and family.