Virginia childcare licensing is administered by the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Development within the Department of Social Services. Any facility serving 5 or more children must be licensed. Virginia's Child Care and Development Services System (CCDSS) includes the Child Care Subsidy Program. HB 2100 (2026) expanded the Child Care Subsidy eligibility threshold and created workforce bonus payments for licensed center employees.
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (under 16 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| Toddlers (16–24 months) | 1:5 | 10 |
| 2 years | 1:6 | 12 |
| Preschool (2–3 years) | 1:8 | 16 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 1:10 | 20 |
| School age | 1:18 | 36 |
Enrollment Form
Complete enrollment with child information and emergency contacts.
Immunization Records
Current immunization records per Virginia Department of Health schedule required on file.
Health Assessment
Physician-signed health assessment required within 30 days of enrollment.
Emergency Contact Information
Names and phone numbers of emergency contacts and authorized pickup persons.
Emergency Medical Authorization
Parental consent for emergency medical care.
Allergy and Dietary Information
Documentation of any food allergies or special dietary needs.
Medication AuthorizationConditional
Written parental authorization for any medication to be administered.
Exemption Policy
Medical and religious exemptions are permitted. Contact the Virginia Department of Health for current exemption procedures.
Minimum Age
18 years
Background Check
Virginia State Police background check, FBI fingerprint check, and Child Protective Services (CPS) registry check required for all staff.
Lead Teacher Education
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or relevant ECE coursework required for lead teacher positions.
Assistant Education
High school diploma or GED required. Must complete pre-service training before working with children.
CPR / First Aid
Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required. At least one certified staff member on-site at all times.
Continuing Education
Annual professional development training required. Contact VDSS for current hour requirements.
Director Qualifications
Director must hold a Child Development Associate credential or degree in ECE and meet VDSS experience requirements.
Inspection Frequency
At least one unannounced inspection annually.
License Renewal
Annual license renewal required.
Application Process
Contact VDSS Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Development to begin the application process.
Licensing Fee
Varies by capacity. Contact VDSS for current fee schedule.
See exactly what's missing for every child. Compliance checklists, automated parent reminders, phone document scanning. $99/month, unlimited staff.