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The Commonwealth
of Virginia helps
assure parents that child day programs that assume responsibility for the
supervision, protection, and well-being of a child for any part of a
24-hour day are safe. Title 63.1, Chapter 10 of the Code of Virginia gives
the Department of Social Services authority to license these programs.
While there are
some legislative exemptions to licensure, licensed programs include child
day centers, family day homes, child day center systems, and family day
systems. The State may also voluntarily register family day homes not
required to be licensed.
Standards for licensed child day centers address certain health
precautions, adequate play space, a ration of children per staff member,
equipment, program, and record keeping. Criminal records checks and
specific qualifications for staff and most volunteers working directly with
children are also required. Standards require the facility to meet
applicable fire, health, and building codes.
Compliance with standards is determined by announced and unannounced
visits to the program by licensing staff within the Department of Social
Services. In addition, parents and other individuals may register a
complaint about a program which will be investigated if it violates a
standard.
Three types of licenses may be issued to programs. Conditional
licenses may be issued to a new program to allow up to six months for
the program to demonstrate compliance with the standards. A  regular
license is issued when the program substantially meets the standards
for licensure. A provisional license, which cannot exceed six
months, is issued when the program is temporarily unable to comply with the
standards. Operating without a license when required constitutes a
misdemeanor which, upon conviction, can be punishable by a fine of up to
$100 or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both for each day's violation.
If you would like additional information about licensing of child day
programs or would like to register a complaint, please contact the Regional
Office of Social Services closest to you.
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Fairfax Licensing
Office
11320 Random Hills Rd., Suite 200
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703)934-1505
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Northern Virginia
Regional Office
320
Hospital Dr., Suite 23
Warrenton, VA 22186
(703) 347-6345
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