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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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