Finding "the right place" for your child can take time and effort on your part, but it is one of the most important tasks you will ever undertake. Begin your search for child care as early as possible. See the attached on the Children's Services page for providers in your area.
You may also call the Virginia Department of Education, or call the Virginia Statewide Information and Referral System at 1-800-230-6977.
Additional steps to take when choosing quality child care:
- Check the local newspaper and bulletin boards at work or school.
- Look up child care in the Yellow Pages.
- Talk to other parents and people whose opinion you respect.
- When you've narrowed the list, spend at least 15 minutes in a telephone interview and visit the facility with your child(ren) more than once, with one of the visits unannounced.
In Virginia, a child care provider is required to be licensed if she cares for more than five children from birth through age 12 in her home at any one time, other than her own children or children who reside in the home. In addition, a provider who cares for more than four children under two years of age in her home at any one time, including her own children or children who reside in the home, must be licensed or registered. Similarly, all child care centers must be licensed unless they are exempt from licensure in accordance with the law.
For additional licensing questions please contact one of the following agencies:
Child Care Licensing Agency
Virginia Department of Social Services
Division of Licensing Programs
7 North 8th Street, 2nd floor
Richmond, VA 23219-1849
Phone: 804-726-7154
Toll Free: 800-543-7545
Fax: 804-726-7132
Child Care Subsidy Agency
Virginia Department of Social Services
Division of Child Care and Development
Office of Child Care
7 North 8th Street
Richmond, VA 23219-1849
Phone: 804-726-7640
Fax: 804-726-7655
Head Start - State Collaboration Office
Division of Child Care and Development
7 North Eighth Street, 6th Floor
Richmond, VA, 23219-3301
Phone: 804-726-7640
Fax: 804-726-7655
Child Care Food Program Administrator
Mercer Corporate Park
300 Corporate Boulevard
Robbinsville, New Jersey 08691-1598
Phone: 609-259-5050
Fax: 609-259-5128
Child Care Resource and Referral Contact
Virginia Child Care Resource & Referral Network
308 Turner Road, Suite A
Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: 804-285-0846
Toll Free: 866-481-1913
Fax: 804-285-0847
Office of Child Support Enforcement
Division of Child Support Enforcement
7 N. Eighth St., 1st Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Phone: 800-257-9986
Fax: 804-726-7476