Childcare Licensing Requirements in Richmond, Virginia
If you are opening or operating a childcare center in Richmond, Virginia, you must comply with Virginia's licensing requirements administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs. As Virginia's third-largest city with a population of 230K, Richmond has a substantial childcare market with many families relying on licensed centers.
Virginia childcare centers in Richmond must include 13 mandatory sections in parent handbooks per Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-60.
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See complete Virginia licensing requirements →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamRequired Handbook Sections for Richmond Childcare Centers
The following sections must appear in every Virginia childcare parent handbook. These requirements apply to all licensed centers in Richmond.
| Section | Description | Citation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours of Operation | Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy. | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-60 | Required |
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps. | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-420 | Required |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures. | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-530 | Required |
| Medication Administration Policy | Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements. | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-510 | Required |
| Emergency Procedures | Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes. | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-540 | Required |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees. | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-340 | Required |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Meals and snacks provided; food allergy procedures; outside food policy. | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-560 | Required |
| Parent Communication Policy | Daily report procedures; how to reach staff; parent conference schedule. | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-60(a) | Required |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Steps for resolving concerns; contact for unresolved complaints. | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-60(b) | Required |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Mandatory reporter obligations; reporting procedures; state hotline. | Virginia Code §63.2-1509; 22VAC40-185-420(c) | Required |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Enrollment process; tuition rates; payment schedule; refund policy. | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-60(c) | Required |
| Health and Safety Policies | Handwashing procedures; diapering; sunscreen; rest time policies. | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-520 | Required |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Statement of equal access; protected classes covered. | Virginia Human Rights Act §2.2-3900; 22VAC40-185-30 | Required |
| Transportation Policy | Vehicle safety requirements; car seat policy; authorization procedures. | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-690 | Recommended |
| Field Trip Policy | Authorization requirements; supervision ratios during off-site activities. | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-700 | Recommended |
Staff-to-Child Ratios in Richmond
Virginia mandates the following maximum staff-to-child ratios by age group. Every licensed childcare center in Richmond must meet these minimums at all times.
| Age Group | Staff-to-Child Ratio |
|---|---|
| Infant (0-16 months) | 1:4 |
| Toddler (16-24 months) | 1:5 |
| Toddler (2 years) | 1:6 |
| Preschool (3 years) | 1:9 |
| Preschool (4-5 years) | 1:10 |
Immunization Requirements
- DTaP
- Polio
- MMR
- Varicella
- Hib
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A
- Pneumococcal
Background Check Requirements
- Virginia State Police background check
- FBI fingerprint check
- Child Protective Services (CPS) registry check
Inspection Frequency
Annual; complaint investigations; re-inspections following violations
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Civil penalty up to $5,000/violation; license suspension or revocation under Virginia Code §63.2-1709
Local Childcare Resources in Richmond
In addition to state licensing requirements, Richmond childcare operators can access support through local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies. Contact your local CCR&R for Richmond-specific assistance with licensing applications, training, and family subsidy programs. The Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs also maintains regional offices that serve the Richmond area.
For official Virginia licensing information visit: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/facility/cc.cgi
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What are the childcare licensing requirements in Richmond?
Childcare centers in Richmond must comply with Virginia state licensing requirements enforced by the Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs. This includes maintaining a compliant parent handbook with 13 required sections, meeting staff-to-child ratios by age group, ensuring all enrolled children have up-to-date immunizations, and completing background checks for all staff and volunteers.
How many staff do I need for a daycare in Richmond?
In Richmond, Virginia mandates specific staff-to-child ratios by age group: Infant (0-16 months) requires a ratio of 1:4; Toddler (16-24 months) requires a ratio of 1:5; Toddler (2 years) requires a ratio of 1:6; Preschool (3 years) requires a ratio of 1:9; Preschool (4-5 years) requires a ratio of 1:10. These ratios are set by the Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs and apply to all licensed childcare centers in Richmond.
What immunizations are required for childcare in Richmond?
Children enrolled in Richmond childcare centers must have documentation of the following immunizations per Virginia state requirements: DTaP, Polio, MMR, Varicella, Hib, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, Pneumococcal. These records must be on file at the childcare facility.