Virginia Childcare Licensing
Virginia Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)
Virginia childcare licensing is administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs. A licensed Virginia center must maintain a parent handbook covering 13 state-mandated policy areas, each tied to a specific administrative-code citation. Annual; complaint investigations; re-inspections following violations
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamVirginia Licensing Requirements: The Specifics
Virginia childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-60.
Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-60
Virginia childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-420.
Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-420
Virginia childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-530.
Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-530
Virginia childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-510.
Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-510
Virginia childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-540.
Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-540
Virginia childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-340.
Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-340
Virginia Licensing Requirements at a Glance
| Hours of Operation | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-60 |
|---|---|
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-420 |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-530 |
| Medication Administration Policy | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-510 |
| Emergency Procedures | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-540 |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-340 |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-560 |
| Parent Communication Policy | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-60(a) |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-60(b) |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Virginia Code §63.2-1509; 22VAC40-185-420(c) |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-60(c) |
| Health and Safety Policies | Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-520 |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Virginia Human Rights Act §2.2-3900; 22VAC40-185-30 |
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Virginia Licensing Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Virginia?
Childcare licensing in Virginia is regulated by the Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs. Official licensing information is published at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/facility/cc.cgi.
How many handbook policy sections does Virginia require?
Virginia requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.
How often does Virginia inspect licensed childcare centers?
Annual; complaint investigations; re-inspections following violations
What happens if a Virginia center is out of compliance?
Civil penalty up to $5,000/violation; license suspension or revocation under Virginia Code §63.2-1709
Virginia childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Virginia administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.