Richmond, Va. – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced the launch of a website that will give parents and guardians more information about child care licensing rules.
The website provides child care information created for parents, providers and the general public. The site promotes the importance of health and safety standards, as well as the benefits of quality child care.
The website,www.childcareva.com, is part of reforms passed in 2015 to help Virginia families make informed decisions on child care. The reforms included requiring care providers to be licensed by the state or to keep give or more children who aren’t related to them in their homes.
Local governments are now required to report to the Virginia Department of Social Services for contact information for child care providers and family day homes that are issued a business license. State law now requires family day homes to notify parents of that fact up front and in writing.
Child care providers can learn how to become licensed and/or trained, review relevant legislation and get professional development information and materials.
“We license child care providers because we want to make sure children are cared for in safe, healthy environments,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Dr. Bill Hazel. “Helping make parents and providers aware of the licensing system and how it works will ensure everyone makes the healthiest choices possible for children.”
The site will allow parents to find information on various child care options, requirements and benefits of licensed providers and guidance for researching quality child care.
“I am excited that this new resource is now available for parents and providers,” said Governor McAuliffe. “State licensure provides important benefits for both parents and child care providers, and this website will help everyone get the information they need to provide children with the highest quality, safest care possible.”
