In order to become an approved child program provider in Virginia, providers are required to meet certain standards to ensure levels of knowledge and competency. Licensing requirements for a child day program are based on the type of program.
Licensed Child Day Centers - Qualifications vary for program directors, program leaders, and aides. Program directors can meet one of the following criteria with education in a child-related field:
- Graduate degree
- An endorsement or bachelor’s degree
- College credits: 48 semester hours with 12 being in a child-related field or 72 quarter hours with 18 being in a child-related field
- Two years of programmatic experience with one year in a supervisory capacity and other advanced educational requirements
- Three years of programmatic experience with one year in a supervisory capacity and a high school completion or equivalent
Licensed Family Day Homes - Providers are required to have: (1) a high school diploma or the equivalent, or (2) evidence of having met the requirements for admission to an accredited college or university. Providers must hold current certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid appropriate to the age of children in care are required for providers. Providers who administer prescription and/or non-prescription medications must also hold current certification in Medication Administration Training (MAT). In addition to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid certification, providers are required to have a minimum of 16 hours of training annually in areas relevant to their job responsibilities.
In an effort to assist providers in providing high quality programs for children, Virginia offers a free, 10-hour training course for child care staff. The course covers topics related to health and safety information, cognitive and physical development, facilitating safe spaces for children and information related to Virginia’s Subsidy and Licensing Programs.