Things You'll Need:
- GED or high school diploma
- Endorsement or BA in a child-related field
- Equivalent education and experience
- Asbestos statement
- Completed licensing application and training forms
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Step 1
Check your endorsements, training and education against the requirements for day-care providers, listed at www.dss.virginia.gov. If your education and/or experience isn't sufficient, the state of Virginia provides professional development and licensing opportunities through the commonwealth.
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Step 2
Attend the pre-orientation training provided by the Virginia Division of Licensing Programs. In this orientation, you will be given instructions about the different requirements for in-home and facility-provided day care. The orientation also provides information about the application process, as well as information about required approvals from other state agencies.
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Step 3
Attend the premedication administration training and the medication administration training to learn to safely administer medication to children. Attend health and safety training provided by the Division of Licensing Programs. All day-care providers are required to undergo biannual inspections to determine the suitability of the center and care. These inspections include providing the inspector with proof of current CPR training and medication administration training that has been satisfactorily completed within the state of Virginia.
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Step 4
Submit a written statement from a state-licensed asbestos inspector and management planner confirming the absence of asbestos in the building. If asbestos has been found in the building, a management plan must be submitted before day-care licensing will grant a license.
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Step 5
Advertise your day-care facility in local newspapers or on community websites. The state of Virginia will automatically add your facility to their database once all requirements have been met for licensing and an initial inspection has been made. Parents and the general public will have access to the facility type and name, license type and expiration date, administrator name, capacity, business hours, children's ages and inspector information. You will need to provide that information for the agency at the time of licensing.
