How to Start a Daycare in a Home in Virginia
A home daycare can be a great way for an experienced childcare provider to make money without a lot of overhead cost. In Virginia, if you intend to provide care for more than six children on a daily basis, you must first obtain licensure from the Department of Social Services. A home daycare, or family day home, may only provide service for up to 12 children. If you intend to care for more than 12 children, you will need to seek licensure as a day care center and register as a business, which is not considered a home daycare.
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Instructions
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Licensure
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Visit the Department of Social Services website to obtain the Minimum Standards for Licensed Family Day Homes PDF document. Make sure your home and family meet these minimum requirements. For example, stairways with more than three steps must have handrails at child-level.
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Download the Family Day Home licensure package from the Department of Social Services website.You can also have the package mailed to you from the DSS for a fee.
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Contact your regional licensing office for information on scheduling a Family Day Home health and safety orientation session. Register for a session and be sure to bring all required documents listed in the licensure package.
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Complete all required application documents. Submit these materials, along with a processing fee, to the DSS. Once the DSS grants your licensure, you must obtain first aid and CPR certification within six months. Contact your local American Red Cross department to schedule CPR and first aid courses.
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Maintain licensure by attending educational seminars or classes on childcare, nutrition, blood-borne pathogens or other related topics for at least six hours per year. Document all certification and course information.
Preparation
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Determine whether the number and needs of children in your care require additional staff members. As of 2010, Virginia DSS staffing ratios are one adult for every four children under age 15 months, one to five for children 16 to 23 months, one to eight for children ages 2 to 4 years and one to 16 for children 5 through 9 years old. If you hire additional help, each person must undergo criminal background checks and Child Protective Services registry checks.
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Prepare for a home inspection. Follow all guidelines in the Minimum Standards for Licensed Family Day Homes document. Install safety measures such as a fire extinguisher, smoke detector and working telephone. Store guns, knives, scissors and other sharp or dangerous objects securely locked and out of sight and reach of children. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs and cleaning products should also be in a locked container.
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Make sure the food you will provide as meals and snacks meets FDA nutritional standards. Provide age- and skill- appropriate toys, games, craft supplies, books and other educational materials. Ensure that these items meet current safety standards for choking hazards and lead content by checking the packaging of every toy. Designate certain areas for playtime, naps, meals and educational lessons.
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Establish rules, lesson plans, schedules and disciplinary policies. Post all policies and licensure information in plain view. Keep well-organized files for employees and clients, including emergency contact information and release forms. Liability insurance is recommended but not required for home day cares, but a 2006 Virginia law states that you must inform parents of whether or not you have liability insurance and if so, how much.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider a website for your business with live webcam video, so parents can check in on their children throughout the day.
Insure your home against theft and fire. Consider hiring an attorney to assist with small business law matters and legal representation in the event of a lawsuit.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit playing children image by Marzanna Syncerz from Fotolia.com
