The Code of Virginia requires licensure of any person who approves family day care homes as a member of its system and who refers children to available day care homes in that system.

The system refers children to member homes, as well as provides the operators with training, technical assistance and consultation, inspection, supervision, and monitoring. The system is also responsible for referring children to available health and social services.

The system is inspected at least twice a year by licensing inspectors. Regulations require the system to visit member homes quarterly (two visits must be unannounced) to ensure compliance with the system's policies and procedures. Licensing inspectors may make unannounced visits to member homes at any time.

A member home of a system may provide child day care for a maximum of 9 children. The operator of the home is subject to the same requirements for criminal record checks, child abuse/neglect central registry checks, and tuberculosis screenings as a licensed family day home provider.

Currently, the only licensed Family Day Home Systems in Virginia are operated by Infant/Toddler Family Day Care and U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Homes.

Applying to Become a Licensed Family Day System

1. Review the General Procedures and Information for Licensure, Minimum Standards for Family Day-Care Systems, and 2024 Code of Virginia (pdf)

2. Review information about background check requirements

3. Complete an initial application for licensure, and upload the application and all required attachments through the online portal.  When using the online portal, applicants should select "Family Day System" as the provider type and "initial application" as the interaction purpose. Refer to this quick reference guide for step-by-step instructions on using the online portal.  If you are unable to access the online portal or encounter difficulties using the online portal, please contact the Office of Child Care Health and Safety in your region.

   The following listed documents are required attachments for an initial application for licensure, and will need to be uploaded in the online portal when submitting your initial application.  Model forms are provided below, if available.  Please note that application fees are not being collected by the department through June 2025.

   • Annual operating budget
   • Statement of written goals and objectives
   • Written documentation of the system's chain of command or organizational chart
   • Name of the management company that operates the agency, if other than the applicant
   • Written job descriptions for all staff
   • Copy of all policies and procedures related to the operation of the system, personnel, and to member homes
   • Copies of all forms used by the system if different from the model forms provided by the department
   • Copy of any brochures
   • Description of method of transportation, if transportation is provided
   • Written schedule of payments to be made to homes that are members of the system
   • Three letters of reference for all individuals listed in the business entity section of the application (reference letters must not be dated more than 12 months prior to the date of the application from three persons not related to the individual by blood or marriage who have known the individual for at least one month and can attest to his/her character and reputation) – This is not required for public agencies
   • Background checks for all individuals listed in the business entity section of the application (completed within the last 90 days)
   • A credit reference for the business entity – This is not required for public agencies
   • Documentation of a fictitious name from the Virginia State Corporation Commission (VSCC) if the center will operate under a name other than that of the business entity
   • If applicable, business entity paperwork such as partnership agreements, association bylaws, or certificates and articles of formation from the VSCC
   • Supplemental Staff Information Sheet (PDF), if needed

*Note: To ensure timely processing, the applicant must submit a complete application to the Office of Child Care Health and Safety at least 60 days prior to the facility's planned opening date.  Submission of an incomplete application will delay the review process.  If you need assistance or have questions, contact the Office of Child Care Health and Safety in your region.

Renewing a Family Day System License

To ensure timely processing, you must submit a complete renewal application to the Office of Child Care Health and Safety at least 60 days prior to the expiration date of the current license.  

Complete a renewal application, and upload the application and all required attachments through the online portal.  When using the online portal, applicants should select "Family Day System" as the provider type and "renewal application" as the interaction purpose. Refer to this quick reference guide for step-by-step instructions on using the online portal.  If you are unable to access the online portal, encounter difficulties using the online portal, or have questions about the renewal process, please contact your assigned licensing inspector.  Please note that application fees are not being collected by the department through June 2025.

Model Forms 

• Initial Application for Family Day System (PDF)
• Liability Insurance Declaration (PDF)
• License Modification Request for Facility Change of Location (PDF)
• Medication Administration Log for Child Day Programs - Individual Child (PDF)
• Medication Administration Log for Child Day Programs - Multiple Children (PDF)
• Medication Authorization (PDF)
• Renewal Application for Family Day System (PDF)
• School Health Entrance Form (PDF)
• Supplemental Staff Information Sheet (PDF)