Voluntary registration is a form of regulation offered to family day homes that are not required to be licensed These homes have fewer than 6 children in care not including provider's own children and any children who reside in the home. Voluntary registration is not available in areas where local ordinances regulate unlicensed providers (Arlington, Fairfax, and Alexandria). The program is administered by six agencies that have contracted with the department to perform this function in a specific area of the state.

A family day home provider who wishes to be registered pays a contracting agency a $50 fee to apply for a two year registration certificate. An applicant for a certificate of registration must have criminal history background checks, child abuse registry clearances, and tuberculosis screenings for herself and all adult members of the household. An applicant must also complete a health and safety checklist assessing the home and personal qualifications.

The contract agency visits the home to confirm that basic safeguards are in place to protect children in care. Upon recommendation by the contract agency, the Commissioner issues the two-year certificate of registration. During the period of registration, a small sample of registered homes is monitored by the contracting agency and state licensing staff for compliance with staffing requirements and the health and safety checklist.
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