The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) is responsible for licensure and inspections of child day centers (CDC), short-term child day centers (CCS) and family day homes (FDH).

A CDC is defined as a "child day program offered to (i) two or more children under the age of thirteen in a facility that is not the residence of the provider or of any of the children in care or (ii) 13 or more children in a single location."

A FDH provides care for six to 12 children in the residence of the provider or the residence of any of the children in care. The six to 12 children excludes the provider's own children and any children who reside in the home. There are exemptions to being licensed, but in some of those instances VDSS is still required to provide oversight (e.g., religious exempt child day centers, family day home systems).

DOLP offers pre-application orientation for prospective license applicants at all of the licensing offices located throughout Virginia. The training focuses on informing interested parties about the application process, licensing regulations and approvals required by other state agencies.

Applicants who have not previously owned or managed a CDC, CCS or FDH must undergo health and safety regulatory training. Contact the appropriate DOLP licensing office to register for orientation, health and safety regulatory training, or for more information about applying for licensure.