Section 63.2-1717 of the Code of Virginia allows preschool programs operated by private schools that are accredited by a statewide accrediting organization (or another accrediting organization recognized by the Board of Education) to be exempt from licensure.

The State Board of Education recognizes the accreditation process for private schools administered through the Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE) Commission on Accreditation. Accrediting organizations that are approved by VCPE administer their own accrediting process for schools in their organizations.

In order for preschool and nursery school programs operated by accredited private schools to be certified, certain information must be filed with VDSS before the beginning of the school year or calendar year. That information must be filed annually thereafter. The information includes, but is not limited to, verification of accreditation or accreditation candidacy, a statement of intent, documentation that the parents or guardians of children in care have received written notification that the preschool is exempt from licensure, documentation that the school requires criminal record clearances on all employees of the preschool, a list of staff qualifications and health and fire inspections reports.

• Code of Virginia: Title 63.2 - Welfare (Social Services) 07/2012 (PDF)

Notices

• 2013/05/06: New Medication Training Requirements for Child Day Programs (PDF)
• 2012/07/02: Changes to Child Protective Services Mandated Reporting Law (PDF)
• 2012/06/28: Revised Sworn Disclosure Form (PDF)
• 2012/06/08: Legislative Update, 2012 (PDF)
• 2011/09/12: Emergency Preparedness: Earthquake Safety Checklist & Helping Children Cope with Disaster (PDF)
• 2010/06/25: Shaken Baby Syndrome (Web page)

Background Investigations

• Barrier Crimes (PDF)
• Request for Search of the Child Protective Services (CPS) Central Registry - ($7.00 Search Fee) (DOC)
• Request for Search of the Child Protective Services (CPS) Central Registry - ($7.00 Search Fee) (PDF)
• Sworn Statement or Affirmation for Child Day Programs (PDF)
• Technical Assistance for Background Checks for Child Welfare Agencies & Child Day Centers (updated 06/2009) (PDF)

Guidance & Procedures

• Certification of Preschool Programs Operated by Accredited Private Schools (PDF)
• Criteria for Training (PDF)
• Proof of Child Identity and Age (PDF)

• First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Course Approval (PDF)
• Publication Order Form (PDF)
• Report of Environmental Sanitation Inspection (PDF)
• Request for Building Evaluation or Inspection (PDF)
• Request for Search of the Child Protective Services (CPS) Central Registry - ($7.00 Search Fee) (DOC)
• Request for Search of the Child Protective Services (CPS) Central Registry - ($7.00 Search Fee) (PDF)
• School Entrance Health Form (Web page)
• Sworn Statement or Affirmation for Child Day Programs (PDF)

Additional Resources

• Child Day Care Provider Training & Development (Web page)
• Related Links (Web page)
• Vendor Guidelines for Child Day Care Assistance (Web page)