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Licensed Daycare in Virginia

Search 3,458 verified daycare and childcare centers across Virginia, sourced directly from Virginia Department of Education — Office of Child Care Health and Safety . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

3,458
Licensed Centers
$1,180/mo
Avg Infant Care
$880/mo
Avg Preschool
1:4
Infant Ratio

Virginia Childcare Licensing

In Virginia, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Virginia Department of Education — Office of Child Care Health and Safety. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.

Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:5 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.

Verify a license at Virginia Department of Education — Office of Child Care Health and Safety

Quick licensing facts

Regulator
Virginia Department of Education — Office of Child Care Health and Safety
Infant ratio
1:4
Toddler ratio
1:5
Preschool ratio
1:10
Avg infant cost
$1,180/mo
Avg preschool cost
$880/mo
Financial help

Virginia Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits

Virginia families can apply for Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.

Local intake line: (866) 873-6515

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Daycare in Virginia — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Virginia is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Virginia Department of Education — Office of Child Care Health and Safety database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/facility/search/cc.cgi.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Virginia?
State minimums in Virginia are roughly 1:4 infants, 1:5 toddlers, and 1:10 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Virginia?
Full-time infant care averages about $1180/month; preschool runs around $880/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Virginia Beach trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Virginia?
Yes. The primary state program is Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program, reachable at (866) 873-6515. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Virginia daycare?
File a complaint with the Virginia Department of Education — Office of Child Care Health and Safety via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 3,458 Licensed Virginia Centers

Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.