Licensed Daycare in Virginia
Find the right daycare in Virginia in under 5 minutes. 3,458 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Virginia Department of Education — Office of Child Care Health and Safety. Free, no signup.
Listings updated May 2026 from official Virginia licensing records.
Virginia childcare by the numbers
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.
What's distinctive about Virginia: Virginia transitioned child-care licensing from Social Services to Education in 2021 — emphasis shifted toward school-readiness outcomes. CCSP serves families up to 85% state median.
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
Virginia Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in Virginia runs about $14,160/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from Virginia center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in Virginia
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Check eligibility for Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program. Most Virginia families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
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Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in Virginia often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (866) 873-6515.
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Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
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Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the Virginia Department of Education — Office of Child Care Health and Safety database and tour during operating hours.
Top Cities for Daycare in Virginia
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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
Official Virginia & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Daycare in Virginia — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Virginia is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Virginia?
How much does daycare cost in Virginia?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Virginia?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Virginia daycare?
Where to get childcare help in Virginia
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programVirginia Child Care Subsidy Program can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(866) 873-6515 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Virginia Department of Education — Office of Child Care Health and Safety.
Official license searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for Virginia are compiled from official Virginia Department of Education — Office of Child Care Health and Safety licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 3,458 Licensed Virginia Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.