Worker requirements
Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. If hired or promoted after 11/1/93, must also have an endorsement or BA in a child- related field; or 48 semester hours from accredited college or university, at least 12 of which are in a subject relating to group care of children and 6 months of age-appropriate experience; or a 1 year early childhood certificate from an accredited college or university of at least 30 semester hours and 6 months of age-appropriate experience; or a CDA credential or equivalent; or one year age appropriate program experience in group care and participation in a staff training plan of at least 10 hours in first year of employment.
Provider / Child Ratio
| Age Range | Ratio For Center-based Care |
| Infants | (1:4) |
| Young toddlers | (1:5) |
| 2 and 3 years | (1:10) |
| 4 years | (1:12) |
| School age | (1:20) |
| Mixed age group | ratio for youngest child in group |
| Age Range | Ratio For Family Child Care |
| 0 – 15 months | (1:4) |
| 16 – 23 months | (1:5) |
| 2 – 4 years | (1:8) |
| 5 – 9 years | (1:16) |
| 10 years and older | these children shall not count in determining any ratio |
| Mixed age group | a point system shall be applied to determine the need for an assistant |
Virginia Department of Social Services
Division of Licensing Programs
7 North Eighth Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 800-543-7545 (within state)
or 804-662-9743 (nationwide)
Fax: 804-662-9743
Web site: http://www.dss.state.va.us/division/license/
