Virginia Childcare Licensing
Virginia Childcare Daycare Inspection Prep (2026)
Passing a Virginia childcare licensing inspection requires more than paperwork — inspectors arrive unannounced and verify staff-to-child ratios in real time, audit child files for immunization and enrollment records, check handbook compliance, and look for physical safety hazards. Annual; complaint investigations; re-inspections following violations
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamVirginia Daycare Inspection Prep: The Specifics
Virginia: re-inspections following violations
Civil penalty up to $5,000/violation
suspension or revocation under Virginia Code §6
During a Virginia childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Infant (0-16 months) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:4.
During a Virginia childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Toddler (16-24 months) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:5.
During a Virginia childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Toddler (2 years) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:6.
During a Virginia childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Preschool (3 years) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:9.
During a Virginia childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Preschool (4-5 years) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:10.
Virginia inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Hours of Operation policy (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-60.
Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-60
Virginia inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy policy (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-420.
Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-420
Virginia inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Illness and Exclusion Policy policy (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-530.
Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-530
Virginia inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Medication Administration Policy policy (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-510.
Virginia Administrative Code 22VAC40-185-510
Virginia Daycare Inspection Prep at a Glance
| Infant (0-16 months) | 1:4 |
|---|---|
| Toddler (16-24 months) | 1:5 |
| Toddler (2 years) | 1:6 |
| Preschool (3 years) | 1:9 |
| Preschool (4-5 years) | 1:10 |
Virginia Daycare Inspection Prep Checklist
- Supervision gaps and ratio violations during breaks, naps, or transitions
- Expired CPR certifications or background checks for staff
- Incomplete child files (missing enrollment forms, immunization records, or emergency contacts)
- Missing or undated fire-drill logs (most states require monthly drills)
- Unsecured cleaning supplies, chemicals, or medications accessible to children
- Outlet covers missing or electrical hazards in child-accessible areas
Go Deeper
Generate a Virginia-Compliant Handbook
TotReady builds a fully compliant parent handbook for your Virginia childcare center in minutes — every required section, your branding, and regulatory citations included.
Virginia Daycare Inspection Prep: Frequently Asked Questions
How often does Virginia inspect licensed childcare centers?
Annual; complaint investigations; re-inspections following violations
What do Virginia inspectors check during a childcare inspection?
Virginia childcare inspectors typically verify: (1) staff-to-child ratios are met for every age group, (2) staff CPR/First Aid certifications and background checks are current, (3) each child's file contains required enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records, (4) fire-drill logs are complete, (5) the parent handbook covers all required policy sections, and (6) the physical environment is free of hazards such as unsecured cleaning supplies and missing outlet covers.
What happens if a Virginia childcare center fails an inspection?
Civil penalty up to $5,000/violation; license suspension or revocation under Virginia Code §63.2-1709
How can I prepare my Virginia childcare center for an unannounced inspection?
Use the /inspection-check tool on TotReady to run a pre-inspection self-audit. Key areas: confirm all staff ratios are met and documented, verify CPR and background-check expiration dates, audit every child file for completeness, check that fire-drill logs are current, and walk the facility for physical hazards (unsecured chemicals, missing outlet covers, blocked exits).
Which handbook sections do Virginia inspectors verify?
Virginia inspectors check that the parent handbook includes these required sections: Hours of Operation, Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy, Illness and Exclusion Policy, Medication Administration Policy. Each must be present and comply with the cited Virginia administrative code.
Virginia childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Virginia administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.