Local Child Care Programs

To search for center-based and family-based child care programs in the Staunton, Waynesboro, HIghland County and Augusta County areas, please visit the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) website.

Child Care Terms

A Licensed Child Care Center provides care for two or more children in a setting other than a private home or for 13 or more children at any other location (e.g., private residence) and it is licensed by VDSS.

An Unlicensed Child Care Center provides care for two or more children in a setting other than a private home and is not required by the Code of Virginia to be licensed. Religiously exempt programs and certified preschools are two types of unlicensed care. While these programs are not required to be licensed, they must meet specific guidelines, and they are periodically monitored.

A Licensed Family Day Home provides care for up to 12 children, in addition to the provider’s own children or children residing in the home, in a private home that is licensed by VDDS.

A Voluntarily Registered/Certified Family Day Home can serve up to five children, in addition to the provider’s own children or children residing in the home, and it has registered with VDSS.

An Unregulated Family Day Home is not inspected by the state or its designee. It can legally provide care for no more than five children (or no more than four children under the age of two) in addition to the provider’s own children or children residing in the home. Homes that exceed capacity are operating illegally.



Policy Statement
This agency does not screen or inspect homes or centers or in any way act as a regulatory agency. Since parental choice is a very important component of child care arrangements - we make referrals, not recommendations. It is the responsibility of the parent seeking care to verify that a provider's information is accurate and evaluate the quality of childcare being offered. Counseling, information and resources are available to assist parents in choosing the situation that best fits their child's needs. Referred providers are certified, licensed, and/or registered.