Sun 5 Sep 2010

Child Care Virginia Beach

Posted by Stephanie under General Child Care Information
[108] Comments

Okay, why a site named Child Care Virginia Beach?

Well, hopefully that is what you typed into Google and here I AM!

Hello, my name is Stephanie Demma and I’m a mother of four wonderful children.

They are all in school and my oldest daughter will graduate from high school next year… my youngest is 12.

They pretty much take care of themselves now for the most part but it was not always that way, and as a working parent, I had to find reliable and trustworthy child care for each one of my little ones… and it was not always easy to do.

If you have found your way to this site I’m guessing you live in the Virginia Beach area and are looking for child care either in the form of a large commercial day care center or perhaps from someone who provides child care in their home.

Both have their advantages, and each their own set of problems.

I spent the better part of a decade making sure my children were in the care of loving, professional and competent child minders and employed large nationaly known organizations as well as those individuals providing in home child care on a small scale and everything in between!

I did background checks, searched for referrals, conducted interviews and checked with the appropriate regulatory bodies for the child care industry on dozens of day care establishments both large and small.

I know what it is like to be a mom that has to go back to work and is forced into making the decision on who they will entrust to care for their baby in the most loving and competent way and at a price they can afford.

Location, training and experience of the staff or individual were all things to consider, as well as the financial impact on our family.  I had a budget of course but did not want to sacrifice the safety and well being of my children because of money so I looked long and hard for the best providers.

I also wanted my children to learn while at day care in preparation for kindergarten, and as they got older, wanted an after school environment conducive to doing homework so they would not be trying to do it late at night after we had finished dinner.

The absolute best situation would have been finding a professional child care provider in my own neighborhood, licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services, certified in CPR and possess all the magic of a Nanny Mcphee!

And so, an idea was born!

What if I started a website where qualified child care professionals could apply to be listed and after an extensive interview process became members of the website?

If I could find a child care professional in every zip code in Virginia Beach and then in every neighborhood it would solve such a big problem for parents looking for someone they could entrust their child to and be right down the street!

And so was born, Child Care Virginia Beach!

I have looked for the most qualified and highly recommended child care providers across Virginia Beach, the kind of folks you will be completely comfortable leaving your most precious possession with.

Now before I go on, I want to provide you with a few links to sites you should review to get a clearer picture of our industry as a whole;

State Contacts List

Okay, this site will attempt to give you tons of information on local child care providers and what you should look for when considering hiring one of our listed professionals…. believe me, I’ve done my homework and have gone over each applicant with a fine toothed comb but you should still do your own investigating as well.

On our Child Care Virginia Beach site I will provide information on liscensing and certification requirements for child care providers in the Virginia Beach area as well as other training each should possess.

We will look at questions like; does the child care provider offer instruction to your child that will prepare them for school or is it just a basic baby sitting service?

Are there reading and writing and other educational materials available to the children and are they encouraged to use them?

Are the children given materials they can take home to connect with the parents?

Has the home or facility undergone a child safety inspection to ensure your child has a safe, clean environment to play and learn in, both indoors and out?

… and so much more.

Please spend some time at our site and check out our featured child care providers.  Check their references and feedback from satisfied parents and then feel confident that whom ever you choose to entrust your child with will be one of the best decisions you have ever made!

NOTICE: We are now accepting applications and setting up interviews for licensed child care providers in the Virginia Beach area.  If you conduct business in the following zip codes please contact us to set up an appointment for consideration of inclusion to this site: 23451, 23454, 23456, 23462, 23452, 23457, 23464.

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Mon 6 Sep 2010

Child Dies in Unlicensed Day Care Providers Home

Posted by Stephanie under General Child Care Information
[143] Comments

This past month, two children died, both infants, in day cares that were not licensed… one was supposed to be, the other was exempt because the day care was in a church.

Because religious exemptions for licensing and regulation exists for Church, we here at Child Care Virginia Beach cannot in good conscientious recommend any of these child care providers.

Now, the other case of a child dying in the home of an unlicensed provider raises the question as to whether or not you should choose a provider that is illegally run or one that is not required by law to be licensed.

I had my child in the home of an unlicensed day care provider for many years.  She had less than five children in her charge so licensing was not required.

She was however voluntarily registered so there was an inspection of her home and some over site by agencies contracted by the state of Virginia to see that the day care is run according to state laws for child welfare.

Now, I’m sure there are hundreds of moms out there making ends meet by providing child care in their homes and are doing an amazing job, voluntarily registered or not… and I seriously doubt in the case of the provider in her home who was just sentenced to 10 days in jail, being licensed may not have prevented this tragedy

From all accounts and numerous testimonials from her clients, she was a great day care provider… but she did break the law and did have to many children in her home so it is possible that if she had been licensed and followed proper guidelines the child would still be alive today.

There is some dispute as to whether the parents thought she was licensed or not but here is the thing, always use a licensed day care provider if they have more than five children in the home or use a voluntarily registered on if licensing is not required.

If you would like to read the story about these two cases you can do so here:  Child care

You can check to see if a child care provider in Virginia Beach is licensed by clicking here.

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Mon 6 Sep 2010

Guide For Opening a Child Care Business in Virginia Beach

Posted by Stephanie under License & Regulations
[204] Comments

The following information is provided from VBgov.com and will help those interested in becoming a child care provider in Virginia Beach conform with established policies and restrictions:

Guide for Opening Child Care and Day Care Facilities

Providing care for children is serious business. Because of this several local and state agencies are involved in enforcing regulations established to ensure basic safety, health, and general welfare for children. Quality child care providers are in great demand especially those who offer infant care. This information is provided to those who are considering establishing a child care or day care facility.

The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) regulates the construction of buildings which house facilities for the care of children. This is the minimum building construction code mandated by the Commonwealth of Virginia and enforced by the Division of Permits & Inspections.

Here are the definitions for each type of care facility as defined by the

Family Day Home: Family day homes licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services shall be permitted to accommodate the numbers of children permitted under licensing restrictions and shall be classified as a residential use group. The building code use group is R-3 (Residential). Family day homes caring for less than 6 children are not required to be licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services, but may be voluntarily regulated.

Day Care Facility: The use of a building or structure, or portion thereof, for educational, supervision or personal care services for more than five children older than 2 ½ years of age, shall be classified as Group E (Educational) occupancy.

Child Care Facility: A facility, that provides supervision and personal care on less than a 24 hour basis for more than five children 2 ½ years of age or less shall be classified as Group I-4 (Institutional).

If care is provided on a 24 hour basis the use group shall be I-2.

International Building Code and the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code: MUNICIPAL CENTER

BUILDING NUMBER 2

2405 COURTHOUSE DRIVE

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23456-9039

This is the starting point for becoming a licensed care provider. Compliance with all related agencies is required when opening a child care facility.

Licensing-Virginia Department of Social Services

Child care, day care, family day homes, preschools, before and after school care, and other forms of care must be licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In accordance to Code of Virginia licensing standards:

A

A

Religious entities which will provide child care and which desire religious exemption from State licensure must still meet the requirements of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, must meet minimum health and fire safety requirements, and must comply with the requirements of the Code of Virginia.

Information about qualifications, licensure, and specific procedures for religious exempt entities should be obtained from:

Virginia Department of Social Services

Eastern Licensing Office

Pembroke Four, Suite 300

Virginia Beach, VA 23462

After determining the ages of children and the number of children for whom care will be provided, a location and building should be selected. Once an area of the city has been selected, a site plan of the property showing the building, parking lot, and other physical features must be taken to the city zoning division located in Building #2, Operations Building at the municipal center on Princess Anne Road. The zoning division will review the plan to ensure that the proposed use is allowed in the zoning district in which the proposed facility is planned. In some cases, there may be a requirement to apply for a Conditional Use Permit to allow the facility to operate within a certain zoning district. The City of Virginia Beach Zoning Ordinance limits

family day homes to 2 related and 5 unrelated children (7 children maximum) within a residential home with no helpers. A Conditional Use Permit would be required to employ helpers or to provide care for more than the allowable number of children.

Before applying for a Conditional Use Permit it is recommended that you contact the Permits & Inspections Division, located in the same office as the Zoning Division, to discuss the building chosen for the proposed child care or day care facility. In some cases the building may not meet the minimum construction requirements for the proposed use.

The zoning division’s stamp of approval must appear on the site plan for the proposed building before any building permit will be issued. For more information about Zoning ordinances and requirements please contact:

City of Virginia Beach

Planning – Zoning Division

2405 Courthouse Drive

Municipal Center Building 2, Room 100

Virginia Beach, VA 23456

The Health Department is interested in child care and day care facilities for three specific reasons. If you proposed facility is located in an area of the city not served by the municipal water system and/or waste water system, the Health Department must approve any well or septic service for the proposed center. Also, the Health Department must approve the kitchen or food preparation area. The Health Department’s written approval must be received in the Permits & Inspection office before any building permit can be issued for the proposed facility. For more information, please contact:

Virginia Department of Health

Environmental Health

Pembroke Corporate Center III

4452 Corporation Lane Virginia Beach VA 23462

An inspection, conducted by the Fire Department, is required for licensure and is required prior to occupancy for businesses located within the City of Virginia Beach. This inspection is usually the last step in the process to obtain licensure and should not be scheduled until compliance is met with all other city and state agencies involved in the process. To make arrangements for the required inspection please contact:

Gina Filomarino

Fire Administration

Municipal Center – Building # 21

2408 Courthouse Drive

Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9065

   (757) 491-3950   (757) 491-3950    (757) 491-3950  (757) 491-3950

A license, granted by the Virginia Department of Social Services, does not constitute complete approval to operate a care facility.

child day center is defined as a program offered to (i) two or more children under the age of 13 in a facility that is not the residence of the provider or of any of the children in care, or (ii) 13 or more children at any location. child day program includes both child day centers and family day homes and is defined as a regularly operating service arrangement for children where, during the absence of a parent or guardian, a person or organization has agreed to assume responsibility for the supervision, protection, and well-being of a child under the age of 13 for less than a 24-hour period. Site Selection and Zoning

  (757) 385-8074  (757) 385-8074    (757) 385-8074  (757) 385-8074

A Conditional Use Permit, granted by City Council, or site selection approval alone does not constitute complete approval to operate a care facility.

Health Department Approval

  (757) 518-2646  (757) 518-2646    (757) 518-2646  (757) 518-2646

A Plan Review Approval, granted by the Virginia Department of Health, does not constitute complete approval to operate a care facility.

Building Code Compliance and Certificates of Occupancy

If the proposed use is approved by the zoning division, architectural plans must be prepared. The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code requires a registered professional architect to prepare and sign the construction plans for both care facilities and day care facilities.

Your architect will design the facility to meet the requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code. If you plan to convert a building currently or last operated as a different use an architect must still sign the building design drawings. These drawings will indicate that the building into which the proposed child care or day care facility will be located will be modified to meet the requirements of the building code. A Family Day Home which will be licensed by the Department of Social Services does not require architectural plans to be submitted. If you are simply purchasing an existing approved day care of child care facility and you are making no architectural changes, no architectural plans are required.

If the proposed facility will be located in a building constructed prior to 1985 and if the building will be undergoing physical changes and construction work an asbestos inspection must be completed. The owner of the building must have the building inspected by a licensed and approved asbestos contractor or inspector to identify any asbestos that may be present and disturbed by alterations or additions to the building. The asbestos inspection report must be submitted to the Permits & Inspections office before any building permit can be issued.

Once the Health Department, Zoning Division, asbestos, and building code compliance issues have been resolved, permits may be issued. A building permit will be required to relocate walls, doors, make desired physical changes, change the occupancy classification of an existing space, and/or to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. Plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection permits will also be required when altering or adding this equipment. If additional plumbing fixtures will be added, any associated fees required by the Department of Public Utilities must be paid before any permits will be issued. At the time of issuance of the building permit a charge will be paid for the Certificate of Occupancy. Once all of the inspections have been completed and the building is placed into compliance, the Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

If you have additional questions concerning building code requirements or the permit process, the following individuals may be reached at:

City of Virginia Beach

Planning – Permits and Inspections Division

2405 Courthouse Drive

Municipal Center Building 2, Room 100

Virginia Beach, VA 23456

  (757) 385-4211  (757) 385-4211    (757) 385-4211  (757) 385-4211 x 4

Andrew Bankowski or Curtis Muller – Facilities in Commercial Buildings

Jeanne Chalk or Scott Steen – Facilities in Residential Homes

A Certificate of Occupancy, granted by the Permits and Inspections Division, does not constitute complete approval to operate a care facility.

Business License – Commissioner of the Revenue

All businesses located within the City of Virginia Beach are required to have a city business license. For more information please contact:

Commissioner of the Revenue

Business License Division

2401 Courthouse Drive

Municipal Center Building 1

Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Phone:   (757) 385-4515  (757) 385-4515    (757) 385-4515  (757) 385-4515

A City of Virginia Beach Business License, granted by the Commissioner of the Revenue, does not constitute complete approval to operate a care facility.

Fire Prevention

Phone:   (757) 385-4228  (757) 385-4228    (757) 385-4228  (757) 385-4228

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Mon 6 Sep 2010

Child Care Providers License, Certification and Regulatory Information

Posted by Stephanie under License & Regulations
[200] Comments

The following is from the Department of Social Services website as it pertains to day care in Virginia, including the city of Virginia Beach.

       A child day care program in Virginia refers to a regularly operating service arrangement for children where, during the absence of a parent or guardian, a person or organization has agreed to assume responsibility for the supervision, protection, and well-being of a child under the age of 13 for less than a twenty-four-hour period. The broadest categories of care are out-of-home (“Center-Based”) care and in-home or “Family-Based” care in a private home. Those categories can be further broken down into “licensed”, “unlicensed (but regulated)”, and “approved”. Regulated refers to a facility is regulated by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). Approved refers to a facility that is regulated by an entity other than VDSS. The chart below allows you to explore the types of child care available, how they are regulated and provide you with related forms and applications.

Here are the main categories that we will discuss throughout the Child Care Virginia Beach website:

Family Day Home
Family day homes provide care for six to 12 children (exclusive of the provider’s own children and any children who reside in the home). The care may be offered for less than 24 hours in the home of the provider or in the home of any of the children in care. Licensure (or voluntary registration) also is required when care is provided to more than four children under two years of age, including the provider’s own children and children who live in the home.

Child Day Center
Child day centers are child day programs offered to (1) two or more children under the age of 13 years in a facility that is not the residence of the provider or of any of the children in care or (2) 13 or more children at any location. During the absence of a parent or guardian, the operator of the child day center has agreed to assume responsibility for the supervision, protection and well-being of children under the age of 13 years for less than a 24-hour period. By law, a child day center may be granted either a six-month conditional license, a six-month provisional license or a two-year license.

Short-Term Child Day Center
Short-term child day centers are child day centers that operate for part of the year only.

Now, you will notice that the Family Day Home definition says between 6-12 children in the home.  If a day care provider has at least 6 children in their homes they must be licensed: ”The Code of Virginia mandates the licensure of family day homes that provide care for six to twelve children (exclusive of the provider’s own children and any children who reside in the home).”

We understand that not all in home day care providers will have 6 children or more and should not be penalised because they are not “officially” licensed.  However, we do require that all featured child care providers at least be voluntarily registered with the state.  Below is the definition of a child care provider who has voluntarily registered their child care business:

     “Voluntary registration is a form of regulation offered to family day homes that are not required to be licensed. These homes have fewer than 6 children in care not including provider’s own children and any children who reside in the home. Voluntary registration is not available in areas where local ordinances regulate unlicensed providers (Arlington, Fairfax, and Alexandria). The program is administered by four agencies that have contracted with the department to perform this function in a specific area of the state.

A family day home provider who wishes to be registered pays a contracting agency a $50 fee to apply for a two year registration certificate. An applicant for a certificate of registration must have criminal history background checks, child abuse registry clearances, and tuberculosis screenings for herself and all adult members of the household. An applicant must also complete a health and safety checklist assessing the home and personal qualifications.

The contract agency visits the home to confirm that basic safeguards are in place to protect children in care. Upon recommendation by the contract agency, the Commissioner issues the two-year certificate of registration. During the period of registration, a small sample of registered homes is monitored by the contracting agency and state licensing staff for compliance with staffing requirements and the health and safety checklist.”

NOTE: Any child care provider who wishes to participate on this site must voluntarily register their business with the proper agency and be approved before we do our interview! 

Below is additional information we request our featured providers read… parents may find this information valuable as well:

News, Events, Bulletins

 

image of a red square resembling a bullet Training & Development

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