ChildCare Connection is a childcare resource and referral service that provides parents with basic or enhanced (see below) referrals to childcare providers and offers training and support to caregivers. Click here for a list of upcoming classes.
More than 600 caregivers have listed their information with us including family daycare homes, daycare centers, after-school programs and preschools. Referrals are available in Augusta, Bath, Clarke, Frederick, Highland, Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Warren counties and the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton, Waynesboro and Winchester.
Harrisonburg Office: 411 Stone Spring Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(540) 433-4531 or toll-free 800-377-4453
Email: ChildCareConnection@rhcc.com
Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Northern Office: 294 East Main Street, PO Box 12, Stanley, VA 22849
(540) 778-4600 or toll-free 866-599-1273
Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Basic Referral Service
Cost: No charge
How to begin: Complete a short form (PDF) with basic questions about your childcare needs.
You will receive:
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A list including the name, address and phone number for at least 3 providers meeting your specified needs. |
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A guide to choosing quality childcare. | |
Enhanced Referral Service
Cost: $60 annually (Employee benefit for RMH)
How to begin: Complete a two-page form with specific questions about your childcare needs
You will receive:
Additional benefits include access to the ChildCare Connection Resource Center including books and toys for all ages, plus reduced fees for classes. |
Frequently asked Questions Especially for Providers
| Q: |
How many children can a family day care provider care for? |
| A: |
Virginia law allows individuals providing care for children in their home to care for up to 5 children, not including their own, at any one time without regulation. No more than five children, whether they are full-time, before/after school, or part-time, can be present in the home at one time if the provider is unregulated. Also, providers can keep no more than four children under the age of two at any one time, including their own children. |
| Q: |
Is there any way to care for more children? |
| A: |
A family day care provider may keep up to 12 children after becoming licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services Licensing Office in Verona (540-332-2330). This process requires criminal and child protective services checks and TB tests for all adults in the household, First Aid/CPR training, and two home visits per year to check the safety of the environment. The annual fee is $14. Note: Some localities, like the City of Harrisonburg, require home caregivers to obtain a business license. This is a separate process from Social Services state licensure. |
Q: |
What about insurance? |
| A: |
Some homeowners' insurance policies limit the number of children permitted in home care, so providers should check with their insurance carriers and get limits in writing. |
| Q: |
What is Voluntary Registration? |
| A: |
Providers who don't wish to care for more than five children but do want to participate in the USDA Food Program (which reimburses childcare food expenses) may become Voluntarily Registered. The fee is $50 for two years and it requires the same tests as licensing but only one home visit per year and has fewer regulations than licensing. For more information on this program, contact Child Nutrition, Inc. in Warrenton (540-347-3767) or the Council of Community Services in Roanoke (800-354-3388). | |