Community feedback encouraged as county moves to tackle childcare shortage

Fairfax County is looking at ways to address a community childcare crunch by considering changes to make home day cares easier to open and expand. Parts of the county show clear gaps in access and supply for children under five, and home day cares can help fill these gaps because they offer flexible settings and more affordable options.

Staff is studying zoning changes to make the process more accessible while ensuring neighborhood compatibility. The proposed updates look at options like increasing the number of children allowed by right through a streamlined administrative permit, introducing new use-specific standards—such as designated drop-off and pickup areas —and simplifying the application and review process.

Virtual Community Meeting Information

Fairfax County is hosting three virtual community meetings to share details and gather feedback from residents, parents and local providers:

• Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 15, at noon
• Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. (Features live Spanish translation services) 

All meetings will cover the same information, and no advance registration is required. If you cannot attend, recordings will be posted online afterward.

We Want To Hear From You

• New Opportunities for Aspiring Providers: If you are thinking of starting a home day care business, these potential changes aim to make the legal startup and permitting process faster, clearer, and less costly.
• A Voice for Current Providers: Current home day care operators are strongly encouraged to participate. Because you have already been through the county's established process, your hands-on experience is vital to helping staff shape practical, safe and balanced rules moving forward.
• Safe Expanded Options for Parents: Families looking for reliable care can learn how these changes intend to safely increase local childcare capacity in neighborhoods where options are scarce.

Public hearings on this zoning amendment have not yet been scheduled. To review project summaries and options online, visit the Home Day Care Zoning Ordinance Amendment page.

For questions or comments, contact principal planner Jacqui Kamp at jacqui.kamp@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-1314. To request additional language services, contact Sarah Godfrey at sarah.godfrey@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-4256.