Become a Family Child Care Provider

If you enjoy being with young children, teaching them new things, and would like to work from home, think about becoming a family child care provider in Fairfax County. Becoming a permitted family child care provider allows you to earn a living while staying at home with your own children and caring for the young children of other working families. Our staff is available to support you in every aspect of your home-based child care business.

In order to become a permitted family child care provider in Fairfax County, you will need to meet established permit requirements to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in your care. For more information, visit the Fairfax County Code of Ordinances.

As a permitted family child care provider, you are also a small business owner. Our staff will help you get your business started, guide you to the business forms you will need to complete, and give you access to professional development opportunities that can help you to establish a successful home-based, child care business. As a small business owner, you can receive tax benefits, and will also be eligible to participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program and be reimbursed for the healthy food you serve to the children in your care.

The Fairfax County Office for Children staff will provide you with helpful information and business development resources to help you to market your program to families looking for home-based child care. The Women's Business Center is also available to assist providers in the development of a business plan, including marketing strategies.

In Fairfax County, anyone who cares for up to four children in their home is required by law to have a current family child care permit from Fairfax County Office for Children. If you choose to care for five or more children, you must be licensed by the state of Virginia.

We highly recommend that you view the Preparing for Your Permit Information Session webinar. The information session provides an overview of the permit application process to become a family child care provider in Fairfax County.

After viewing the information session, you will be ready to register and attend one of our free, in-depth workshops, Preparing for Your Family Child Care Permit. At the workshop, you will receive a comprehensive orientation as well as all materials necessary to apply for your family child care permit.

Workshop: Preparing for Your Family Child Care Permit
Pre-registration is required; please call 703-324-8100 for location and registration information.

Our staff are also available by phone and in-person if you need assistance in completing your application forms.

There are several steps to help you get started:

1.  Find out if your apartment complex or homeowner's association allows you to operate a child care business from your home.

2.  Determine if you will need a Fairfax County permit or a Virginia state license to operate your business; this is dependent on the number of children in your care, other than your own.

-- A county permit is required if you wish to care for up to four children other than your own.

-- A state license is required if you provide child care for five or more children other than your own.

-- You may only have one, a permit OR a license, not both.

3.  Attend a free workshop (see above) for more information on becoming a permitted family child care provider in Fairfax County.

Apply for a Permit

Enroll in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program

Register for Training

Back to top