PWC - Child Care in Prince William County

The Department of Social Services administers a variety of programs to provide child care assistance to low income working families. Some of these programs are available only to families participating in the VIEW (Virginia's Initiative for Employment not Welfare) program. The fee system child care program is available to any low income working family that meets the eligibility requirements. Funding for child care programs is limited, so families requesting assistance are often placed on a waiting list. Click here for a description of Child Care Programs.
Child care services are provided to eligible families with children under the age of 13. A child may be eligible until age 18, if there are special needs requirements, such as a mental or physical disability.

The goals of the child care subsidy programs are:

To help low income families afford quality child care for their children.
To allow parents to work and become self-sufficient.

How to apply for Child Care Assistance:

If you are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), contact your TANF worker.

If you are participating in the VIEW program, contact your employment worker.

If you are not participating in TANF or VIEW and wish to apply for Fee System child care, call 703-792-7500.

All programs offered through the Department of Social Services are available to all eligible persons regardless of race, sex, disability or national origin.

Because funding is limited, you may be placed on a waiting list for child care assistance.

Selecting Quality Child Care:

Choosing child care is a very important and personal decision. All parents want what is best for their children. Social Services provides information to parents to help them identify quality care and make the best decision for their families.

Quality indicators - selecting the best care for your child: Quality Child Care Checklist

The Virginia Department of Social Services Web site offers an up to date listing of all child care providers. You may research the site by the type of care you prefer and by zip code.

Licensed providers: include Child Day Centers, Family Day Homes and Short Term Centers: Virginia State Licensed Provider Search
Unlicensed providers: include Religious Exempt Child Centers, Voluntarily Registered Day Homes and Certified Pre-School Centers: Virginia State Unlicensed Provider Search

Becoming a Family Day Care Home Provider:

Working parents rely on quality child care in order to be able to work and support their families. The following are the links to resources that may help you:

To become a licensed provider, contact your local licensing office, here.
To operate a child care business in your home, you are required to obtain a zoning approval and a home occupancy certificate. Click here for more information.
For more information about becoming a child care provider, training and being part of the child care resource and referral network: call 703-352-3449, extension 118 or click here.
If you are interested in becoming a voluntarily registered provider, click here.

Resources for More Information about Quality Child Care:

For more information, call the Prince William County Department of Social Services at 703-792-4200 or send an e-mail.