Application & Documents

During this step providers must submit a Home-Based Childcare Network application. Within 30 days of submitting the application, a Report of Tuberculosis Screening, Residence Verification Form and Sworn Statement must be submitted. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of your identity by submitting a copy of your identification (i.e. Driver's License, DMV ID card, Passport, etc.). If you fail to submit the supplemental documents within 30 days your application for licensure will be denied.   

*Please contact us if you need assistance with notarizing the Residence Verification form. This service can be provided to you at no cost. 

Screenings, Approval & Requirements

In this step, a Norfolk Home-Based Childcare Network (NHCN) Coach will be assigned to assist you through the licensing process. 

Screenings

Caregivers shall meet the requirements of a satisfactory background check*. The background check process will consist of the following:

• Sworn Statement or Affirmation for Child Day Program form
• Central Registry Search
• National Criminal Background Check

*A satisfactory sworn statement or affirmation is, (1) a fully completed original that states that the individual does not have an offense; and (2) there is no other knowledge that the individual has an unsatisfactory background.

*A satisfactory central registry search is one in which; (1) a copy of the child protective services check form is returned indicating that, as of the date on the reply, the individual whose name was searched is not identified in the central registry as an involved caregiver with a founded disposition of child abuse/neglect; and (2) there is no other knowledge that the individual has a founded disposition in Virginia or in any other state in which the individual has resided in the last five (5) years.

*A satisfactory national criminal background check is one which an original hard copy or internet inquiry reply from the Department of State Police is returned to the agency, individual or authorized agent making the request with; (1) no convictions indicated but no barrier crimes, offenses, or other felony convictions in the last five years; and (2) there is no other knowledge that the individual has an offense in Virginia or elsewhere.

Barrier Crimes for Child Day Programs

Requirements

A copy of Norfolk City Code Chapter 15.1 and the NHCN City Code Checklist will be provided for your review and signature. 

Approval

The NHCN Coach will provide information to assist you with developing an Emergency Preparedness Response Plan.  The plan will be reviewed and approved by the NHCN Coach. 

Initial Inspection

Upon completion of a satisfactory background check and approved Emergency Preparedness Response Plan, an initial home inspection will take place. 

Conditional License

After passing a home inspection, a Conditional License may be issued for up to six (6) months to allow time for the remaining requirements to be met.  A conditional license may be revoked at any time if an applicant fails to complete requirements.

Required Trainings

Initial trainings shall be completed prior to licensure. 

Penn State (Better Kid Care): Virginia Pre-Service Training for Child Care Staff – 10 hours

This free on demand orientation course provides an overview of basic and health and safety requirements and best practices in ten of the topic areas outlined in the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Reauthorization; and was specifically created for professionals who work with children and families in Virginia.

Click here to access

Penn State (Better Kid Care) Health & Safety Updates for Childcare Staff – 3 hours

This free on demand annual training is a follow-up to the Virginia Preservice Training for Child Care Staff training*. This training course is required for all staff that work directly with children in childcare program (center-based and family) that participate in the Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program. This training is to be taken annually, with the first update completed within one year after completing the Virginia Preservice Training for Child Care Staff.

*If you have completed the 10-hour training during the current year, you are not required to complete the 3-hour training until the following year. 

Click here to access

Penn State (Better Kid Care) Safe Sleep Practices for Caregivers: SUID – 1 hour

Providing high quality sleep environments and understanding Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID) is an essential part of a childcare provider’s job. This course focuses on defining SUID and identifying behaviors that affect and reduce the risk of sleep related SUID.

Click here to access

VDSS: Recognizing & Reporting Abuse and Neglect (for Educators) – 1 hour

This training module prepares Virginia teachers who are mandated by law to report suspected child abuse and neglect.

Click here to access

NDHS: Mandated Reporter – 2 hours

Home-Based Childcare providers have a legal responsibility to report suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The purpose of mandated reporter training is to inform on how to identify suspected abused and neglected children or vulnerable adults as soon as possible so that they can be protected from harm.  Attendees will also learn the steps to take for reporting suspected abuse and/or neglect. This training is facilitated by Norfolk Department of Human Services staff.

*This training is held online and is scheduled for a specific time; there are currently no classes scheduled at this time. Please check back for schedule information. 

NDHS: Home & Family Readiness – 2 hours

Home & Family Readiness training prepares Family Day Home operators for home inspection procedures. The training covers education, training, and resources essential to maintain compliance with the standards set forth by Norfolk City Code Chapter 15.1. This training is facilitated by Norfolk Department of Human Services staff.

*This training is held online and is scheduled for a specific time; there are currently no classes scheduled at this time. Please check back for schedule information. 

NDHS: Norfolk City Code Chapter 15.1 – 2 hours

This training will cover some of the information available in Norfolk City Code § 15.1.  Information Family Day Home operators can expect to learn, includes information about requirements, the types of licenses issued, appeals procedures, and operational responsibilities.  

*This training is held online and is scheduled for a specific time; there are currently no classes scheduled at this time. Please check back for schedule information. 

First Aid & CPR 

First Aid* and CPR** training gives you the information and skills you need to help adults and children during many emergency situations. In this training, you will learn the latest CPR method; how to respond when choking occurs; and basic First-Aid techniques. 

* A Family Day Home operator must have a current certification in first aid from an organization such as the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, American Safety and Health Institute, or National Safety Council.

**A Family Day Home operator must have or obtain a current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as appropriate to the age of the children in care from an organization such as the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, American Safety and Health Institute, or National Safety Council. The training shall include an in-person competency demonstration.

A Family Day Home operator may obtain certification from any organization that meets the requirements noted above.  

There are fee training opportunities s available through Child Care Aware of VA, click here to learn more. Search the training calendar for an upcoming classroom training. Please adjust the dates to ensure you can identify classes within an appropriate range. If the class you are searching for does not on the appear the list, it may not be available during these dates. Please continue to check frequently to see when a class is added. 

Zoning 

Upon completion of required trainings NHCN will notify the Department of City Planning of a Family Day Home (FDH) operators' eligibility to move forward with zoning approval.  The FDH operator will complete a Zoning Review application and receive approval upon verification that all requirements have been met.  The Commissioner of Revenue's office will be notified that zoning approval has been granted.

At any time during the application process a FDH operator may request to have a zoning review completed. A zoning review will provide information such as the maximum number of children that can be in care (based on lot size) and whether an operator is eligible to apply for a Conditional Use Permit to increase the number of children in care. 

If you would like to conduct your own zoning review, please click here and follow the instructions provided. 

Business License

 The Family Day Home operator will apply for a Norfolk Business License. Upon receipt of the required documents, an account will be established and an email providing an invoice and instructions on how to pay will be forwarded to the email address provided.

*Per City Code 24-25.10, the Commissioner of the Revenue cannot issue a business license if any delinquent taxes are owed by you or your business.  

NHCN License Issued

Upon receipt of the Norfolk Business License, an applicant for licensure will be notified of their approval for a NHCN Regular License.  The license will be issued within 30-days and taken to the Family Day Home (FDH) operator.  The licensed provider will also be informed about renewal procedures. 

An initial license is valid for a period of one year.