Looking For Childcare?

Head Start is a free program that helps young children—from birth to age 5—get ready for school. It’s for families with low income and offers support in education, health, nutrition, and family well-being. It’s available all across Virginia and is funded by the federal government. Some counties offer Early Head Start options for families.

Early Head Start: Must be an infant or toddler younger than 3 years old.

Head Start: Must be 3 or 4 years old by September 30th, a child who turns 3 after this date is eligible for attendance once reaching his/her 3rd birthday. **Age acceptance may differ depending on your location**

A Child may be eligible if:

• The family’s income is equal to or below 100% of the federal poverty guideline.
• The family is eligible for public assistance: TANF, SSI, or SNAP.
• The child is homeless as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
• The child is in foster care.

Additionally, Head Start Programs:

• May enroll a child who would benefit from services but does not meet other eligibility requirements provided that these families make up only a certain percentage of a program’s enrollment.
• May establish selection criteria that weigh the prioritizations of selection of families based on community needs identified in the community needs assessment.
• Must not deny enrollment based on a disability or chronic health condition or its severity.
• Must ensure a percentage of their total funded enrollment is filled by children for services under Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• May enroll pregnant moms or provided prenatal/postpartum information or services.

2025 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia

Looking for a Head Start program near you? Click here to find available options:

The Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) is a free preschool program for 4-year-old children who may need extra support before starting kindergarten. It helps kids build the skills they need to be successful in school and beyond.

It’s funded by the state and run by local public school divisions across Virginia.

The child must be 3 or 4 years old by September 30th **Age acceptance may differ depending on your location**

A Child may be eligible if:

• The family’s income is equal to or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline.
• The student’s parents or guardians are school dropouts.
• The child is homeless as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
• Children with identified disabilities or delays who are eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, regardless of household income.

2025 Poverty Guidelines Percentage Thresholds for Applying the Family Income Eligibility Criteria and Reporting Requirements for VPI as stated in the Virginia Appropriation Act

Looking for a VPI program near you? Click here to find available options:

The Mixed Delivery (MD) Preschool Program offers free, high-quality infant, toddler and preschool care in Virginia. It’s called “mixed delivery” because it uses a mix of public and private preschool providers, like:

• Licensed child care centers
• Private schools
• Family day homes

This gives families more choices for where their child can attend preschool, outside of just public school classrooms.

A Child may be eligible if:

• The family’s income is equal to or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline
• The student’s parents or guardians are high school dropouts
• The child is homeless as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
• Children with identified disabilities or delays who are eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, regardless of household income.

Additionally, Mixed Delivery Programs:

• May enroll up to 15 percent of the program’s slots based on locally established eligibility criteria so as to meet the unique needs of at-risk children in the community.

2025 Poverty Guidelines Percentage Thresholds Applicable to MD Requirements

Looking for a Mixed Delivery program near you? Click here to find available options:

A Child may be eligible if:

• Parents with children ages 5 or younger (not yet in kindergarten) are eligible for assistance if your household income is below 85 percent of the state median income.
• You must be employed, looking for a job, or participating in an education or training program.
• If you have at least one young child and meet other eligibility requirements, you can get help paying for childcare for all children ages 12 and younger in your family.
• You are eligible for a minimum of 12 months or until your income exceeds 85 percent of the state median income.
• Virginia will help you pay for childcare from an approved subsidy childcare provider.

How do I apply for The Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP)?

There are two ways to apply for the Child Care Subsidy Program

• Visit CommonHelp to apply online or screen for eligibility
  • CommonHelp is a self-service portal available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • A video or Quick Guide for the application portal is also available. 
• Submit a Child Care Service Application and Redetermination Form(Spanish – aplicación en español) to your local department of social services.
  • Click here to find your local department of social services.
  • You can also request that an application be mailed to you.

If you are eligible, and approved for services, your local department will authorize child care with a participating child care provider of your choice, and a portion of your child care costs will be paid directly to your provider.

Virginia Childcare Subsidy Eligibility Guidelines

Looking for a program that accepts Child Care Subsidy near you? Click here to find available options: