York County Continues Push for Local Oversight of Home-Based Daycares
Board of Supervisors seeks regulatory parity with State's urban localities
The York County Board of Supervisors is continuing its legislative push to grant “traditional” counties the authority to regulate home-based daycares, seeking to close a regulatory gap between rural and urban jurisdictions. The most recent effort comes in a letter sent to Delegate Dr. Mark Downey, a practicing pediatrician, who took office in January 2026. In the letter dated February 3 letter, Chairman Douglas R. Holroyd briefed the newly elected representative on the county’s long-standing priority to implement safety-focused revisions to state childcare statutes
Addressing the Regulatory Gap
Under existing Virginia law, York County is classified as a “traditional” county, which prohibits it from requiring local registration or oversight for home-based daycares serving four or fewer children. In contrast, cities and “urban” counties already possess the legal standing to implement such local licensing.
The Board emphasized that while they support the growth of home-based daycares—noting a significant need for childcare among local military families—they believe the current lack of oversight presents a safety concern.
Proposed Oversight Standards
The Board’s objective is to implement consistent safety and licensing standards for home-based daycares across all Virginia jurisdictions, regardless of their “traditional” or “urban” status, and the county has submitted a drafted statute for review, which would allow for a mandatory registration process. The proposed framework includes several key requirements for home-based daycares:
Background Checks: Mandatory screenings for operators and all adult residents to ensure no registered sex offenders are in the home.
Safety Infrastructure: Required fire and safety equipment alongside formal emergency planning.
Secure Storage of Firearms: Mandatory protocols for the safe storage of any firearms on the premises.
Minimum Professional Standards: Requirements for operator certification and specific training.
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