Virginia Law

A. Maximum reimbursable rates.

1. The department will establish maximum reimbursable rates for child care subsidies for all localities in the state by type of care, level of regulatory oversight, age of child, and unit of service. Such rates shall be available in Appendices F and G of the Child Care Subsidy Program Guidance Manual on the department's website.

2. For children with special needs or disability, payment over the maximum reimbursable rate is allowed when this is appropriate as determined and documented by the local department. The maximum reimbursable rate for children with special needs may not exceed twice the rate for care of children who do not have special needs.

3. Vendors will be paid based on the cost methodology developed by the department in its Child Care Cost Estimation Report.

4. Parents who choose a vendor that charges a rate higher than the maximum reimbursable rate set by the department shall be responsible for payment of the additional amount, if charged by the vendor, unless the local department elects to pay the additional amount out of local funds.

B. For in-home child care, the payment rate must be at least minimum wage, but not more than the maximum reimbursable rate for the number of children in care.

C. A single annual registration fee, if charged, will be paid to level two vendors only. The registration fee must not exceed $100 nor be higher than the fee the vendor charges the general public. If the requirement for payment of another registration fee is beyond the control of the recipient or due to extenuating circumstances, an additional registration fee may be paid. The cost of transportation services provided by the vendor, if any, shall be included in the total cost of care. The total cost of care, excluding the single annual registration fee but including other fees and transportation, must not exceed the maximum reimbursable rate.

D. Providers may be paid up to 15 days of planned closure for holidays, vacations, and professional development or planning time on which no child care services are provided as identified in the vendor agreement.

E. The department shall issue payments to Child Care Subsidy Program vendors for authorized enrollment, subject to the attendance threshold established by the department.

F. Family day home providers in the Child Care Subsidy Program may be paid for up to three sick days to care for themselves or a family member.

G. Child Care Subsidy Program vendor payment rates for infants and toddlers shall fully reflect the cost of care.