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 for the amount of care approved up to the maximum reimbursable rate of the locality in which the vendor is located. The department will pay the rates providers charge the general public, up to the maximum reimbursable rate. Level two vendors will be paid a higher maximum reimbursable rate established by the department.

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. Level two providers may be paid up to 10 holidays on which no child care services are provided as identified in the vendor agreement. Certified preschools, religious exempt centers, and voluntary registered family day homes that are classified as level one providers may be paid for holidays on which no child care services are provided in accordance with the provisions of the vendor agreement. All other level one providers will not receive payment for any holiday unless services are provided on such day.

E. Level two providers may be paid for up to 36 days the child is absent per fiscal year.