About Child Care Assistance
Child Care Assistance programs provide funding to enhance the quality, affordability and availability of child care for Alexandria families. Child care programs are child-centered, family-focused services that support the family goals of economic self-sufficiency and child development by providing substitute parental care, protection, guidance and early childhood education. Find out if you are eligible and apply for child care assistance at the Virginia Common Help website.
TANF Childcare
If a parent or legal guardian is receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), they may may be eligible for child care assistance to make it possible for them to work, participate in an approved training activity or go to school. There is no fee for this program. For more information or to apply for this service, call 703.746.5437 (KIDS).
Transitional Child Care
If a parent or legal guardian has received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) within the last twelve months, they may be eligible to receive assistance with child care, depending on income, to support their employment. Families pay a single fee, based on their income, directly to the provider of care. The remainder of the cost of care is paid by the Department of Community & Human Services. For more information or to apply for this service, call 703.746.5437 (KIDS).
Child Care Subsidy Program
Families may be eligible for a child care subsidy for children aged 0-13 if both parents are working, going to school or participating in training. Families pay a single fee based on their income directly to the provider of care. The remainder of the cost of care is paid by the Department of Community & Human Services. To be screened for this program, contact the Early Childhood Division at 703.746.5437 (KIDS).
Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)
Quality pre-K child care programming through the Alexandria City Public School System (ACPS) and community partners is available at no cost to eligible families. Children engage in enriching educational experiences, explore learning materials and new ideas, and build their skills as they prepare to enter kindergarten. The Pre-K curriculum is research-based and each class has up to 18 children with a qualified teacher and an instructional assistant. The program follows the elementary school schedule Monday through Friday, with options for before and after care. See a list of VPI pre-school programs or call 703-746-KIDS (5437).
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS
PIE- The Parent infant Education Program (PIE) serves families with children birth - 3 years old when there are concerns about the child’s development.
IDD Program- The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Program (IDD) serves children and youth aged 6 -22 years old who have a diagnosed intellectual or developmental disability.
Call 703.746.KIDS (5437).
Child Care Financial Assistance
Child Care Information Service
Choosing child care is a personal decision. Local permits and state licensing standards are minimum requirements and do not guarantee quality programs. We urge parents to visit and carefully interview multiple providers before making a selection. Use the Child Care Checklist when visiting a provider and check the provider's blue registration permit or state license to ensure that their registration is valid and that they have space for your child. Providers should also be able to present documentation of the training they have received.
The Early Childhood Division (ECD) does not specifically endorse any provider and does not guarantee the accuracy of the information about providers. All child care arrangements are the responsibility of the parents and the provider.
Call 703.746.5437 (KIDS) and see below for information on:
- Approved family childcare providers
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Licensed child care programs-- including before and after-school programs and summer camps-- and the results of recent inspections can be found at www.dss.virginia.gov. You may also contact the Fairfax Regional Licensing Office at 703.934.1505.
Address and Phone:
Child Care Assistance Office 703.746.5437 | 4850 Mark Center Drive, 6th floor, Alexandria, VA 22311