Owner, Kesha's Care LLC
Former Approved Childhood Development Home
U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Homes

I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the proposed Child Care Subsidy Program Guidance Manual.

I was an Approved Childhood Development Home operating within U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Homes, a Virginia Licensed Home-Based Child Care System. I respectfully request that the Department clarify the administrative role of Licensed Home-Based Child Care Systems within the Child Care Subsidy Program.

When I decided to become a Child Care Subsidy provider, I worked with U-LAUNCH, which was authorized to assist me with the administrative aspects of the enrollment process. As a new provider, I relied on the licensed system to help me navigate the requirements, communicate with the Department, and prepare the necessary documentation.

Unfortunately, the enrollment process took longer than I anticipated. During that time, a family that had been waiting to enroll their child in my program was unable to continue waiting and ultimately secured child care elsewhere. As a new provider, losing that enrollment opportunity had a significant impact on my ability to launch my business successfully.

Ultimately, I made the difficult decision not to continue operating as an Approved Childhood Development Home. While there were several factors involved in my decision, my experience highlighted the importance of a clear and efficient administrative process for new providers seeking to participate in the Child Care Subsidy Program.

I believe the Guidance Manual should clearly explain the role of Licensed Home-Based Child Care Systems in assisting approved member homes with subsidy enrollment and administration. These systems were established to provide centralized administrative support, and clear guidance would help reduce confusion, improve communication, and allow new providers to begin serving families more efficiently.

I respectfully request that the Department revise the Guidance Manual to clarify:

• The administrative authority of Licensed Home-Based Child Care Systems on behalf of their approved member homes.
• The ability of approved homes to authorize their licensed system to assist with subsidy enrollment, documentation, and communication with the Department.
• The responsibilities that remain with the approved provider while allowing the licensed system to perform centralized administrative functions.

I support efforts to make the Child Care Subsidy Program more accessible and efficient for both providers and families. Clear guidance regarding the role of Licensed Home-Based Child Care Systems would benefit new providers, reduce administrative uncertainty, and help families access child care more quickly.

Thank you for considering my comments.

Respectfully submitted,

Waukesha Walker
Owner, Kesha's Care LLC
Former Approved Childhood Development Home
U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Homes