I am submitting these comments to share my experience with the Child Care Subsidy Program and to offer recommendations that I hope will improve the process for future providers.

I previously operated as an Approved Childhood Development Home within U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Homes, a Virginia Licensed Home-Based Child Care System. My goal was to become a Child Care Subsidy provider so that I could expand my business while providing quality child care to families who rely on subsidy assistance.

Although I was approved to participate in the Child Care Subsidy Program, I soon discovered that approval was only one step in the process. I experienced challenges obtaining the information and access needed to begin participating in the program. As a new provider, it was often unclear what steps remained, who I should contact for assistance, and when I would be able to begin serving subsidy families.

Fortunately, I had the support of U-LAUNCH to help me communicate with the appropriate offices, understand the process, and follow up on outstanding administrative matters. Without that support, navigating the onboarding process would have been much more difficult. My experience demonstrated the important role that Licensed Home-Based Child Care Systems play in helping new providers successfully enter the Child Care Subsidy Program.

I also believe my experience highlighted an opportunity for improvement. The Guidance Manual does not clearly explain how Licensed Home-Based Child Care Systems may assist their approved member homes during provider enrollment and onboarding. Greater clarity would help reduce confusion, improve communication, and create a more efficient process for both providers and the Department.

Although I am no longer an Approved Childhood Development Home, I hope my experience can help improve the process for those who choose to participate in the future.

I respectfully encourage the Department to consider the following:

• Clearly recognize the administrative support Licensed Home-Based Child Care Systems provide to their approved member homes throughout the subsidy enrollment and onboarding process.
• Improve communication and coordination with new providers during enrollment and after approval.
• Establish clear expectations regarding the remaining steps and anticipated timelines following provider approval.
• Reduce unnecessary administrative barriers that delay providers from becoming fully operational and serving eligible families.

Virginia continues to need qualified child care providers. Creating a clearer and more efficient onboarding process will help providers begin serving families sooner while strengthening access to child care across the Commonwealth.

Thank you for considering my comments.