Supporting a Clear Pathway for Future Approved Child Care Providers

My name is Tanaisa Biggs, and I am the owner of Mars Childcare LLC. I am currently working toward becoming an Approved Childhood Development Home through U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Homes, a Virginia Licensed Home-Based Child Care System.

As someone preparing to enter Virginia’s child care profession, I appreciate the opportunity to provide comments on the proposed Child Care Subsidy Program Guidance Manual.

One of the reasons I chose to pursue approval through a Licensed Home-Based Child Care System is the guidance, technical assistance, and administrative support the system provides to new providers. As someone starting a child care business, navigating state requirements, provider enrollment, and administrative processes can be overwhelming. Having access to a licensed system that provides oversight and ongoing support gives me confidence that I will be able to successfully serve children and families while meeting Virginia’s requirements.

As I prepare to become an approved provider, I believe the Guidance Manual should more clearly recognize the role of Licensed Home-Based Child Care Systems established under Article 3 of Chapter 14.1 of Title 22.1 of the Code of Virginia (§§ 22.1-289.010 through 22.1-289.019) and regulated by 8VAC20-810. These systems play an important role in helping providers understand state requirements, complete administrative processes, and maintain compliance after approval.

I respectfully recommend that the Department:

• Recognize the administrative role of Licensed Home-Based Child Care Systems within the Child Care Subsidy Program.
• Clarify how licensed systems support providers during enrollment, onboarding, and ongoing participation in the Child Care Subsidy Program.
• Establish clear communication procedures between the Department and Licensed Home-Based Child Care Systems when assisting approved member homes.
• Provide guidance that helps new providers understand how Licensed Home-Based Child Care Systems fit within the Child Care Subsidy Program and the administrative support they provide.

As Virginia continues working to expand access to quality child care, I believe Licensed Home-Based Child Care Systems can play an important role in helping new providers successfully enter the profession. Clear guidance recognizing that role will reduce confusion, improve consistency, and make it easier for future providers like me to navigate the approval and subsidy processes.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit these comments and for your consideration of these recommendations.

Respectfully submitted,

Tanaisa Biggs
Owner
Mars Childcare LLC
Candidate for Approval through U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Homes
Virginia Licensed Home-Based Child Care System