Wednesday: Speak Out on Fairfax Home Day Care Limits
Fairfax County planning commission seeks input on proposal to raise the number of children allowed in home daycares — but even raising the limit might not be enough, providers say.
Home daycare providers and parents will have the opportunity Wednesday to speak to the Fairfax County Planning Commission about a proposed permit that would allow providers to care for more children.
But it remains to be seen if even an expanded limit will be enough to accomodate some of the area's daycares.
The Commonwealth of Virginia allows for up to 12 children in a licensed day-care.
Fairfax County ordinances allow for only seven, but providers in Fairfax can apply for a special permit that allows for a maximum of 10.
The rules are more strict in Fairfax City. Only five are allowed per single-family home, or 13 with a special use permit, according to Chris Cohen of the city's information office.
The county law was rarely enforced, so many providers took in a dozen kids, as allowed by their state licenses.
But new state regulations that require formal documentation from zoning officials will have many providers applying for special permits, so the Board is proposing raising the permit limit to 12 children.
Many providers spoke out against the ordinance during a town hall hosted by Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) in July 2012. Since then, Supervisors have been working towards compromises.
But Herrity has said he’s not sure the modest permit adjustment will solve providers’ problems.
“I personally think we need to raise the by-right number,” said Herrity, who made a failed a motion to increase the by-right from seven to 10. “I think we’re going to end up chasing childcare providers out of the license process.”
The hearing before the Planning Commission is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Wednesday in the board auditorium at Fairfax County Government Center.
Chandrani siriwardane
12:29 pm on Monday, March 18, 2013
I am a child are provider for 22 years, I promote my business by word of mouth. I am serving my community,my children in the past & present, have learned and thrived. Good manners , deceplne. And love in abundance . Today few of my kids from the past. Are happily married. The others have made right choices in what ever the future holds for them.. My kids, now.. Are a bunddle of joy.. Very verble, very.independent,witty, we enjoy having them with us. All my kids are under 3 years old . With two assistance and I, we manage very well. Have ample time to play with them, love them , hold them, and be with that child who asks for attention. My question to you,is when we as dedicated providers who give so much for our kids.in the absence of their parents, who would rather stay at home but can't.. Why do u want to lesson the # of kids to 7 or 10. And deprive the two kids from getting the love and care, they rightfully deserve??? So, please let us have our 12 kids, and continue to love our kids and to serve our community to the best of our ability. Thank you. Shani.(provider)..
kathy zatt
3:36 pm on Monday, March 18, 2013
I am a childcare provider in Lorton and have been open for 4 years now. I hope that many parents will come to the meeting on the 22nd of March and support updating the by right number to allow providers in Fairfax County to care for 12 children. Let's leave the final decision on the right number to the state licensing inpsectors. If the by right number is raised to 12, that doesn't mean that every provider will be permitted to have 12. Some environments are not conducive for caring for 12 children. The licensing inspector assigned to each provider has a manual with page after page of requirements that must be met and followed in order to have 12 children in care. The thing most people aren't aware of is that we are not asking to "increase" our numbers to have more children...providers who are licensed for 12 have already been caring for 12. Nothing will change within your neighborhood...and should anyone have issues with a neighbor who is operating a home childcare business, you have every right to call licensing and make a report. Providers need to be good neighbors and make every effort to only impact our communities in a positive way.
Chandrani SiriwardaneShanikids
10:03 am on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Good luck to all the providers out there.I hope that your neighbours , will support you every step of the way, and I hope you will be permitted to have 12 kids in your facility.