Governor Youngkin Signs Ten Bills to Support Virginia Families

Governor Glenn Youngkin took a significant step toward enhancing child care and supporting working families in Virginia by signing ten bipartisan bills. These new laws are part of the Building Blocks for Virginia Families initiative, which aims to expand childcare options and provide parents with the support they need to thrive in the workforce. The signing ceremony occurred on August 15, 2024, at Anthony Seeger Hall at James Madison University, home to an early learning center catering to young children aged two to five.

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in a bill signing ceremony at Anthony Seeger Hall on August 15, 2024. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Governor Youngkin highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, “We are sending a clear signal that Virginia is committed to ensuring a quality education for our children, empowering working moms and dads, and embracing participation — the foundational building blocks for not just family, but also for opportunity.” He emphasized that these legislative measures are designed to make Virginia “the very best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

The ten bills signed into law reflect a collaborative effort among state legislators to strengthen Virginia’s early childhood education system. Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera praised the initiative, noting, “The historic investments made in innovative approaches through the Building Blocks initiative further strengthen Virginia’s best-in-class early childhood education system. More children will be served by high-quality early care, more parents will be able to work, and more employers will be able to grow thanks to this bipartisan investment. When our children thrive, Virginia thrives.”

Key Legislation Signed into Law:

• HB 1024: Requires the Department of Education to review its Virginia Preservice Training for Child Care Staff course to ensure it meets the needs of different age groups. This bill, patroned by Delegate Tony Wilt, aims to improve the quality of care by aligning training requirements with the specific needs of the children being served.
• HB 739 and SB 702: These bills, patroned by Delegate Briana Sewell, Delegate Anne Ferrell Tata, Senator Suhas Subramanyam, and Senator Tara Durant, exempt child day programs located on military bases or federal property from state licensure, simplifying the process for qualified programs to operate.
• HB 419 and SB 54: These bills focus on ensuring continuity in early childhood care by aligning the number of available slots with projected growth and demand. Delegates David Bulova, Debra Gardner, and Senator Mamie Locke sponsored this legislation to address the growing need for childcare services.
• HB 1277: This bill expedites hiring staff and volunteers in specific childcare settings, provided they undergo a fingerprint-based background check. Delegate Amy Laufer and Delegate Carrie Coyner led this effort to ensure that childcare centers can quickly staff up while maintaining safety standards.
• HB 281 and SB 13: These bills, patroned by Delegate Atoosa Reaser, Delegate Shelly Simonds, and Senator Barbara Favola, allow localities to waive zoning permit requirements for child day programs in office buildings, provided they meet state licensure requirements. This change is expected to increase the availability of childcare options in urban areas.
• HB 508: Streamlines the process for staffing child day programs by allowing the Department of Education to certify that individuals have passed background checks. This bill, led by Delegate Laura Cohen, aims to reduce administrative burdens while maintaining child safety.
• HB 407: Simplifies access to childcare assistance by automatically qualifying families who receive Medicaid or WIC benefits. Delegate Phil Hernandez spearheaded this legislation to cut red tape and make it easier for families needing childcare support.

The Building Blocks for Virginia Families initiative reflects a comprehensive effort to create a supportive environment for parents and children in the Commonwealth. These new laws aim to ensure that all Virginia families have the resources they need to succeed by addressing key areas such as licensing, staffing, and access to care.

Visit the governor’s office’s official website for more information on the Building Blocks for Virginia Families initiative and the broader efforts to support early childhood education.