_edited_edited.jpg)
Families-Did You Know Child Develop Early Learning Starts at Home?
From the moment a child is born, learning begins. In the earliest years of life, children absorb valuable lessons through everyday interactions with parents, family members, and trusted caregivers. From birth to age five, a natural, home-based environment plays a critical role in helping children develop the skills they need to enter school ready to learn.
​
The primary goal of childhood development is to support a child’s holistic growth—physical, cognitive, social, and emotional—building a strong foundation for lifelong learning, health, and well-being. These early experiences help children become confident, capable learners who are prepared to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.
​
At U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Homes, our Childcare Educator Operators (CEOs) focus on nurturing essential skills such as critical thinking, self-regulation, empathy, and resilience. Together with families and communities, we provide supportive, home-based early learning environments that prepare children for a successful transition into the classroom and a strong start to their educational journey.
U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development & Early Learning to School Readiness
U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development & Early Learning Toward School Readiness reflects the core developmental domains and milestone goals outlined in the Virginia Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS). Our approach intentionally connects the capabilities of children, families, educators, schools, and communities to support a child’s foundational development first—and successful entry into kindergarten second.
​
By focusing on early learning, social-emotional growth, health and well-being, and family engagement, U-LAUNCH ensures that children are supported holistically during the most critical years of development. Together, these components play an essential role in preparing children for long-term academic success and lifelong learning.
​
“The investments we make in our children today will have long-term returns for their lives and the strength of Virginia’s economy”— Virginia Governor Ralph Northam
Approved Childhood Development Homes
U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Homes is one of only two Licensed Family Day Systems in Virginia, authorized by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to regulate and oversee a network of Childhood Development Homes. The Code of Virginia requires Family Day Systems to approve, supervise, and support home-based childcare programs operating under their license. Through our system, homes are approved as members of the Childhood Development Homes Association (CDHA), and families are referred to available homes that meet our standards for quality and care.
​
The Childhood Development Homes Authority (CDHA) provides comprehensive oversight and support to all approved homes. This includes training, technical assistance, consultation, inspections, supervision, and ongoing monitoring for our Childcare Educator Operators (CEOs). CDHA also connects families to available health, early intervention, and social services when needed.
​
To ensure accountability and safety, U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Homes is inspected at least twice annually by VDOE licensing inspectors. In addition, CDHA conducts quarterly visits to each approved home, including a minimum of two unannounced visits per year. VDOE licensing inspectors may also conduct unannounced visits to approved homes at any time.
​
Each approved Childhood Development Home may care for up to nine children. All CEOs are subject to the same criminal background checks, child abuse and neglect central registry checks, and tuberculosis screenings required of VDOE-licensed family day home providers.
​
Note: U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Homes will only display in the state's "Search for Child Care" webtool if the site participates in the Child Care Subsidy Program. In the search results, toggle between the "Licensed" and "Unlicensed" tabs.
​
U-LAUNCH also approves mentored Childhood Development Homes, including programs operated by apprentices enrolled in community college programs or individuals working as W-2 employees under approved supervision. Families seeking an approved home are encouraged to contact a Program Specialist for assistance.
​
Through this system, U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Homes is committed to developing infants and toddlers for childhood and beyond, while expanding access to high-quality, home-based early learning—particularly for at-risk, low-income, and special-needs children across Virginia.
Children With Disabilities
Meeting Each Child’s Unique Learning Needs
​
Children with disabilities and special needs benefit most when support begins early. Research shows that early identification and intervention lead to stronger outcomes in future learning environments, including preschool and kindergarten.
​
At U-LAUNCH: Childhood Development Homes, our Childcare Educator Operators (CEOs) are required to conduct developmental screenings using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires® (ASQ®). ASQ® is a trusted, evidence-based screening tool designed to support children from birth through age six, providing reliable insight into developmental and social-emotional milestones.
​
ASQ® screenings are completed in partnership with families, drawing on parents’ firsthand knowledge of their child’s growth and development. This collaborative approach helps identify strengths, monitor progress, and recognize potential delays early—allowing for timely referrals to local health, early intervention, and social service agencies when additional support may be beneficial.
​
Our goal is not diagnosis, but early awareness, partnership, and connection—ensuring every child has access to the resources they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
​
Resources for Childhood Development Homes, Families & Children with Disabilities
Looking for Child Care?
Your local Program Specialist can help you find options near your home or work.
