The shortage of quality infant daycare in Virginia presents a significant challenge for families, employers, and communities across the state. A recent statewide survey highlighted how deeply childcare shortages impact workplaces across Virginia. According to the report, “88% of survey respondents” said childcare challenges lead to employees arriving late or missing work, and “65% reduced work hours” because families can’t find reliable care. The survey also found that childcare availability makes it harder for businesses to hire and retain workers. Eight out of ten employers said the lack of childcare “hinder (s) hiring and retention,” and 41% noted employees turning down job offers or promotions because of childcare issues (Cline, VA Mercury, 2026). These realities show that the infant daycare shortage is not just a family concern but a workforce and economic problem.

With more parents in the workforce than ever before, access to affordable, high-quality daycare for babies is critical to economic stability, early childhood development, and gender equity. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that includes policy reform, increased funding, workforce support, and business-community collaboration.

One of the primary barriers to expanding infant daycare in Virginia is the high cost of operation. Infant care demands low child-to-caregiver ratios and highly trained staff, which is driving up expenses for providers. To make infant daycare more viable, the state should increase subsidies and financial incentives for existing and new childcare providers. Grants and startup funds can help convert unused commercial spaces into licensed infant care centers, while tax credits can offset ongoing operational costs. In turn, these incentives would help providers keep childcare tuition affordable for families.

Another critical step is investing in the childcare workforce. Caregivers trained in early childhood development, health, and safety are essential for quality infant care, yet many workers are underpaid and lack career pathways. Virginia should implement wage supplements, scholarships, and professional development opportunities to recruit and retain qualified infant caregivers. Partnerships with community colleges and vocational programs could help create clear training pipelines, while stronger pay standards would recognize the importance of this work.

Policy reforms at the state level could also expand access. Simplifying and modernizing the licensing process would make it easier for providers to open and grow infant care programs without compromising safety standards. Additionally, Virginia could expand compensation through tiered reimbursement rates that reflect the true cost of infant care, encouraging providers to accept more state-assisted families.

To begin addressing this shortage, Virginia lawmakers have introduced House Bill 18 — the Employee Child Care Assistance Pilot Program. This bill would establish a state-administered pilot program through the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation that provides matching funds to incentivize employers to contribute to the childcare costs of their employees. Under HB18, participating employers help cover childcare costs with support from state matching funds provided to childcare providers or third-party administrators. The intent is to reduce the financial burden on families and make infant care more accessible and affordable (LIS).

Finally, collaboration between employers, local governments, and community organizations could create innovative solutions. Employers can offer on-site daycare or childcare stipends, while cities and counties can allocate space and resources for community-run infant care cooperatives. By sharing responsibility, all sectors can contribute to sustainable daycare systems that support families and local economies. In summary, fixing the shortage of infant daycare in Virginia requires increased public investment, workforce support, regulatory reform, and cross-sector partnerships. These strategies will help ensure all families have access to safe, affordable, and high-quality infant care.

1. Cline, N. (2026) In Statewide survey, employers say Virginia childcare crisis negatively impacts businesses. Virginia Mercury.

2. Reference: LIS. (HB18-2026) VA Bills & Resolutions Regular Session; lis.virginia.gov

Dispatch RELEASE — January 30th, 2026 — S.S. Bee