Parkway House of Praia, a Roanoke church, announced the opening of a day care center that can accommodate 40 children ages 6 months to 5 years old. As of Wednesday morning, 19 people were on the left.
Lil' Sparks Academy on King Street uses a Christian curriculum to care for young people, according to a press release. His website is www.lil-sparks.com.
Virginia allows church-based day care centers to apply for an exemption from state licensing, as Lil Sparks Academy did. The state still requires proof that religiously exempt facilities have passed public health inspections. Fire safety inspection completed. Conduct background checks on employees. Employ a sufficient number of staff for the number of children enrolled as determined by the state. Director Erin Ullery said all state conditions have been met.
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She said the Department of Social Services told the facility, which opened on Monday, that it could accommodate up to 200 children.
The Virginia Department of Education provides resources for finding day care at www.childcare.virginia.gov.
The Virginia Promise Partnership, a statewide nonprofit, said it aims to expand access to day care because the system is currently inadequate. “Many Virginia families are unable to find quality, affordable child care options that meet their needs and preferences. Without child care, children lack important skill-building opportunities. “Parents are cutting back on their working hours or taking time off from work altogether. And businesses are having a negative impact on workforce recruitment, retention and productivity,” the group said. Ta.
jeff sturgeon (540) 981-3251
jeff.sturgeon@roanoke.com
