Help with the cost
How the Child Care Subsidy Program works, step by step.
Virginia’s Child Care Subsidy Program helps families pay for child care while they work, study or look for a job. Shining Light accepts it. Here’s who qualifies, how to apply in Fairfax County, what it costs and how long it takes.
Download the family guide (PDF)How it works, in about 90 seconds.
Program rules as of October 2026. The program has the final word.
Who it helps
Could my family qualify?
The program looks at four things. It decides who qualifies, not the school.
- Your child
- Under 13 years old, or up to 18 with special needs. A U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant, with immunizations up to date.
- Why you need care
- You work (full time or part time), go to school or job training, or are looking for work. Looking for work alone is covered for up to 90 days.
- Your household income
- With a child under 5 who isn’t in kindergarten yet, the limit is 85% of Virginia’s median income.
- Savings
- You confirm your family’s assets are under $1 million. No paperwork is needed for this.
| Family size | Income limit |
|---|---|
| 2 people | up to $82,952 |
| 3 people | up to $102,470 |
| 4 people | up to $121,989 |
| 5 people | up to $141,507 |
| 6 people | up to $161,025 |
If all your children are 5 or older, the limit is lower. For a family of four, it’s $82,500 a year.
Limits as of October 2026; they change every year. Fairfax County’s website may still show last year’s lower chart. Not sure? Try the eligibility check on CommonHelp or call the county at 703-449-8484. The program decides who qualifies.
Apply
How to apply in Fairfax County.
Gather your papers.
The list is just below.
Apply.
Apply online at commonhelp.virginia.gov, or send a paper application to Fairfax County’s Child Care Assistance and Referral office (CCAR) by email, fax or mail.
Name your provider.
The application asks you to choose one. You can name Shining Light Christian School, 4090 Lafayette Center Dr., Suite H, Chantilly.
Go over your plan with CCAR.
Send anything they ask for. You’ll have at least 10 days.
Live in Loudoun County? Apply through the Loudoun County Department of Family Services (703-777-0353), online at CommonHelp or on paper. You can still choose Shining Light.
Before you start
What to have ready.
- The application, with every section signed and dated
- If you work: three recent pay stubs in a row for each working parent, dated within 30 days (or a letter from a new employer), the county’s Employment Verification Form, and your work schedule
- If you’re in school or training: your official schedule with start and end dates, days and hours
- If you’re looking for work: say so on the application
- Proof of other income, such as child support or Social Security
- Your child’s birth certificate, hospital birth letter, passport, or proof of qualified immigrant status
- Proof of address dated within 30 days: a utility or cable bill (not a cell phone bill), lease or mortgage statement
- Your photo ID
- Your child’s immunization record
The county may ask for more.
After you apply
What happens next.
- Within 30 days.
- You get a letter (a Notice of Action) saying whether you’re approved. In some cases it can take up to 60 days.
- If funding is full.
- You’re placed on the waitlist. Families with a child under 5 who isn’t in kindergarten are at the top. As of October 2026, Fairfax County says there is a waitlist and still encourages families to apply. Statewide, the list fell to just over 2,000 children in June 2026, and the state budget adds about 6,700 new slots.
- Once you’re approved.
- The program pays from the day you’re approved and your provider is chosen, not before.
- Each day.
- You record your child’s attendance in Child Care PASS, the state’s check-in system.
- For at least 12 months.
- Then you renew. Tell the county within 10 days if your income goes over the limit, your household changes, you move, or you change providers.
The copay
What families pay.
Each family pays a monthly copay for each child in the program, for up to three children. It depends on income, and your total copay is never more than 5% of your family’s income.
| Family income | Copay per child, monthly |
|---|---|
| No income | $0 |
| Up to the federal poverty line | $5 |
| 101–150% of the poverty line | $125 |
| 151–200% | $175 |
| 201–250% | $225 |
| 251–300% | $275 |
| 301–350% | $325 |
| Above 350%, up to the income limit | $375 |
You pay the copay to your child care provider.
Kindergarten to 2nd grade
For children in kindergarten and up, the program doesn’t pay for the school day. It can help with before- and after-school care, and with care on days public schools close unexpectedly.
At Shining Light
Shining Light and subsidy families.
Shining Light accepts Virginia’s Child Care Subsidy Program. The state’s child care search lists the school as a current subsidy provider.
We’re open 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday, for children from age 2 through 2nd grade.
If you’re not sure where to start, call us. We’ll help you understand the steps. Only the program can say whether you qualify.
Contacts
Who to contact.
Fairfax County CCAR
Child Care Assistance and Referral
- 703-449-8484 (TTY 711)
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
- CCARinfo@fairfaxcounty.gov
- Fax 703-324-3917
- 12011 Government Center Pkwy., 8th Floor, Fairfax, VA 22035
CommonHelp
Apply online
- commonhelp.virginia.gov
- 855-635-4370
Loudoun County Department of Family Services
For Loudoun residents
- 703-777-0353
Shining Light Christian School
Questions about the steps
- 571-752-6994
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
FAQ
Questions families ask.
Does Shining Light accept the Child Care Subsidy Program?
Yes. Shining Light accepts Virginia’s Child Care Subsidy Program, and the state’s child care search lists the school as a current subsidy provider. The program decides who qualifies and what each family pays.
Who can get help paying for child care?
Families with children under 13 who need care while they work (full or part time), go to school or job training, or look for work. Income must be under the state’s limit. For a family with a child under 5 who isn’t in kindergarten yet, the limit is 85% of Virginia’s median income: $121,989 a year for a family of four, as of October 2026.
How do I apply in Fairfax County?
Apply online at commonhelp.virginia.gov, or send a paper application to Fairfax County’s Child Care Assistance and Referral office (CCAR): by email to CCARinfo@fairfaxcounty.gov, by fax to 703-324-3917, or by mail. The application asks you to choose a provider; you can name Shining Light Christian School. Questions: 703-449-8484.
How long does it take?
The county must decide within 30 days of receiving your application, and no later than 60 days. If funding is full, you’re placed on the waitlist. Families with a child under 5 who isn’t in kindergarten are at the top.
Is there a waitlist in Fairfax County?
As of October 2026, Fairfax County says there is a waitlist and still encourages families to apply. Applicants are notified as funds become available. Statewide, the waitlist fell to just over 2,000 children in June 2026, and the state budget adds about 6,700 new slots.
What will I pay?
The program sets a monthly copay for each child, from $0 to $375 depending on income, for up to three children. Your total copay is never more than 5% of your family’s income. A provider whose tuition is above the program’s payment may charge the difference, under a written agreement made at enrollment.
Do I have to work full time?
No. Part-time work counts, and so do school and job training. Looking for work alone is covered for up to 90 days.
Can the subsidy pay for kindergarten through 2nd grade?
Not for the school day. For children in kindergarten and up, the program can help with before- and after-school care, and with care on days public schools close unexpectedly.
I live in Loudoun County. Can I still choose Shining Light?
Yes. Loudoun residents apply through the Loudoun County Department of Family Services, online at CommonHelp or by calling 703-777-0353, and can choose a provider in Fairfax County.
How long does approval last?
At least 12 months. Then you renew. Tell the county within 10 days if your income goes over the limit, your household changes, you move, or you change providers.
Can Shining Light tell me if I qualify?
No, only the program can decide. Our admissions team is glad to walk you through the steps and the papers to gather. Call 571-752-6994 or book a 15-minute call.
Let’s talk
We’ll help you understand the steps.
Book a 15-minute call or call the school. We’ll go over the program, the papers to gather and the day plans that fit your hours.
571-752-6994 · Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Program rules from the Virginia Department of Education’s Child Care Subsidy Program Guidance Manual and Fairfax County CCAR. Last checked October 22, 2026. Rules and limits change; the program has the final word.