Senate Bill 1084, aimed at exempting out-of-school time programs from licensure, took center stage during the K-12 Subcommittee meeting on February 11, 2025. The bill, championed by Senator Craig, seeks to streamline regulations for programs like Boys and Girls Clubs that serve school-age children outside regular school hours.

The proposed legislation includes technical amendments and an enactment clause that would allow the Virginia Department of Education (DOE) to convene a work group. This group would explore the necessary health and safety regulations for these programs, ensuring they meet essential standards without the burdensome requirements typically associated with childcare licensing.

Deputy Superintendent Jenna Conway emphasized the need for a balanced approach, stating, "This is not about diapering... it's about criminal background checks and emergency preparedness." The goal is to create a fair regulatory environment that prioritizes the safety of children aged 5 to 12 while minimizing unnecessary restrictions.

Support for the bill was voiced by Mike McDonald, representing Boys and Girls Clubs, who highlighted the significant demand for after-school programs in Virginia, noting that "600,000 kids... could use an after-school program if one would be provided for them." He argued that the current licensing process is costly and irrelevant for programs focused on older children.

However, opposition emerged from representatives of the Virginia Childcare Association and Kindercare, who raised concerns about the enforcement of health and safety provisions. They argued that without a robust oversight mechanism, the safety of children could be compromised.

Despite the mixed reactions, the committee moved forward, adopting the amendments and reporting the bill with a vote of 5 to 1. The enactment clause will facilitate further discussions on how to best regulate out-of-school time programs, with the aim of enhancing access while ensuring child safety across Virginia.