About VDOE

Frequently Asked Questions

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For Parents

How do I report an issue with my child’s public school or teacher? 

Under Article VIII, Section 7 of the Constitution of Virginia, local school boards are responsible for the governance of day-to-day operations and administration of local schools. The Virginia Department of Education does not supervise local school boards or local superintendents. Filing a formal complaint about a teacher begins with your local school. Concerns about employee misconduct should be reported, in writing, to the school principal. Should your concern remain unresolved, please contact the school division’s superintendent. If you have a complaint about criminal conduct or child abuse or neglect, you should contact law enforcement and social services authorities.  

Questions about these and other similar matters should be directed to the school division. 

School administrators can assist you with matters such as 

  • Personnel issues 
  • Student discipline 
  • Attendance  
  • Enrollment 
  • Acquiring state assessment scores 
  • Local textbook selection and curriculum 
  • Dress codes 
  • Grades 
  • Bullying

Contact information for Virginia school divisions and individual schools is available on the Virginia Schools Directory webpage.  

How do I seek support for special education issues? 

VDOE has a Parent Ombudsman for Special Education who serves as a designated neutral party, providing information, support, and resources to parents, advocates, educators, and students with disabilities in non-legal special education matters. The Ombudsman’s services are confidential and informal. School divisions, parents, and children benefit and build relationships when school divisions and parents work together to locally resolve issues as they arise. The Parent Ombudsman for Special Education can help to facilitate that process.

For information about resolving issues and finding support related to special education services in Virginia's public schools, visit the Resolving Disputes, Information for Families, and Parent Resources pages.

VDOE Parent Ombudsman for Special Education    
Toll Free: 800-422-2083 
Email: SpecialEducationOmbudsman@doe.virginia.gov 

How do I seek support for my child who attends private school? 

In accordance with § 22.1-19 of the Code of Virginia, the Virginia Council for Private Education is the only organization recognized to oversee the accreditation of private schools in Virginia. If your child’s private school is accredited through a program approved by the VCPE, that organization may have services and resources available to your family, including guidance on reporting complaints through appropriate channels.

Virginia Council for Private Education
P.O. Box 29255
Richmond, VA 23242-0255
804-423-6435 
office@vcpe.org 

Learn more information on private schools in Virginia here. 

How do I seek support for my child who is in a private child care facility?  

In Virginia, many private child care facilities are licensed by the Virginia Department of Education. Please note, these child care facility licenses are different from Virginia teaching licenses and are related to the health and safety requirements for specific types of private child care programs. To verify the licensure status of a child day center or family day home provider in Virginia and to learn more about the services, resources, and options for parents, guardians, and children enrolled in these facilities please reach out to the Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Child Care Health and Safety.  

Toll Free Line: 1-833-778-0204  
childcarelicensing@doe.virginia.gov or visit the VDOE child care website.   

Information on the regional Office of Child Care Health and Safety offices can be found on the Licensing Offices Contact Information webpage.  

Private programs that receive public funds participate in VQB5, Virginia’s quality measurement and improvement system. VQB5 sites are focused on providing quality learning experiences for your child. You can find information on these programs by visiting the VQB5 webpage. 

To file a complaint against a child care facility or employee in Virginia, visit the File a Complaint webpage. 

Can I visit the VDOE? 

The Virginia Department of Education follows state agency building security protocols which require all visitors to present a photo ID and to sign in at the security desk on the first floor of the James Monroe Building. After visitors have signed in, they must be escorted by an employee throughout the visit. All visitors to the Virginia Department of Education are strongly encouraged to have an appointment to ensure staff availability and timely customer service. Visitors without an appointment will remain at the security desk until an available department staff member can assist them. Department staff will determine if a follow-up appointment is needed. 

For more information about visitor protocol, please visit the visitor protocol page.

For Teachers

How do I obtain a teaching license in Virginia?

The Virginia Department of Education licenses teachers and administrators according to regulations adopted by the Board of Education. Visit the Licensure page for information about the following:

  • Licensure application
  • Licensure renewal
  • Licensure changes
  • Approved teacher education programs
  • Reciprocity
  • Regulations

How do I pay my student loans?

Contact the U.S. Department of Education for information about obtaining or repaying loans.

For Students

How do I request a copy of my transcript?