Bill > SB922

This bill establishes the West Virginia Early Childhood Education Coordination Act, which aims to improve early childhood education and childcare services by requiring the West Virginia Department of Education and Department of Health to collaborate more effectively. The bill mandates that these agencies identify and coordinate various early childhood programs, such as Pre-K and Birth to Three, to ensure eligible children can access all available educational benefits. The coordination efforts will include determining program eligibility, sharing information with proper consent, and facilitating smooth transitions between programs. Both departments will be required to submit annual reports to legislative oversight commissions, detailing program enrollment, fiscal expenditures, child development outcomes, and potential areas for improvement. The goal is to enhance access, affordability, and quality of early childhood education for working families, ensuring continuity of care and education from birth to school entry. The act will take effect on July 1, 2026, giving agencies time to prepare for implementation.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=922&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill