Bill > HB4659

This bill transfers the oversight of all childcare services from the Department of Human Services to the West Virginia Department of Education, renaming them "Early Childhood Education" with the goal of improving funding and educational outcomes for children. It establishes provisions for the implementation of Early Childhood Education Centers, which can operate off-site from public schools and may include licensed home businesses, and clarifies that parents can choose in-home care instead of mandatory public services, with no transportation provided to public childcare. The bill also outlines a three-tiered funding formula for these services, with one-third coming from the Department of Human Services' original allocation, one-third from employers (who receive tax credits), and one-third from parents or the state based on scholarship guidelines, with scholarships paid based on enrollment rather than attendance. Furthermore, the West Virginia Department of Education will be responsible for certifying providers and staff, while local health departments will handle inspections and food safety at centers, and in-home daycares with six or fewer children will be exempt from certain requirements.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4659&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill