Bill > HB5048

This bill ensures that foster children awaiting residential placement continue their education through virtual learning, a method of online instruction. Specifically, it mandates that if a foster child is in temporary care, they must begin virtual learning within three days, with the education provided through the county where the child was last enrolled, or if that's not feasible, the county where they are currently residing. If neither county can offer virtual learning, a public charter virtual school or the nearest available county with virtual learning capabilities will be used. The West Virginia Department of Education will provide free information technology (IT) training to the individuals or organizations responsible for the child's care to facilitate this virtual learning, covering all necessary steps for the student to log in and participate. Once a foster child is placed with a foster family, all their virtual learning and enrollment information will be shared with the new foster family and the new school district.