This bill proposes a significant overhaul of childcare services in West Virginia by transferring regulatory oversight from the Department of Human Services to the West Virginia State Board of Education. It amends various sections of the Code of West Virginia to establish a new framework for the licensure, certification, and approval of childcare facilities, including residential child-care centers and family day-care facilities. Key provisions require all childcare facilities to obtain licenses or certifications from the State Board, which will also conduct investigations and evaluations to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards, including the development of emergency evacuation plans.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section, 49-2-1007, that details the establishment of Early Childhood Education Centers, which can operate off-site and in licensed home businesses. It allows parents to choose in-home care for their children instead of mandatory public childcare services and specifies that transportation will not be provided to public childcare services. A three-tiered funding formula is established, with contributions from previously allocated funds, employers, and parents or guardians. The West Virginia State Board of Education will oversee provider certification, while local health departments will manage inspections and food safety standards. An exemption is included for in-home daycares with six or fewer children, aiming to enhance the quality and funding of early childhood education in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-113, 49-2-114, 49-2-115, 49-2-115a, 49-2-116, 49-2-117, 49-2-118, 49-2-119, 49-2-120, 49-2-121, 49-2-122, 49-2-123, 49-2-1007