The bill amends West Virginia Code §18-5-18a to clarify the requirements for early childhood education personnel in kindergarten through third grade classrooms. It establishes that a full-time interventionist assigned to up to two classrooms can meet the requirements for both classrooms, but this provision does not apply to kindergarten and first-grade classrooms. For these grades, any early childhood assistant teacher, aide, paraprofessional, or interventionist must be full-time to satisfy the requirements. Additionally, if a full-time interventionist is unavailable, a part-time interventionist may be employed, but they can only serve one classroom.

The bill also emphasizes that county boards of education are not mandated to hire an interventionist even if there is a shortage of early childhood assistants, aides, or paraprofessionals. It maintains existing pupil-teacher ratios and allows for exceptions under specific circumstances, such as extraordinary situations determined by the state superintendent. Overall, the legislation aims to ensure adequate staffing in early childhood education while providing flexibility in how those staffing needs are met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5-18a
Enrolled Version: 18-5-18a