Help with child care costs in West Virginia.
The state tries to help low to moderate income families pay for childcare costs. Throughout the state of West Virginia there are a number of Child Care Resource and Referral agencies. Crucial financial support will help parents afford licensed centers or certified home care while parents work, train, or attend school. While it is an income based program, some people in WV may get free daycare and find details on how to get help with paying child care expenses in WV below. The program is managed by the Bureau for Children and Families (DCF) within the Department of Human Services (formerly part of DHHR). It is available for parents with kids of all ages - the government can help pay for child care for newborns, teens after school, and kids of other ages. While that is the state organization, the program is administered locally through regional Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies.
Who can get child care assistance?
To receive any type of assistance, whether a free voucher or financial help for some child care costs from the government, families must meet some or all of the following. Note these can change over time based on government funding levels and other parameters. Live with the child and participate in a qualifying activity, such as having a job or participating in WV Works which is the state’s version of TANF . They also need to be employed a minimum number of hours per week. Subsidies will only help pay the bills for the period of time that the parent is working as well. If the applicant is not working, assistance may be offered if they are in school or training for a position. This can include GED classes, college courses, or receiving some type of certification. Similar to above in that financial assistance is only available for paying a portion of their costs while they are in that training activity or class. Meet income limits set at 150% of the federal poverty level at application, with the possibility of continuing services until income reaches 185%, provided eligibility is maintained. Eligible income levels will be adjusted for family size. Most families in the state are still required to pay a portion of the cost of their day care bills. Teenage parents and younger adults with kids apply for a subsidy as well. Reimbursements may be offered if the teenager is attending high school, remedial education, GED classes, or some form of vocational training. The teenager needs to remain in school or the class in question in order to continue to receive the West Virginia subsidized child care or a free daycare voucher. The program was created in an effort to improve the accessibility, affordability, and quality of child care services that are available. The focus is on supporting low income families and the less fortunate who are working towards self-sufficiency. This is why CCR&R and DCF require the parent be on the path to stability. While some exceptions can be paid, in general West Virginia will only pay for a portion of the clients costs . As the program is income based. In some cases, free daycare may be provided in the form of a voucher voucher or some other form of aid. In addition, free child care may be offered for the child of parents who are disabled.
Get help in WV selecting an approved child care provider
In addition, West Virginia can also educate residents on selecting appropriate child care providers . As the state benefit both helps pay for the care as well as wants to ensure the kids is safe. Therefore CCR&R agencies can refer parents to places that offer safe and affordable day care. The program also promotes safe environments that will ensure that the social, physical, emotional, and intellectual growth of children are met. Staff are heavily involved in regulating the companies, persons or programs that care for children age birth to 13. Teenagers and children up to the age of 18 can also receive help if they are disabled or have some type of special needs. Parents have the ability to select their own day care provider too for their age - even for a newborn. They need to chose someone that has been approved in West Virginia. This can include a private company, after school provider, or even approved family members such as uncles. If you need help in locating a safe and approved day care provider, staff from the Child Care Resource and Referral agencies can help with that as well.
Applying for free daycare in West Virginia
More information can be reached at local DHHR offices in West Virginia, as listed here https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms/Pages/Field-Offices.aspx. Or apply by calling Health and Human resources at 1-888-595-8290. Or call a local child care resource agency or social service organization in your county.