West Virginia childcare licensing is administered by the Division of Early Care and Education within the Department of Human Services. Centers serving 7 or more children must be licensed. West Virginia operates the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) called WVSTAR. SB 668 (2025) created a WV Childcare Infrastructure Fund providing low-interest loans to licensed centers for facility improvements.
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (under 12 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| Toddlers (12–24 months) | 1:5 | 10 |
| 2 years | 1:6 | 12 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 1:10 | 20 |
| School age | 1:13 | 26 |
Enrollment Form
Complete enrollment with child information and emergency contacts.
Immunization Records
Current immunization records per WV Department of Health schedule required on file.
Health Assessment
Physician-signed health assessment required within 30 days of enrollment.
Emergency Contact Information
Names and phone numbers of emergency contacts and authorized pickup persons.
Emergency Medical Authorization
Parental consent for emergency medical care.
Allergy and Dietary Information
Documentation of any food allergies or special dietary needs.
Medication AuthorizationConditional
Written parental authorization for any medication to be administered.
Exemption Policy
Medical exemptions only. West Virginia eliminated religious exemptions for childcare and school immunization requirements.
Minimum Age
18 years
Background Check
State and federal fingerprint-based criminal background check required for all staff and volunteers.
Lead Teacher Education
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or relevant ECE coursework required for lead positions.
Assistant Education
High school diploma or GED required. Pre-service training required.
CPR / First Aid
Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required. At least one certified staff member on-site at all times.
Continuing Education
Annual professional development training required. Contact DoHS for current hour requirements.
Director Qualifications
Director qualification requirements set by WV DoHS Division of Early Care and Education.
Inspection Frequency
At least one unannounced inspection annually.
License Renewal
Annual license renewal required.
Application Process
Contact WV DoHS Division of Early Care and Education to begin the application process.
Licensing Fee
Varies by capacity. Contact DoHS for current fee schedule.
See exactly what's missing for every child. Compliance checklists, automated parent reminders, phone document scanning. $99/month, unlimited staff.