How to Get a Child care centers & homes License in West Virginia (2026)

West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Family Assistance

West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Family Assistance

Bureau for Family Assistance

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://bfa.wv.gov/family-child-care-homes

Family Child Care Homes

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://bfa.wv.gov/family-child-care-homes

After reading these documents complete the Family Child Care Needs Assessment and Letter of Intent

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Family-home caregivers and substitutes must be at least 18.

Family-home caregivers and substitutes must be at least 18.

The caregiver or substitute shall be: At least 18 years of age;

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Family-home caregivers and substitutes must be able to read and write.

Family-home caregivers and substitutes must be able to read and write.

Able to read and write.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Within three months of initial registration, home caregivers need approved pediatric CPR, pediatric first aid, and preservice health and safety training. Four additional hours in another Core Knowledge/Core Competency area are due within 12 months.

Within three months of initial registration, home caregivers need approved pediatric CPR, pediatric first aid, and preservice health and safety training. Four additional hours in another Core Knowledge/Core Competency area are due within 12 months.

Within three months of initial registration, a caregiver shall obtain: Approved training in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and pediatric first aid; Within 12 months of initial registration, a caregiver shall obtain four additional hours of training in at least one other Core Knowledge/Core Competency area.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

The family child care home must submit an application for renewal of a current certificate of registration at least 30 days before expiration of the certificate.

The family child care home shall submit an application for renewal of a current certificate of registration at least 30 days before expiration of the certificate. Applies to: Registered family child care homes

The family child care home shall submit an application for renewal of a current certificate of registration at least 30 days before expiration of the certificate.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Registered family child care homes may have no more than six children under 13 in care.

Registered family child care homes may have no more than six children under 13 in care.

A family child care home shall have no more than six children in care under 13 years of age

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

For the care of 13 or more children for child care services in any setting, if the facility is open for more than 30 days per year per child, except:

Center licensing rules cover care for 13 or more children in a facility open more than 30 days per year per child, subject to the exceptions in rule 3.9.

for the care of 13 or more children for child care services in any setting, if the facility is open for more than 30 days per year per child, except:

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Regular family-home registrations last up to two years unless revoked or changed to provisional status.

Regular family-home registrations last up to two years unless revoked or changed to provisional status.

A regular certificate of registration is valid for a period of up to two years from the date of issuance unless revoked or modified to a provisional status.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Center licenses last up to two years, as determined by the Secretary, unless revoked or modified to provisional status. Renewal applications are due at least 60 days before expiration.

Center licenses last up to two years, as determined by the Secretary, unless revoked or modified to provisional status. Renewal applications are due at least 60 days before expiration.

A license or certificate of approval is valid for up to two years from the date of issuance, as determined by the Secretary, unless revoked or modified to provisional status. A licensee shall submit an application for renewal of a license or certificate of approval to the Secretary not less than 60 days prior to the expiration of the current license.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Home caregivers need eight approved annual training hours after their initial registration training, spanning at least two Core Knowledge/Core Competency areas.

Home caregivers need eight approved annual training hours after their initial registration training, spanning at least two Core Knowledge/Core Competency areas.

Thereafter, the caregiver shall complete eight hours of approved training annually, encompassing a minimum of two Core Knowledge/Core Competency areas.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Center qualified staff need at least 15 approved annual training hours.

Center qualified staff need at least 15 approved annual training hours.

All qualified staff shall complete at least 15 hours of approved training annually.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Center directors must be at least 21, have at least one year of relevant experience and a high school diploma/equivalent, and satisfy the additional qualification routes for the center's type.

Center directors must be at least 21, have at least one year of relevant experience and a high school diploma/equivalent, and satisfy the additional qualification routes for the center's type.

Be at least 21 years of age, provide evidence of at least one year of relevant work experience; and have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent and;

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Center application materials and the needs assessment/letter of intent are available from the Bureau's center page.

Center application materials and the needs assessment/letter of intent are available from the Bureau's center page.

Child Care Center Information Packet Child Care Center Needs Assessment and Letter of Intent

Last verified Oct 25, 2026