Mountain State Times

The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), through its Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA) and Division of Early Care and Education, has announced a public hearing regarding the proposed Child Care and Development Block Grant State Plan for Federal Fiscal Years 2025 to 2027.

Janie Cole, Commissioner of the DoHS Bureau for Family Assistance, emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping child care services. "Every child deserves a bright future, and it begins with access to high quality child care," she stated. "Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of West Virginia’s children as we strive to ensure every voice is heard in our mission to enhance child care services across the state."

The meeting aims to gather public insights that will influence how approximately $72 million in funding will be allocated. This funding supports various initiatives, including making child care more affordable and accessible for low-income families, providing consumer education on selecting suitable child care services, and offering essential training and technical assistance to providers.

Public participation is a requirement set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of the funding conditions. The draft plan can be reviewed at any child care resource and referral agency, with a list available online.

The virtual public hearing is scheduled for May 30, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with details on virtual hosting soon to be posted on dhhr.wv.gov/bfa under announcements. Public comments are also welcome via email at ECEproviders@wv.gov until June 23, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

For those interested in careers supporting West Virginia families, opportunities can be explored at dhhr.wv.gov/Pages/Career-Opportunities.aspx.