Early Childhood Resources & Professional Support
The following links and organizations support child care professionals, providers, and early childhood educators in West Virginia.
WV Infant/Toddler Mental Health Association
The West Virginia Infant/Toddler Mental Health Association is the state association for infant/toddler mental health. This association focuses on the development of infants and toddlers within the context of relationships and recognizing mental health issues for infants and toddlers. There is also an endorsement certificate available
Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist
The West Virginia registered Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist (ACDS) program is based on a professional partnership between child care providers and their employers. It is a teaching program where apprentices “learn by doing.” A blending of classroom work and on-the-job training provides professional growth for providers. It also enhances the quality of care that their employers offer to the community.
WV Infant/Toddler Mental Health Association
A Resource & Referral Agency is a local non-profit organization involved in supporting child care services. In WV, the R&R Agencies manage the subsidy program, link parents with child care options, provide consumer information, offer technical assistance and training to providers, and inform parents of other resources in their community.
View the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency Map for address and contact information.
Be sure to check out the quarterly newsletter for your R&R Agency to access general information and provider training information!
CCR&R Newsletters:
Link CCR&R
Boone, Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Mingo, Putnam, and Wayne counties
MountainHeart North CCR&R
Lewis, Upshur, Randolph, Pendleton, Hardy, Grant, Tucker, Barbour, Taylor, Preston, Mineral, Hampshire, Morgan, Berkeley, and Jefferson counties
MountainHeart South CCR&R
Braxton, Webster, Pocahontas, Nicholas, Greenbrier, Fayette, Raleigh, Summers, Monroe, Wyoming, Mercer, and McDowell counties
WV STARS Pathway Advancement Scholarship
This is a scholarship opportunity available to child care providers and directors working in a licensed child care center, licensed child care facility, or registered family child care home.
WV STARS Pathway to Earnings
Increased earnings opportunities are available to individuals with qualifying certificates or degrees who are working in licensed child care or family child care.
Early Care Share WV
Early Care Share WV is the “go-to” website designed to share information, cost savings, and management resources to help early childhood students and professionals access up-to-date information and manage their programs more efficiently and effectively. Free membership provides you with access to forms, handbooks, policies, cost savings, classroom material templates, and more.
WV Association for Young Children
WVAYC is the state association for early childhood professionals in West Virginia. WVAYC is an affiliate of the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA). Visit www.wvayc.org for more information!
United States Consumer Product Safety Commission
The United States Consumer Product Safey Commission lists all recalls in the United States and what to do if yo uhave a recalled product.