West Virginia
Working families in West Virginia need accessible, affordable, quality child care and early learning opportunities for their children.
Currently, federal and state early learning programs reach thousands of young children and their families in West Virginia. But too many working families in West Virginia are missing out. As a direct result of child care issues, the West Virginia economy loses millions of dollars each year in the form of lost earnings, productivity, and revenue.
There are 112k children ages 5 and under in West Virginia
56% of these children have all available parents in the workforce
The typical annual cost of child care in West Virginia is around $6,300
The Child Care and Development Block Grant only reaches 19% of eligible families. This federal program helps low-income parents afford child care
West Virginia’s economy loses $464M annually due to child care challenges
West Virginia: In The Headlines
W.Va. child care advocates stress importance of funding
The Register-Herald | April 30, 2024
Johnson, the mother of a 2-year-old son, Otto, said she and her partner are considering leaving West Virginia after learning that the child care facility their child attends in Oak Hill, A Place To Grow, may close due to a lack of state funding.
Small-business Owners Face Challenges with Affordable Child Care
WV News | April 11, 2024
A survey by the Small Business Majority found that 59% of small-business owners said the lack of access to affordable child care is hindering their business growth.
West Virginia’s child care desert becomes a priority for business-minded governor and lawmakers
Stateline | January 15, 2024
New data from the state shows despite recent investments in the child care industry, many providers are getting by without a salary or benefits.
West Virginia Resources & News
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