West Virginia Statewide Rule
West Virginia Family Child Care Home Licensing Standards
Key Facts
- Definitions
- W. Va. Code §49-1-206
- Informal home
- Three or fewer children
- Registered home
- Four to six children
- Licensed facility
- Seven to twelve children
- Regulator
- WV Dept. of Human Services
Summary
West Virginia licenses in-home child care by size: an informal home cares for three or fewer children, a registered family child care home for four to six children, and a licensed family child care facility for seven to twelve, under W. Va. Code Chapter 49.
(c) Any family day-care facility which operates in this state, including family day-care facilities approved by the department for receipt of funding, shall obtain a statement of certification from the department. (d) Every family day-care home which operates in this state, including family day-care homes approved by the department for receipt of funding, shall obtain a certificate of registration from the department. The facilities and placing agencies shall maintain the same standards of care applicable to licensed facilities, centers, or placing agencies of the same category.
Full Breakdown
West Virginia scales its in-home child care rules to the number of children (definitions at W. Va. Code §49-1-206). An informal family child care home serves three or fewer children and may register voluntarily. A family child care home serves four to six children and must obtain a certificate of registration. A family child care facility serves seven to twelve children and must be licensed. The Department of Human Services enforces background checks, training, and safety standards statewide. Zoning may regulate location and traffic but generally cannot ban state-approved family child care from residential districts or impose stricter health-and-safety standards.
Violations & Penalties
Operating without the required registration or license triggers cease-and-desist orders, civil penalties, and possible prosecution for endangering children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch my neighbor's children without a state credential?
Can my city ban home daycares entirely?
Sources
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