Author: Mike Stafford

updated Career Pathway Credential Level requirements now include Elementary Education degrees

WV STARS has updated our Career Pathway Credential Level requirements and now include Elementary Education degrees in our determination. For many users, this can be the difference between a Level II and a Level V! Please see the notice of changes below for more information and directions for users to advance their Career Pathway Credential Level if they are eligible. If you have any questions, please contact WVSTARS@rvcds.org.

West Virginia STARS Career Pathway Credential Levels are determined by WV STARS Staff after reviewing an applicant’s resume and educational documentation for experience and education specific to Early Childhood. West Virginia STARS recognizes that many of our users hold degrees in Elementary Education, and we believe their educational experiences, while not always specific to Early Childhood, are valuable and deserve recognition.

Currently, users with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate in Elementary Education and no experience specific to early care and education will enter the Career Pathway at Level II. They are eligible to advance to Level V with 1 year of experience, to level VI with 2 years of experience, and to level VII with 3 years of experience. Users holding a master’s or doctorate are eligible for Level VIII with 5 years of experience.

We will be implementing the following changes starting on July 1, 2025:

  • Users with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and no experience in Early Childhood Education will enter the Career Pathway at Level V.
  • They are eligible to advance to Level VI with 1 year of experience
  • They are eligible to advance to Level VII with 2 years of experience.
  • Users with a Masters or Doctorate in Elementary Education and no experience in Early Childhood Education will enter the Carer Pathway at Level VII.
  • They are eligible to advance to Level VIII with 5 years of experience.
  • Users with an Infant/Toddler, Early Childhood, Elementary I, or Elementary II Montessori certificate, or an Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Administration will enter the Career Pathway at Level IV.

Active Career Pathway Credential holders can complete a West Virginia STARS Career Pathway Credential Level Advancement Application and submit the application and additional documentation to STARS in step 6 of their user profiles (how-to guide).

Users who have previously uploaded valid Elementary Education degree transcripts DO NOT need to re-submit transcripts.

You can review the new WV STARS Career Pathway Level Requirements on our website.

Download Information

Download Application

 

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📢 Fayette County Residents – We Want to Hear from YOU!

 🗣️ MountainHeart is conducting a Community Needs Assessment, and your input matters! Help shape services and resources in your area by completing a quick survey.

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer or click here to get started: https://fayettecommneeds.mthtwv.org/

📞 Questions? Call us at 304-682-8271
🌐 Learn more: mthtwv.org

“Working Together with Individuals, Families, and Communities by Providing Resources for a Better Life.”

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📢 We’re Now Serving Fayette County Through the CSBG Program!

 MountainHeart Community Services has received funding through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) to provide support to individuals and families in Fayette County.

If you or someone you know is in need, we’re here to help with:

✔ Utility Assistance
✔ Rent or Housing Support
✔ Job Training & Education Assistance
✔ Other supportive services

📍 Who’s eligible? Low-income individuals and families in Fayette County who meet CSBG guidelines.

📞 Call us at 304-682-8271
🔗 Apply online: https://www.mylitt.com/
🌐 Learn more: http://www.mountainheartwv.org/

Let’s work together to build stronger communities in Fayette County! 💙

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🌞 Summer Safety, Resources & Nutrition Tips from MountainHeart

July–September 2025 Food Insecurities Update

As part of MountainHeart’s ongoing efforts to support healthy families and reduce food insecurity across our 22-county service area, our Food Insecurities Committee has released the Summer 2025 Newsletter — packed with important tips, seasonal safety reminders, and valuable community resources.

🔹 What You’ll Find in the Newsletter:

  • Food Safety Tips for summer outings and cookouts (including how to avoid the “Danger Zone” for food temperatures)

  • Outdoor Safety advice covering insect bites, poisonous plants, and sun/heat precautions

  • Cooling Center Guidance and hydration reminders for heat-related health

  • Nutrition Resources such as:

    • Free cooking classes and food programs

    • The SuperCook recipe app

    • USDA Summer Meals Finder

    • Mountaineer Food Bank’s updated food access tools

  • Gardening & Growing Opportunities through WVU Extension’s Grow This! Challenge

💡 Plus, you’ll find contact information for MountainHeart team members across the state who can connect you to local food and nutrition resources.

📥 Download the Full Newsletter:

👉 Click here to download the July–September 2025 MountainHeart Food Insecurities Newsletter (PDF)

Want to share your food insecurity or nutrition success story? Reach out to one of our team members listed in the newsletter—we’d love to highlight your journey in a future issue!

MountainHeart Food Insecurities newsletter July-September 2025

 

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“ParentGuidance.org empowers families by providing free access to professional coaching, educational tools, and emotional support—helping parents navigate mental health challenges and build stronger connections with their children. This program is more than a service; it’s a lifeline for families across West Virginia.”
— Cook Center for Human Connection

free mental health and wellness coaching

Families across West Virginia now have access to free mental health and wellness coaching, thanks to a partnership between the West Virginia Department of Education and the Cook Center for Human Connection.

ParentGuidance.org offers confidential, one-on-one coaching sessions led by trained professionals using proven methods like cognitive behavioral therapy. These virtual sessions are tailored to fit busy schedules and can be a lifeline for parents and caregivers facing challenges such as:

  • Limited access to therapy or mental health services

  • Concerns about stigma or judgment

  • Navigating behavioral or emotional concerns with their children

In addition to coaching, ParentGuidance.org offers a library of on-demand video courses, expert Q&A through the “Ask a Therapist” feature, and live mental health series for families and educators. Everything is provided at no cost.

This initiative is more than a resource—it’s a movement to support mental health in every home and school.

📝 Download the resources below to learn more and get started:

🌐 Visit ParentGuidance.org to sign up and take the first step toward a healthier, more connected family.

 

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Save the Children WV has an exciting scholarship opportunity available for individuals who reside in the following counties. This could be for child care providers (center, facility, home providers, afterschool providers) or any adult wanting to pursue one of the options listed below (such as a parent or caregiver who would like to enter an education related field).

  • Calhoun (see WORC 6 flyer – AA and BA only – no CDA)
  • Boone
  • Braxton
  • Clay
  • Fayette
  • Gilmer
  • Lincoln
  • Logan
  • McDowell (see WORC 6 flyer – AA and BA only – no CDA)
  • Mingo
  • Nicholas
  • Summers
  • Webster
  • Wyoming

The following scholarship opportunities are available.

  • Child Development Associate (CDA) – 25 slots available (not available for Calhoun or McDowell counties at this time)
    • 100% tuition and textbook for CDA – coursework is online
    • $500 in office supplies
    • $350 barrier reduction stipend
    • $200 completion stipend
    • $2000 in Lakeshore Learning Materials
  • Associate (9 slots available) or Bachelor’s Degree (28 slots available) from an Accredited College of University
    • Tuition: up to $2300 per semester for associate degree. Up to $5500 per semester for bachelor’s degree.
    • Office Supplies: $500 of office supplies provided to participant
    • Barrier Reduction Stipend: $550 annually
    • Lakeshore Learning Materials: $2000 in Lakeshore Learning Materials upon completing degree.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Reside in one of the target counties listed above.
  • Enrolled or accepted into an accredited college or university
  • Maintain full-time course load while on scholarship.
  • Agree to complete the Early Childhood Early Care and Education Empowerment Toolkit – a 12 hour, online professional development course.

Eligible Majors:

  • Counseling
  • Early Childhood
  • Early Childhood Special Education
  • Early Childhood Studies
  • Elementary Education
  • Family Studies
  • Human Development
  • Human Services
  • Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Education
  • Physical Therapy
  • Psychology
  • Recreational Therapy
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences: Child and Family Education
  • Social Work
  • Special Education
  • Speech and Language Pathology
  • Sports and Recreation

These scholarships are funded through June 30, 2029, so it is possible that individuals that enroll now can have their entire college tuition covered over their college career. For questions or to express interest in applying for this opportunity, please email Brooke Hunter ASSISTANT STATE DIRECTOR, WEST VIRGINIA – PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION at brhunter@savechildren.org Mobile: 304•412•4799

WORC 6 Recruitment Flyer Download

 

ARC ARISE Recruitment Flyer Download

 

 

 

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Disaster Assistance Flyer

Disasters strike

When disaster strikes, quick access to assistance is crucial. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) provides disaster aid to those affected, helping individuals and families recover. If you need assistance, here’s what you need to know about applying.

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

You can apply in two ways:

  1. By Phone – Call 1-800-621-3362 (or use 711/Video Relay Service for accessibility).
  2. Online – Visit DisasterAssistance.gov for online registration and resources.
  3. In Person – Apply at the local Courthouse (Monday-Saturday, 8 AM – 6 PM; closed on Sundays).

For additional state help, dial 211.

Information You’ll Need to Apply

To ensure a smooth application process, have the following details ready:

  • Your address and zip code
  • The condition of your damaged home
  • Insurance information (if applicable)
  • Social Security number
  • A contact phone number
  • A mailing or email address for notifications

Direct Deposit for Faster Assistance

FEMA can send disaster assistance funds directly to your bank account. Be sure to provide your:

  • Bank account type
  • Account number
  • Routing number

Stay Updated on Your Application

After applying, you will receive a FEMA registration number. Keep this number handy for future inquiries or updates on your case.

Get Help Today

Disaster assistance is available to all, regardless of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been affected by a disaster, don’t hesitate to apply for the help you need.

For more information and to start your application, visit DisasterAssistance.gov today.

 

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