Author: Mike Stafford

Submit your bid today!

MountainHeart Community Services is now accepting proposals for snow removal services for the 2024-2025 school year in Wyoming County. Service areas include Clear Fork, Baileysville, Mullensville, Matheny, and Hanover Head Start locations. Interested companies should provide their pricing for plowing, salting, or a combination of both services. Proposals must be submitted by November 26, 2025

Please return the form to Roger Davis (Transportation and Facilities Specialist) at the MountainHeart admin office 33 MountainHeart Lane Matheny, 24860,  or email it back to rdavis@mthtwv.org. 

If you have questions, please contact Roger Davis at (304) 682-8271 ext. 103.  Click the link below to download a copy of the bid sheet.

Download Bid Sheet

Snow Removal Request for Proposal 2024-2025 Image

 

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Introducing Our New Quality Improvement Monitoring and Compliance Specialists

In April 2025, three new positions were created to enhance oversight of West Virginia’s Tiered Reimbursement/QRIS system. These Quality Improvement Monitoring and Compliance Specialists (QIMCS) are responsible for conducting monitoring and compliance visits in childcare programs participating at the higher quality tier levels. By taking on this responsibility, the QIMCS will allow regional Quality Improvement Specialists (QIS) to focus more on direct program support.

We are excited to share that Kristin Watson, Tanya Winter, and Betty Johnson have stepped into these roles. As QIMCS, they will begin conducting monitoring visits and increasing visit frequency, helping to ensure higher quality programs are implementing standards with fidelity.

What Programs Need to Know

  • Programs must provide full access for monitoring as outlined in the Tiered Reimbursement application.
  • A copy of your current application and supporting documentation must be kept onsite.
  • QIMCS will conduct the monitoring visit, but results will be provided to your regional QIS, who will follow up with direct program support and a Quality Improvement Support Plan.
  • As employees of WVECTCR/RVCDS, the QIMCS will always present proper agency identification when conducting a visit.
  • You will receive a call to schedule a monitoring visit window, confirm details, and note up to three blackout dates.

Following each visit, the QIS will meet with your program to discuss findings, support improvements, and connect you with training or technical assistance if needed.

For questions, please contact Jaime Price, Tiered Reimbursement/QRIS Coordinator, at 304-637-5560 or Jaime.L.Price@wv.gov.

Kristin

Kristin Watson

Tanya

Tanya Winter

Betty Johnson

Betty Johnson

 

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Family Child Care Conference Registration Image

🌟 2025 Family Child Care Conference: “FALL into Business”

Calling all family child care providers and facility staff! You’re invited to the 2025 Family Child Care Conference, a full-day professional development event.

🗓 Event Details

Topic: FALL into Business
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Lunch provided)
WV STARS Credit: 7.5 Hours
Eligibility:

  • Family child care providers (caring for 1–6 children)
  • Facility staff (caring for 1–12 children)
    Meets Tiered Reimbursement Conference Requirement

📍 Two Locations to Choose From

Northern Conference

  • Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
  • Location: Event Center of Brushy Fork
    929 Brushy Fork Rd., Buckhannon, WV 26201
  • Registration Deadline: October 31, 2025

Southern Conference

  • Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
  • Location: Four Points Sheraton Charleston
    600 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, WV 25301
  • Registration Deadline: November 7, 2025

📝 How to Register

Download and complete the registration form, then return it to:

Tricia Haynes
PO Box 465, Oak Hill, WV 25901
📠 Fax: (479) 480-7359
📧 Email: Patricia.L.Haynes@wv.gov

Download the Registration Form Below:

Registration Form Download

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  1. What is considered a full day?
    a. Care for at least four (4) hours but less than 18 hours per day
  2. What is considered a part day?
    a. There are two types of part day. Part day less than two hours which is care no less than one minute but not exceeding 1 hour and 59 minutes per day. Part day 2 hours but not exceeding 4 hours per day.
  3. Do part days convert to full days?
    a. Yes, part days can convert to full days, Appendix C of the WV Child Care Policy and Procedure Manual (https://bfa.wv.gov/page/ece-policies-and-regulations) list the full conversion chart, but for example 19 billable 2-4 hour days converts to 13 full days.
  4. Is there a way to still get monthly billing with only part days?
    a. Yes, if a child is in care for 13 full days, providers will be paid a monthly rate, this rate will depend on the age of the child and the parents’ fee.
  5. How is time counted?
    a. Time in care begins when the child is dropped off at your site and signed in, time ends when the child is picked up from your site and signed out by the parent. Time is counted in exact minutes to determine the type of day you will be billing. An exception to this is if your site picks up the child from a school location, then time begins when the child is signed in by a childcare worker on the transportation from school to the childcare stie.
  6. If I have the child in the morning and afternoon can those times be added together?
    a. Yes, billing is for the total time in care for the day, so if the child is in your care in the morning before school and in the afternoon after school, those times may be added together to determine the type of billable day.
  7. When should I submit my billing?
    a. Billing should be submitted to the Resource and Referral office no earlier than the first day of the month following the month of care. For example, October billing would be submitted no earlier than November 1st.
  8. What should I submit with my billing?
    a. All billing submissions should include the request for payment form signed by the childcare provider. Family childcare homes and facilities must submit sign in\out sheets for all children in care each month. Childcare centers must submit sign in\out sheets for school age children monthly, and full sign\in and out sheets twice per year as requested by the Resource and Referral office.
  9. Why has billing changed/ new requirements been introduced regarding school-age children?
    a. Billing procedures have not changed, the policy regarding billing for school age children during time they are in school is not new and has been in place for many years and is based on long-standing federal policy.

WV Department of Human Services Logo

📢 Attention Child Care Providers:
There have been several questions regarding billing and payments, including what qualifies as a full or part day and how to bill for school-age children. To assist you, a list of Frequently Asked Questions with helpful answers has been compiled. Also attached is the conversion chart for your use.

 

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Calendar Image

Stay informed on billing and attendance requirements for school-age children to avoid payment delays.

✅ Full-day vs. part-day billing
✅ Conversion chart for part days
✅ Required attendance sheets
✅ Submission timelines

📄 Download School-Age Kids Clarification Notice
📄 Download Provider Billing FAQs
📄 Download Appendix C Conversion Chart

#MountainHeart #TogetherWeCan #ChildCare #ProviderUpdate #WVChildCare #BillingTips #ECE

Get Started

 

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Food Insecurities October-December Newsletter 2025 Page_01

Download Your Copy

As we enter the final quarter of 2025, the Food Insecurities Committee continues its mission to unite communities and ensure no one goes hungry. This season’s newsletter is packed with vital resources, updates, and opportunities to get involved.

Holiday Meals & Resources
Local churches and soup kitchens are offering warm, nutritious meals for the holidays. A comprehensive resource list by county is available to help families find support close to home.

TEFAP Emergency Food Assistance
The USDA’s TEFAP program is active in select counties, providing emergency food through local pantries and food banks. This federal initiative ensures access to American-grown food during times of need.

Mobile Food Pantries & Statewide Support
West Virginia’s two major food banks—Mountaineer Food Bank and Facing Hunger Foodbank—continue to serve thousands through mobile pantries and recovered food donations. Visit mountaineerfoodbank.org and facinghunger.org for schedules and more information.

Food Drive & Hunger Awareness Week
MountainHeart is hosting a Food Drive from September 23rd to November 6th in honor of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (November 16–22). Donations of canned goods, hygiene items, and shelf-stable foods are welcome at all MountainHeart office locations.

Stay Safe & Informed
Before heading to the store, check the USDA recall list to stay updated on food safety alerts.

Share Your Story
Have you benefited from these resources or helped someone in need? Submit your success story—we’d love to hear how our community is making a difference.

Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, and more united West Virginia.

 

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MountainHeart is sharing the following information from Catholic Charities West Virginia as a courtesy to our providers. These updates are intended to help family child care providers stay informed about available resources and opportunities to support healthy nutrition in child care settings.

About the Program

The Child Care Food Program (CCFP) is a federally funded initiative that reimburses eligible family child care providers for serving nutritious meals to children in their care. Administered by Catholic Charities West Virginia, the program promotes high-quality nutrition and supports providers with educational resources and financial assistance.

Important Reminder

Please discard any outdated materials that are not labeled for Program Year 2025–2026. Updated documents include current reimbursement rates and the latest non-discrimination statement. Printed materials are available upon request.

Eligibility

If you are certified by the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) to provide child care in your home and regularly serve meals to children, you may qualify for monthly reimbursement through the program. Providers may also be eligible to claim their own children.

Reimbursement Rates for Program Year 2025–2026

Meal Tier 1 Tier 2
Breakfast $1.70 $0.61
Lunch/Supper $3.22 $1.94
Snack $0.96 $0.26

Example: A provider serving two meals and one snack per day for 23 days could earn between $135.24 and $170.20 per child per month.

Additional Benefits

  • Nutrition education and support
  • One-on-one in-home consultations
  • Workshops and newsletters
  • Meal and snack menu planning
  • WVSTARS training
  • Free resources including cookbooks and calendars

Counties Served

The program currently serves the following counties in West Virginia:

Barbour, Berkeley, Braxton, Brooke, Doddridge, Grant, Hampshire, Hancock, Hardy, Harrison, Jefferson, Lewis, Marion, Marshall, Mineral, Monongalia, Morgan, Ohio, Pendleton, Preston, Pocahontas, Randolph, Roane, Taylor, Tucker, Tyler, Upshur, Webster, and Wetzel.

Sponsoring Organizations

The updated Family Day Care Home Sponsor Map includes:

  • Catholic Charities West Virginia
  • Central Child Care of WV Inc.
  • River Valley Child Development Services
  • Council of the Southern Mountains Inc.
  • Community Action of Southeastern WV Inc.
  • Community Resources, Inc.

Contact Information

For more information or to enroll, contact:

Jane Rose, Director CCFP
Catholic Charities West Virginia
2000 Main Street, Suite 313, Wheeling, WV 26003
Phone: 304-905-9867
Fax: 304-230-1285
Email: jrose@ccwva.org
Website: https://www.ccwva.org

Welcome Letter

Brochure

Sponsor Map

 

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At MountainHeart Community Services, Inc., we believe in creating pathways to prosperity for hardworking individuals and families across West Virginia. As a proud Community Action Agency (CAA), our mission is to help people achieve long-term self-sufficiency by equipping them with the tools and support they need to succeed in the middle class.

Making a Difference Across 30 Counties

In the past year, MountainHeart has touched the lives of more than 15,000 West Virginians through programs funded by the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and strengthened by partnerships with local, state, and private organizations. These investments allow us to provide tailored, high-impact services that meet the unique needs of our communities.

Our 2023–2024 results show the depth of this impact:

  • 7,954 children received support and developmental services.

  • 4,242 employed individuals gained stability and resources to thrive.

  • 1,445 seniors were assisted in maintaining independence and well-being.

  • 39 unemployed adults obtained employment paying up to a living wage.

  • 346 individuals maintained employment thanks to our support services.

Investing in Communities

By leveraging $228,422 in CSBG funding, MountainHeart generated over $18.6 million in opportunities for West Virginia families. This was made possible through strong partnerships with the private sector, local resources, and state government programs. Every dollar invested creates measurable returns in education, employment, housing, and community resilience.

Real Stories of Impact

Behind every number is a story of transformation. One parent shared:

“Both of my children needed Birth to Three. Each experience was fantastic! Sam Modley and Megan Morgan were nothing short of amazing… They immediately recognized my children’s struggles and came up with a game plan. Each month the milestones were met with dedication and love. I highly recommend any parent with children with delays to get involved.” – Vanessa Fox

Stories like this remind us why our work matters and inspire us to continue building stronger communities.

Building a Stronger West Virginia

From helping children reach developmental milestones, to securing affordable housing, to ensuring seniors live independently, MountainHeart’s programs foster resilience and create opportunity. We are committed to providing innovative, accountable, and responsive services that empower families for lasting success.

Together, we can strengthen economic mobility and prosperity for West Virginia.

 

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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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