Author: Mike Stafford

As summer kicks off, MountainHeart Community Services is excited to share all the wonderful things happening across our Head Start, Early Head Start, and Parents as Teachers (PAT) programs in our June 2025 Newsletter!

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll find inside:

🏫 Program Updates

  • Early Head Start Summer Services begin the week of June 9 — classrooms will now operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays through the summer.

  • Important dates, including Policy Council meetings and holidays, are also listed to keep families informed.

🧠 Learning Through Play

This month, our focus is on sand and water play in the classroom — a fun and essential activity that promotes sensory exploration, math and science concepts, language development, and creativity.

👶 Welcome Baby Eliana!

We’re thrilled to welcome a new face to our program! Eliana Brooks joined the Home Base program with her educator, Lori Brown. We’re so happy to have you, Eliana!

🦷 Dental Day & Health Highlights

Miss Kristin’s Home Base group visited the dentist for cleanings and check-ups — part of our commitment to fostering healthy habits early. The children even received goodie bags and fun masks to make the day special!

💨 Mindful Breathing with DIY Tools

Miss Dina introduced breathing sticks to help children manage emotions and reduce stress. These hands-on tools are a great way to practice mindfulness, and families can even create their own at home!

🌳 Staff Picnic & Training Day

Held at Twin Falls State Park, our annual Staff Training and Picnic blended learning, connection, and recognition. We’re proud of our dedicated staff who received awards and certifications, and grateful to our mental health team for providing a meaningful training session.

👩‍🏫 Meet Our Staff

This issue includes several staff spotlights, introducing you to the passionate professionals behind the scenes — including Susan Stafford, Medena Lester, Tracy Cox, Roger Davis, and others who make a difference every day.

💚 Community Resources

Learn about programs like AWAY, Salvation Army, and WVCHIP, which offer vital support to families throughout Wyoming County and beyond.

We invite you to explore the full newsletter for stories, announcements, and moments of joy happening across our MountainHeart programs.

📖 Read the full June 2025 Newsletter 

Download Your Copy

June 2025 Newsletter Cover Image from MountainHeart HS/EHS/PAT Programs

 

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📣 Nicholas County Residents – We Need Your Voice! 🏡

The Nicholas Community Action Partnership is conducting a Community Needs Assessment to help shape the future of services in our area. Your input is essential in identifying what matters most to you and your neighbors.

✅ Open to all Nicholas County residents
✅ 100% anonymous – no names or personal info required
✅ Quick and easy to complete

📝 Take the survey now:
👉 https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=POLIKn6MyEOxgCuTZpcga3_ZeOUdIM1DgZKox1ugh41UODYxWVQwQlRFQzlZSFdDM0xJQk4xRjRMMy4u&origin=QRCode

Let’s work together to build a stronger, more responsive community! 💚

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Father and Daughter Image

“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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Leadership Summit Registration Header

 

Join Us for the 2025 QIS Leadership Summit in Charleston, WV!

We are excited to invite Childcare Center Directors to the upcoming QIS Leadership Summit on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Holiday Inn and Suites Charleston West, Charleston, WV. This one-day professional development event is designed to enhance leadership and management practices in child care centers across West Virginia.

About the Summit

The QIS Leadership Summit will provide an in-depth overview of the Program Administration Scale-3 (PAS-3)—a powerful tool designed to help child care center Directors assess and improve their leadership and administrative practices. Led by Quality Improvement Specialists (QIS), this session will guide participants through:

  • The framework and structure of PAS-3
  • Scoring and conducting a PAS-3 assessment
  • Strategies for developing an action plan for program improvement
  • Examples of staff resource libraries to support professional growth

This event is approved for Tiered Reimbursement annual conference requirements and offers 6 WV STARS training hours (3 hours in Administration & Management and 3 hours in Professionalism & Leadership). Attendees must complete the full session to receive credit.

Who Can Attend?

This summit is exclusively for Childcare Center Directors. However, if a Director is unable to attend, Assistant Directors may be considered based on availability. Due to limited space, only one participant per program is permitted.

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
📍 Location: Holiday Inn and Suites Charleston West, 400 2nd Avenue, Charleston, WV 25303
⏰ Registration: 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
🎓 Summit Training: 9:00 AM – 4:15 PM
🍽 Breakfast, Lunch Buffet & Afternoon Snack Provided
📩 Confirmation emails will include hotel room block information

How to Register

To secure your spot, complete and return the registration form by June 9, 2025.

📬 Mail:
WV DOHS, Attn: Jaime Price
1027 N Randolph Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241

📧 Email:
Jaime.L.Price@wv.gov

If you have any questions, please reach out to a Quality Improvement Specialist or contact Jaime Price directly.

Help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with your networks. We look forward to seeing you there!

Registration Form Download

 

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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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