Author: Mike Stafford

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Please discard any outdated materials that are not labeled for Program Year 2025–2026.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: [email protected]
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 [email protected].

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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📢 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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“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 [email protected] 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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