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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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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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Attention all MountainHeart Child Care Providers! Get ready for an exciting opportunity to connect, learn, and grow at the upcoming MountainHeart Child Care Conference on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025.

Join us at the New River Convention Center in Oak Hill, WV, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, for a full day of professional development, networking, and valuable resources tailored for child care providers.

Conference Theme:

“Celebrating All Children: Strategies, Support, Success!”

Conference Features:

✔️ 6 WV STARS Hours
✔️ Approved for TIER II Conference
✔️ Classroom Resources
✔️ Breakfast, Lunch, and a Snack Provided

With limited seating available for only 120 participants, be sure to register early!

How to Register:

🔗 Register now at: https://forms.gle/8U2EMen4zuBXvjed7

📞 Or contact Morgan Paynter at 681-238-6448 for more information.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills, connect with fellow providers, and gain valuable insights to support the children in your care. We look forward to seeing you there!

Save the Date Flyer for Provider Conference 2025

 

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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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At MountainHeart Community Services, we are dedicated to working together with individuals, families, and communities to provide resources for a better life. Recently, our team members Kim Perrine, Subsidy and Resource Coordinator; Crystal Roberts, Provider Support Specialist; and Stephanie Hoover, Provider Engagement Specialist, had the opportunity to discuss the pressing need for child care providers in our region with Lauren Winans from WBOY 304 Today.

304 Today: MountainHeart Community Services

During the conversation, our staff highlighted the critical shortage of child care providers in West Virginia and the importance of fostering the growth and development of children in our communities. We believe that by supporting and encouraging individuals to establish child care businesses, we can make a significant impact on the well-being of families and the future of our state.

If you or someone you know is interested in starting a child care business, we encourage you to reach out to your local MountainHeart office for more information. Our team is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way.

For more details, please visit our Child Care Resource & Referral pages for Region V and Region VI:

Region V
Region VI

In case MountainHeart services are not available in your area, you can find a nearby Resource and Referral office by clicking here.

Additionally, you can learn more about Community Action Agencies throughout West Virginia by visiting this link.

WV Community Action Partnership Agencies

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and families in West Virginia.

304 Today Screenshot

 

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MountainHeart is excited to share a valuable funding opportunity for child care providers in rural areas! The 2025 Child Care Assistance Grant, funded by Save the Children and TJ Maxx, is designed to support families by easing the financial burden of child care costs.

Who Can Apply?

Licensed child care providers and family child care homes located in the eligible counties of West Virginia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas can apply for a $5,000 tuition assistance grant. This funding helps cover the child care expenses of enrolled families receiving child care assistance.

Why Apply?

By securing this grant, your program can:
✅ Provide financial relief to families struggling with child care costs.
✅ Enhance the quality of early education for children in your community.
✅ Access additional training, resources, and networking through the Rural Child Care Network (RCCN).

Grant Requirements:

✔ Applicants must be licensed and located within the eligible counties.
✔ Funds must be used to support currently enrolled children receiving child care assistance.
✔ A final report on the use of funds and program impact is required.

Grant Timeline & Deadline

📅 Grant Period: March 17, 2025 – May 15, 2025
📅 Application Deadline: TBD (Confirm with official documents)
📅 Final Report Due: May 30, 2025

How to Apply

For full details and application instructions, download the following documents:
📄 Funding Opportunity 2025 – Child Care Assistance (PDF)
📄 Child Care Network Tuition Assistance Grant Flyer (PDF)

📢 Don’t miss this opportunity to support families and strengthen child care access in your community!

THE RURAL CHILD CARE NETWORK Header

 

 

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