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 and Tanya Winter have stepped into two of these new roles, with a third position to be filled soon. 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

Tanya

Tanya

 

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🎃 TRAILS October Newsletter is Out! 🍂

Celebrate the season with fun and learning! This month’s focus is on Dramatic Play—encouraging creativity and social development through pretend play. TRAILS offers costumes, dolls, play food, trucks, and more to support imaginative learning.

📅 October Highlights:

  • World Teachers’ Day (10/5)
  • World Mental Health Day (10/10)
  • Halloween (10/31)
  • Fire Safety & Breast Cancer Awareness Month

📥 Download the full newsletter for details and resources!

Download Your Copy

📞 Questions? Contact Brianna Wesley or Misty Cunningham at:

  • Office: 681-238-6448 ext. 202
  • Cell: 304-228-9018
  • Email: Brianna.D.Wesley@wv.gov | Misty.R.Cunningham@wv.gov

TRAILS October 2025 Newsletter Image

 

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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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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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Food Drive Image

Food insecurity affects thousands of families across West Virginia. By participating in this drive, you’re not just donating items—you’re offering hope, dignity, and support to your neighbors.

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🥫 September 28 – November 6, 2025

MountainHeart is launching a community food drive, and we’re inviting you to be part of something meaningful. From now through November 6th, each of our office locations will have a donation box ready to be filled with essential items for families in need.

We’re collecting:

  • 🥫 Canned vegetables and fruits
  • 🍲 Soups and pasta
  • 🧼 Hygiene products
  • 🍼 Baby items
  • 🧃 Shelf-stable drinks

Your donations will go directly to supporting local families and individuals who are facing food insecurity. Every item helps us extend a helping hand and build stronger, healthier communities.

💬 Why It Matters

Food insecurity affects thousands of families across West Virginia. By participating in this drive, you’re not just donating items—you’re offering hope, dignity, and support to your neighbors.

📍 Where to Donate

Visit any MountainHeart office location and look for the Food Drive donation box. It’s easy to drop off your items during regular business hours.

📣 Spread the Word

We’ll be posting daily reminders and updates on our Facebook page, so be sure to follow along and share with your friends and family. Use the hashtags:

Together, we can make a real impact.

 

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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

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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.

 

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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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