Recommended Links

Birth to Three Program
West Virginia Birth to Three is a statewide system of services and supports for children under age three who have a delay in their development, or may be at risk of having a delay. Services include physical and occupational therapy, vision and audiology services, nursing, and counseling, all of which are provided in collaboration with each child’s family.

Child Care Resource and Referral Centers
Child Care Resource and Referral programs provide information and referrals to parents seeking quality child care, process applications for child care subsidies, provide training and support to child care providers, and work within their communities to promote the availability of quality child care.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The West Virginia Health Insurance Program provides free or low-cost health plans for children from birth up to age 19 whose families meet certain income guidelines. Applications can be made by mail or at your local DHHR office.

Early Childhood Resource Lending Library
The Early Childhood Resource Lending Library contains numerous resources such as books, brochures, videotapes, workbooks, curriculum guides, assessment tools, and self-study modules. Materials are available for loan to early childhood personnel and parents.

Family Planning Program
The West Virginia Family Planning Program makes contraceptive supplies and services available to persons who want and need them but are unable to afford them without government assistance.

Family Resource Networks
Family Resource Networks (FRNs) are local coalitions working to improve services for children and families in their communities. FRNs engage in strategic planning, interagency coordination, and ongoing evaluation activities.

Head Start and Early Head Start Programs
Head Start and Early Head Start are comprehensive child development programs that serve children from birth to 5, pregnant women, and their families. They are child-focused programs and have the overall goal of increasing the school readiness of young children in low-income families. There are 24 Head Start programs statewide providing services to all 55 counties and 5 Early Head Start programs.

HealthCheck
HealthCheck is West Virginia’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program (E.P.S.D.T.). It is a mandated Medicaid program to ensure that Medicaid-eligible children receive a comprehensive range of preventive and primary health services.

Right From the Start
Right From the Start serves pregnant women who are Medicaid eligible and some infants until their first birthday. Services include childbirth education, smoking cessation, parenting and nutrition classes, medical case management, and transportation arrangements for medical appointments.

Starting Points Centers
Starting Points Centers bring together a community’s existing early childhood services and programs in one location. The Centers provide families with young children better access to services, education, and support.

West Virginia Childcare Centers United
West Virginia Childcare Centers United is a professional childcare providers' organization dedicated to improving the quality of child care in West Virginia. The organization promotes its mission through networking, advocacy, and education.

West Virginia Early Childhood Training Connections and Resources (WVECTCR)
WVECTRC is a multifaceted program to help professionals and family members with their early childhood training needs. The program is a collaborative interagency effort that connects individuals with in-service training, formal educational opportunities, and early childhood resources and materials.

West Virginia Partners in Implementing an Early Care and Education System (PIECES)
West Virginia PIECES is an initiative sponsored jointly by the Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Resources and aimed at improving the state’s system of early care and education. The PIECES Advisory Council and committees work on issues such as professional development, interagency collaboration, and regulations and standards.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program identifies and corrects nutritional problems during critical stages of growth and development. Services include nutritional counseling and education, breastfeeding promotion and support, health screening, medical and social service referrals, and monthly food packages. Services are provided through local health organizations in all 55 counties.