CHARTLESTON, W.Va. – More than 260 child‑care centers have shut their doors in West Virginia since 2024, and providers say the delay in implementing a key reform bill is worsening the crisis.
Legislative intent
During the last legislative session, lawmakers passed a bill designed to stabilize child‑care finances. The measure creates a tax credit for employers who provide child‑care for their employees and streamlines the state’s reimbursement process by requiring the Department of Human Services (DOHS) to build an online attendance‑logging system.
Implementation lag
Despite the bill’s passage, the DOHS is more than three months behind the deadlines set by the legislation. “I just heard from providers that are here that they have had payments delayed and they feel they’re supposed to be getting paid based on enrollment yet if the signatures aren’t there, then that delays their payment which makes it harder for them to stay in business,” said Delegate Mike Pushkin during a joint standing committee on health interim meeting on Monday.
Lisa Ertle, DOHS Director of Child‑Care Services, acknowledged the budgetary challenge. Asked whether the department could implement the bill with its current $129 million budget, she said she believes it will be difficult, noting that the agency is still allowing providers to submit attendance paperwork by email as a temporary workaround.
Impact on families and providers
The stalled reforms hit families hardest. With fewer licensed facilities, parents are forced to travel farther or rely on informal arrangements, increasing costs and reducing access to reliable care. Providers, many of whom operate on thin margins, say delayed reimbursements threaten their ability to retain staff and maintain safe, quality environments for children.
Calls for action
State legislators are pressing the DOHS to meet its obligations. “Child‑care is a cornerstone of strong families and a thriving economy,” Pushkin added, urging the department to prioritize the online filing system and expedite payments.
Advocates for families argue that the tax credit for employer‑provided child‑care could encourage more businesses to support working parents, but the credit cannot take effect until the reimbursement infrastructure is functional.
Next steps
The DOHS has pledged to accelerate the development of the online system, though no specific timeline was provided. Lawmakers plan to monitor progress at upcoming committee meetings and may consider additional legislative measures if the department fails to meet its deadlines.
For now, child‑care providers and families across West Virginia await concrete action, hoping the promised reforms will soon translate into stable operations and affordable care for the state’s youngest residents.
Original reporting: WCHS Eyewitness News Charleston (local) — read the source article.
