The information provided on this page is a basic outline of West Virginia Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in West Virginia. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
WEST VIRGINIA Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau of Children and Families
Office of Children and Family Policy Division of Early Care and Education
350 Capitol Street, Room 691 Charleston, WV 25301-3700
Family Child Care
(304) 558-0628
https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Childcare/Documents/78%20CSR%201%20Final%20File_2018.pdf
License renewal is required every two years.
Indoor Space Requirements: 50 sf per infant/ 35 sf per pre-schoolers and school ages
|
|
6 Wks.-1 Year |
1-2 Years |
2 Years |
3 Years |
4 Years |
5 Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher:Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:4 |
1:8 |
1:10 |
1:12 |
1:16 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
8 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
24 |
32 |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
8 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
24 |
32 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
400 sf. |
420 sf. |
560 sf. |
700 sf. |
840 sf. |
1120 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per child
- The outdoor play area must be clear of all hazards or potential hazards like heat pumps, air conditioning units, wiring, meters, and telephone boxes.
- Stairs with four or more steps must have railings when children less than five of age are in care.
- The play area and equipment must be inspected quarterly by the administrator.
- Pressure mounted gated must not have used all the top of a set of stairs.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
8 |
No operator or staff member must be used to meet staff: child ration for more than 2 consecutive 8 hours shifts of care. |
12 |
The governing people must at least meet 4 times in a 12 month period. |
15 |
All qualified staff must complete 15 hours of approved training within the 1st year of employment. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
When planning meals and snacks, child care centers must follow a meal and snack patterns developed from the US Departement of Agriculture’s (USDA), the CACFP, and the WV CACFP Standards. |  |
Changing tables and surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected after each use. |  |
A staff member who has a high school diploma or GED and meets the requirements can have these potions; a director, assistant director, lead teacher, teacher, assistant teacher or teaching assistant. |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019