Finding childcare in West Virginia can be frustrating and expensive. Many parents encounter long waitlists, high costs and few options near home.
The challenge has become one of the state’s biggest barriers to employment. For parents, however, the challenge often starts long before returning to work.
In many communities, finding an open childcare slot can take months, and some counties have only a handful of providers.
Whether you’re expecting your first child or searching for a new provider, here’s what you need to know about finding childcare in West Virginia, understanding costs and getting help paying for care.
How do I find childcare near me?
One of the best places to start to find childcare is Connect Child Care, the state’s childcare resource and referral network, which has several regional agencies throughout West Virginia.
The Connect program helps families find childcare and apply for subsidies. It also helps providers train employers and recruit new employees.
Other places to contact include the West Virginia Bureau of Family Services where you can use their provider search tool to find childcare centers near you.
Parents should start researching childcare options and contacting providers well in advance. Experts recommend starting between six and 12 months before you’ll need care.
They also recommend regularly staying in contact with providers by asking how they maintain their waitlists and how far in advance families should enroll.
Why is it so hard to find an open spot?
Many West Virginians live in counties that have limited childcare options, with some having only one provider or none at all. For many families, finding childcare can be nearly impossible.
Across the state, demand for childcare has outpaced the supply of open centers, leaving available centers with long waitlists for new families. In some counties, there are only a handful of providers serving hundreds of children.
As a result, more than 28,000 kids under the age of 6 need childcare but lack access, putting strain on parents juggling work and caring for their kids.
At the same time, providers are closing their doors. Since 2024, more than 200 childcare centers have closed in West Virginia.
In Clay County, hundreds of children lack access to care, but its last open center is set to close at the end of the month. That means parents will have to travel to neighboring counties for childcare or get help from family and friends.
One reason centers are closing is low staffing levels.
Providers struggle to recruit and retain workers because childcare workers in the state make a median wage of $13.32 an hour, below the living wage of $20 an hour.
Without enough workers, providers cannot open additional classrooms or increase enrollment, even when demand exists.
How much does childcare cost in West Virginia?
Childcare is one of the largest expenses families face after having a child.
The average annual cost of childcare in West Virginia is about $10,439 per child or $870 a month. For a family earning West Virginia’s median household income, childcare can consume roughly one-fifth of annual earnings.
Costs vary depending on a child’s age, the type of care selected and where a family lives. Infant care is often more expensive because babies need more individualized attention.
Childcare providers say much of that cost goes toward staffing. Centers must pay employees, maintain facilities, provide meals and supplies and meet state licensing requirements.
With those costs, many providers operate on thin margins.
Who qualifies for childcare assistance?
Some West Virginia families may qualify for help paying for childcare through the state’s Child Care and Development Fund program.
The program helps eligible families cover a portion of childcare costs while parents work, attend school or job training programs.
Eligibility is based on factors including income, employment, education and participation in certain assistance programs. Families who qualify pay a reduced copay while the state covers the rest.
There are more than 6,500 children in childcare programs whose cost is subsidized by the program. The average copay cost for those families is $120 a month.
Parents interested in applying for assistance can contact Connect Child Care or their local Department of Human Services office for information about eligibility and the application process.
What should I look for when choosing a childcare provider?
Once you’ve found a provider with an open slot, it’s important to evaluate whether it would be a good fit for your family.
If possible, visit the facility in person. During the tour, observe how staff members interact with children, whether classrooms are clean and organized and if children seem engaged.
Parents should also ask questions about safety procedures, daily routines and staffing levels. Understanding how a provider handles an illness or emergency can help families make an informed decision.
Other questions to ask include information about meals and snacks, communication with other parents, operating hours and training and staff certifications.
Families can also review licensing and inspection reports for centers online.
Although childcare options are limited in many parts of West Virginia, asking questions and touring can help parents find the best fit for their children.