Who needs a child care center license in West Virginia?

Issued by West Virginia Department of Human Services, Office of Child Care and Early Education, at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

1 of the 20 kinds of business in West Virginia

A center cares for 13 or more children. Apply with the zoning approval, the fire marshal’s and health department’s approvals, the floor plan and the director’s qualifications; fingerprint background checks through the WV CARES system cover every staff member before the licensing inspection. The licensing office moved from the former Department of Health and Human Resources to the Department of Human Services in 2024.

Draft. This row was drafted from the agency’s own page and has not yet been confirmed against it. Confirm it with the agency before you pay anything.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by West Virginia Department of Human Services, Office of Child Care and Early Education.

Sources and dates

78 CSR 1 (child care center licensing); Office of Child Care and Early Education center information packet; West Virginia Code 49-2-107 and following. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.