WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2059

To move childcare from the Department of Human Services to the State Board of Education and reclassify early childhood education

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Wayne Clark

House Bill 2059 transfers childcare oversight to the State Board of Education, aiming to enhance early education quality and support families in West Virginia.

To House Public Education
#education(k12)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2059

Summary of House Bill 2059

Bill Number: HB 2059
Title: To move childcare from the Department of Human Services to the State Board of Education and reclassify early childhood education
Status: To House Public Education
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Education (K12)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2059 aims to transfer the oversight of childcare services from the West Virginia Department of Human Services to the West Virginia State Board of Education. This legislative change seeks to enhance the management and quality of early childhood education by reclassifying early childhood education programs and establishing Early Childhood Education Centers.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several significant changes to existing laws regarding childcare and early childhood education:

  1. Transfer of Authority:

    • Childcare services will be managed by the West Virginia State Board of Education instead of the Department of Human Services.

  2. Implementation of Early Childhood Education Centers:

    • The bill outlines the establishment of Early Childhood Education Centers, which will be responsible for providing early education services.

  3. Licensing and Certification:

    • New requirements for licensing and certification of childcare facilities will be enforced under the State Board of Education.
    • Facilities must obtain a license or certification to operate, ensuring they meet established standards of care.

  4. Funding Provisions:

    • The bill includes provisions for funding these childcare services, although specific dollar amounts are not detailed in the introduced version.

  5. Emergency Preparedness:

    • Childcare services will be required to develop and maintain written evacuation plans for emergencies, including natural disasters and health hazards.

  6. Annual Registration:

    • All out-of-school time care facilities must register annually with the State Board of Education, providing essential operational information.

Impact

The transition of childcare oversight to the State Board of Education is expected to:

  • Enhance Quality: By aligning childcare services with educational standards, the bill aims to improve the quality of early childhood education in West Virginia.
  • Streamline Processes: Centralizing authority under the State Board of Education may lead to more consistent regulations and oversight across childcare facilities.
  • Support Families: Improved childcare services could provide better support for families, particularly those with young children, by ensuring access to quality early education.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 12, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Committee on Education and then Finance.
  • March 5, 2025: Bill sent to the House Public Education Committee for further consideration.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 2059, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on early childhood education in West Virginia.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.