West Virginia Center Accreditation Support Services (CASS):
Financial Assistance:
Through the West Virginia Center Accreditation Support System (CASS), West Virginia Early Childhood Training Connections and Resources (WVECTCR) provides financial assistance to West Virginia child care centers and family child care homes seeking accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). Financial assistance is available for both the self-study and validation process. Stipends will be issued for the following 4 categories: Application Fee (Initial), Application Fee (Re-accreditation), Validation/Observation Fee (Initial) and Validation/Observation Fee (Re-accreditation).
If you are seeking a stipend for NAEYC Self-Study Materials:
- Attach a copy of an invoice issued by NAEYC for the purchase of self-study materials. (Because the stipend is a reimbursement to the center for the purchase of the self-study materials, the stipend will not be processed until the materials have been requested from NAEYC).
If you are seeking a stipend for NAEYC Validation Visits:
- Complete the Validation Stipend Application.
- Include a copy of the certified mail receipt used to mail in the program description to NAEYC. The form should be completed within 30 days of the initial request to NAEYC.
If you are seeking a stipend for NAFCC Self-Study Materials:
If you are seeking a stipend for NAFCC Observation Visits:
- Complete the Observation Stipend Application for NAFCC.
Within ten days of receipt of requests for stipends, WVECTCR will notify applicants of approval or will contact the center if there is a question concerning the program’s readiness to begin the accreditation process.
Stipends are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis as funding allows.
Mentoring and Technical Assistance:
Mentoring and technical assistance is limited to those child care centers in West Virginia seeking accreditation for the first time or for new directors of centers seeking re-accreditation. Mentors will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis based on receipt of completed application and funding allowance.
The mentor will provide the following assistance:
- A minimum of one-full day, on-site visit for observation to evaluate the program’s readiness to participate in the accreditation process.
- A completed Mentor’s Initial On-Site Visit Survey which will help the center director organize tasks and time-lines involved in the accreditation process.
- Telephone consultation as needed for up to a one-year period.
- Bi-monthly contact with the center to encourage progress toward accreditation.
Request for Mentoring Assistance Application
For more information, please contact:
Jessica L. Dianellos
Division of Early Care and Education
WV Dept. of Health and Human Resources
350 Capitol Street, Room B-18
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 558-6669
Fax: (304) 558-8800
E-mail: Jessica.L.Dianellos@wv.gov