WV after-school programs at risk after DoHS proposes budget cuts to childcare providers

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY) — After years of advocating for better pay standards, childcare providers were recently hit with another bump in the road that could leave West Virginia families without after-school programs.

With less than a week before billing was due, childcare centers across the state received notification from the Department of Human Services (DoHS) that children in after-school programs must be in attendance for at least 4 hours a day in order to bill for the month.

For the last five years, childcare centers have been paid based on enrollment instead of attendance, resulting in a substantial pay cut for centers that offer an after-school program.

Childcare providers like Jennifer Trippett have reached out to DoHS for an explanation of the change. She told 12 News that the DoHS has claimed this isn’t a change of policy but rather a “clarification” of set policy.

Cubby’s Child Care Center, the largest childcare provider in West Virginia, is expected to see a loss of $35,000 next month due to this change.

Jennifer Trippett, owner and director of Cubby’s Child Care Center, is responsible for 100 employees, 450 children, and their families, who would all feel the impact of this billing change.

“In theory, I could have a child show up one day for four and a half hours and get more money for that child than a child who came 20 days after school and stayed three and a half hours each day,” Trippett said.

Cubby’s currently has 150 students in its after-school program, yet with the recent loss of programs through the closure of places like the YMCA, alongside the data showing that West Virginia has already lost 143 home providers in the last year alone, childcare providers are running out of options beyond charging more for childcare, laying off staff and closing their doors.

Crystal Towns, owner and director of Growing Memories, has already experienced hardships with the lack of funding received from the state, and she told 12 News how this additional blow will impact her center as well.

“One of our centers just closed, and it’s been in business for 20 years. If they keep shutting our funding off, I have no choice but to close my second location right now, we’re combined. This hit is probably $10,000 off my next check. When you’re paying minimum wage and you’re laying off staff, that’s a big effect on the community,” Towns said.

Trippett also continued on the point of how legislators are pulling for economic growth in the state, though without childcare, the task may be impossible.

“At a point in time where legislators seem to be really focused on economic development with this upcoming session, this financial cut to childcare providers will derail any economic development plans the state has because childcare is the workforce behind the workforce,” Trippett said.

Childcare providers are reaching out to legislators and asking for community members to voice their concerns, asking for help with the policy change, and to keep its method the same way it’s been for the last five years.