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West Virginia Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in West Virginia.

West Virginia Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with WV DHS)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:8, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	West Virginia Department of Human Services — Office of Child Care and Early Education (OCCEE)
Regulatory code	WV Code R. 78 CSR 1 (Child Care Center Licensing); WV Code §49-2-107 et seq.

West Virginia preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in West Virginia must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by West Virginia Department of Human Services under WV Code R. 78 CSR 1 (Child Care Center Licensing); WV Code §49-2-107 et seq..

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:8	—	3yr = 1:8; 4yr = 1:10

Source: WV Code R. 78 CSR 1 (Child Care Center Licensing); WV Code §49-2-107 et seq., West Virginia Department of Human Services. Always verify current ratios with WV DHS.

West Virginia preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a West Virginia childcare center license require a director meeting West Virginia Department of Human Services’s qualification standards under WV Code R. 78 CSR 1 (Child Care Center Licensing); WV Code §49-2-107 et seq.. Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in West Virginia must meet minimum education requirements set by West Virginia Department of Human Services. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact West Virginia Department of Human Services for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at West Virginia-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in West Virginia

Private preschool programs in West Virginia follow the childcare center licensing process administered by West Virginia Department of Human Services:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: West Virginia Department of Human Services center license (private preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through West Virginia Department of Human Services — Office of Child Care and Early Education (OCCEE). The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets West Virginia Department of Human Services’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under WV Code R. 78 CSR 1 (Child Care Center Licensing); WV Code §49-2-107 et seq..
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: West Virginia Department of Human Services — Office of Child Care and Early Education (OCCEE).
Official resource: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/services/childcare

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Frequently asked questions: West Virginia preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in West Virginia need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in West Virginia that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by West Virginia Department of Human Services under WV Code R. 78 CSR 1 (Child Care Center Licensing); WV Code §49-2-107 et seq.. The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:8 with a maximum group size of —. Contact West Virginia Department of Human Services for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a West Virginia preschool teacher need?

West Virginia preschool teacher credential requirements are set by West Virginia Department of Human Services under WV Code R. 78 CSR 1 (Child Care Center Licensing); WV Code §49-2-107 et seq.. Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact West Virginia Department of Human Services for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a West Virginia preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by West Virginia Department of Human Services in West Virginia, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:8, with a maximum group size of —. Contact WV DHS to verify the current ratio requirement.

Are there state-funded preschool options in West Virginia?

West Virginia may have state-funded preschool options through Head Start, state pre-K programs, or other initiatives. Contact West Virginia Department of Human Services or your local school district for information on state-funded preschool programs in your area.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in West Virginia?

Kindergarten in West Virginia is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by West Virginia Department of Human Services. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by West Virginia Department of Human Services under WV Code R. 78 CSR 1 (Child Care Center Licensing); WV Code §49-2-107 et seq. and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact West Virginia Department of Human Services for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

Sources & references

This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with West Virginia Department of Human Services before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Also in this guide: West Virginia Childcare Center Requirements, West Virginia Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, West Virginia Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with West Virginia Department of Human Services at https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/services/childcare before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.