Laura Shimenga, a mother of three and a public school teacher in Southern West Virginia, depends on child care services for her sons while she works. With no family nearby, these services are essential for her to continue teaching. However, this year, she learned that the state might unenroll 2,000 families from its child care assistance program due to a funding shortfall exceeding $34 million. As an essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic, Shimenga could be among those affected.
“I never imagined doing anything else besides being an elementary school teacher,” Shimenga said. “But if the child care crisis worsens, I’ll have to quit my job, stay home, and stop contributing to our economy.”
Shimenga was among the parents, child care providers, and advocates who gathered at the West Virginia Capitol on Sunday, urging lawmakers to address the state’s child care funding issues.
The federal government recently required states to reimburse child care centers serving children on state assistance programs based on enrollment rather than attendance. While the Department of Human Services (DHS) is currently using federal emergency funds to cover the increased costs, there is no long-term funding plan in place. Approximately 15,000 West Virginia families used the child care assistance program in 2023.
Governor Jim Justice stated that the temporary funds should last until the end of the year, and his administration planned to give families and child care providers a 60-day notice when the money runs out. This would likely result in children being dropped from child care centers’ rosters, along with the state subsidies that support them.
“We’re disappointed that another deadline is passing without a solution for child care,” said Delegate Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, who has led bipartisan child care reform efforts in the Legislature. “A temporary transfer of funds within DHS, without a permanent solution from the Legislature, signals to the child care industry that we’re willing to let them close.”
Child care providers also expressed concerns that the payments they receive per child are insufficient to cover competitive salaries and rising food costs. Jennifer Trippett, owner of Cubby’s Child Care Center in Bridgeport—the largest licensed child care center in the state—shared her frustration.
“Child care providers like myself are doing everything we can to keep our doors open,” Trippett said. “But the payments from the Department of Human Services haven’t increased in years. We are at a breaking point.”
This year alone, more than 700 child care spots have been lost as centers closed due to financial difficulties. Meanwhile, over 20,000 child care spots are needed for working families across the state.
Child care providers also criticized the DHS for not providing clear information since the funding concerns were first raised in April. Multiple inquiries from West Virginia Watch regarding the funding cliff went unanswered.
Marissa Johnson, whose son attends A Place to Grow—the only certified child care center in Fayette County for 30 years—voiced her concerns.
“They have a waitlist that’s miles long, and we were lucky to get a spot,” Johnson said. “If our child care center closes, we’ll be among many parents scrambling for a spot in the few remaining centers. We may even have to go to a different county for child care.”
She added, “If either my husband or I had to stay home from work, it would be financially devastating, as we need both incomes to afford our mortgage.”
The rally occurred as legislators returned to the state Capitol for August interim meetings. Lawmakers had anticipated a special session to address child care issues, including Governor Justice’s proposed Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. However, as of Sunday evening, Justice had not called lawmakers into session due to ongoing disagreements over his proposed tax cuts.
“Let’s not get lost in the details. Either the funds are available, or they’re not, and we need to allow the department to spend the money to meet this critical need,” said Senator Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia. “A family’s income level should not determine whether their child can be in a safe place where they can learn and grow.”
Oliverio noted that three child care centers in the Morgantown area closed this month, with others barely holding on.
Republican and Democratic lawmakers, concerned about the state’s low workforce participation rate, had prioritized addressing the child care crisis during the regular session. However, as budget issues took center stage, none of the bipartisan bills, including one addressing subsidy problems, were brought to a vote in the House or Senate.
“The Legislature knows what needs to be done, from increasing payments to providers to helping businesses fund and expand child care for their employees. The time is now,” Young emphasized.