West Virginia Code of State Rules
Agency 78 - Human Services
Title 78 - LEGISLATIVE RULE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES BUREAU FOR SOCIAL SERVICES
Series 78-22 - Child Care Quality Rating And Improvement System
Section 78-22-5 - Program Standards

5.1. One-star program standards shall be equivalent to current licensing or registration rules.

5.2. The Secretary shall establish two and three-star program standards with advice from the Quality Rating and Improvement System Advisory Council. The standards will be organized by core knowledge areas or their equivalent.

5.3. Four-star program standards shall be equivalent to national accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children or the National Association for Family Child Care. For licensed out-of-school time programs, four-star program standards shall be equivalent to accreditation standards set forth by the COA.

5.4. Each star level shall be progressive and cumulative, provided that any program accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children or the National Association for Family Child Care shall automatically be awarded a four-star status by the Secretary.

5.5. The Secretary, with advice from the Quality Rating and Improvement System Advisory Council, shall develop program standards. Program standards shall go through a public comment process before the criteria are finalized.

5.6. The QRIS Advisory Council shall re-evaluate program standards at a minimum of every five (5) years or when there is evidence or data indicating a need for review.

5.7. The Secretary shall advertise new standards in advance of implementation and programs given sufficient time to implement additional requirements.

5.8. Each participating program must meet the applicable program standards described in Tables A-C of Appendix 78-22 of this rule.