I am writing in support of HB 5345. This bill would provide more predictable payments to childcare providers, help keep childcare programs financially stable, and protect enrollment-based payments in state law in case federal policies change in the future.

This would be amazing for staff. We could hire more mothers and then get reliable staff due to their childcare needs being met.

I am writing in support of HB 5345, bipartisan legislation requiring enrollment-based childcare subsidy payments.

Childcare providers operate with fixed costs that do not change hour by hour. Staffing ratios must be maintained, employees must be paid, and facilities must remain open and operational whether a child attends two hours or a full day. The current attendance-based reimbursement structure relies on an outdated hourly conversion model that does not reflect the true cost of delivering care.

Enrollment-based payments provide stability and predictability, allowing providers to budget responsibly, retain qualified staff, and continue serving working families. Codifying this structure in state law also protects providers and families in the event federal policy changes in the future.

A sustainable childcare system is essential to supporting West Virginia’s workforce and economic growth. HB 5345 is a practical and necessary step toward strengthening childcare access and provider stability across our state.

My name is Karleigh Hale, and I serve as Vice President of Youth Development for the YMCA of Kanawha Valley, overseeing early learning, Pre-K, and school-age programs serving working families in our community.

I strongly support HB 5345, which would require child care subsidy payments to be based on monthly enrollment rather than daily attendance.

Child care programs operate with fixed costs. Staffing ratios must be maintained regardless of whether a child attends two hours, a full day, or is absent due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances. Employees must be paid. Facilities must remain open and operational. These costs do not fluctuate based on daily attendance.

Private-pay families are charged based on enrollment, not attendance. When a child is enrolled, that space is reserved and staffed accordingly. Subsidy reimbursement should follow the same enrollment-based structure to ensure fairness, equity, and operational consistency across all families.

Attendance-based reimbursement models create financial instability and unpredictability for providers. They make responsible budgeting nearly impossible and undermine our ability to retain qualified staff and maintain consistent, high-quality care for children across West Virginia.

Enrollment-based reimbursement provides stability for providers, protects access for families, and strengthens the overall sustainability of West Virginia’s child care system.

A sustainable child care system is essential to supporting West Virginia’s workforce and economic growth. HB 5345 is a practical and necessary step toward strengthening child care access and provider stability across our state.

I am writing in support of HB 5345, bipartisan legislation requiring enrollment-based childcare subsidy payments.

Childcare providers operate with fixed costs that do not change hour by hour. Staffing ratios must be maintained, employees must be paid, and facilities must remain open and operational whether a child attends two hours or a full day. The current attendance-based reimbursement structure relies on an outdated hourly conversion model that does not reflect the true cost of delivering care.

Enrollment-based payments provide stability and predictability, allowing providers to budget responsibly, retain qualified staff, and continue serving working families. Codifying this structure in state law also protects providers and families in the event federal policy changes in the future.

A sustainable childcare system is essential to supporting West Virginia’s workforce and economic growth. HB 5345 is a practical and necessary step toward strengthening childcare access and provider stability across our state.

I feel like this is a very important bill that needs passed. The childcare systems should be put in the front of the line just like school. They're the backbone for our working families and children. The childcare system needs more funding and should get paid for not just  the 1 or 2 days a week that some only show up for  they should get paid based on enrollment to ensure funds are being met for the centers.