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Permits for Operating Child/Daycare Center

The proper forms for a permit as well as educational handouts for operating a child/daycare are listed below.

Application Process

WV Laws Pertaining to Child Care Providers

WV Legislative Rules, 64 CSR 21, governing Child Care Centers states that: “The division of health (Jefferson County Health Department) shall deny permission to construct, extend, alter, or modify the building of structure, if the information on the application, plans, specifications or supporting documentation in incomplete, inaccurate, false or misleading, or indicates that the applicable provisions of this rule cannot be met.”The child care center must be constructed, extended, altered or modified as approved by this department, any additional modifications or deviations must first receive approval. A completed Plan Review (SG-99) for Child Care Center must be submitted within forty-five (45) days prior to the actual date that the construction, extension, alteration, or modification is to begin. The Plan Review must show, but not be limited to, detailed plans and specifications of the proposed facility to include: a plot layout, floor plans, building specifications, type of material used, a list of food service equipment, the type of potable and wastewater treatment systems, and the type of heating and ventilation systems. A completed Plan Review Information Report for Food Service Establishments SF-35 must accompany the Child Care Center Plan Review, if meals will be prepared on the premises.

Water System — If the child care center is not on a public water system but is being served by an individual water supply (well) a water sample must be collected by the health department. (Water Sample Request is not available online.) Super chlorination of the well is highly recommended prior to actual sampling. Do not use bleach that has been scented. The water will be tested for bacterial contamination only.However, if the child care center is providing care of greater than 25 children and staff (total) the center will be required to be registered as a “Public Water System,” this registration requires a Class 1 operator, the installation of a chlorinator/holding tank system, and additional testing be accomplished to include a “Ground Water Under Direct Influence” (GWUDI) test.

Septic System — If the center is served by a private septic system, the system must be evaluated to ensure it is an approved system and in good repair. The system may have to be enlarged if it is determined that not enough drainfield exists to serve the facility. (Septic System Evaluation Package not available online.)

Lead Paint — If the facility was built prior to 1978, a Lead Risk Assessment conducted of the facility by a licensed lead risk assessor and a written report must be submitted (not available online). Please contact the Department of Health and Human Resources, Office Lead & Indoor Air Program in Charleston at (304) 558-2981 with any questions about lead testing. Because of the dangers associated with working with lead to both adults and children, any removal or abatement must only be done by a certified lead abatement contractor.

Animals — Dogs and cats must be currently vaccinated against rabies, distemper, hepatitis, and leptospirosis. The children’s outside play area must be completely separated from the quartering areas of dogs and cats. No animals or litter boxes are allowed in the kitchen.

Commercial Kitchen Equipment — Commercial kitchen equipment (such as a stove or refrigerator) are not required in the kitchen if less than 32 children are being cared for in the facility, however, the installation of a 3-Vat Sink and Handwashing Sink are still required.

Planning, Zoning, & Engineering — You may need to contact the office of zoning to ensure your property can be used for the purposes of a day care center.

After you have completed the above process and obtained your permit to operate a Daycare Center and Food Service Establishment (if meals are prepared on the premises), the final step you must take is to obtain “Day Care Center Licensure” from the State Division of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) — see blue booklet (available from the Health Department) for contact numbers. To obtain a copy of the regulatory requirements for state licensure, you may visit the (DHHR) website and look under “Start a Child Care Center.” They have a “Child Care Center Information Packet” to help answer any questions you may have and to give additional guidance.