KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) has placed Cross Lanes Child Care and Learning Center on provisional license status and reduced the facility’s capacity to zero, according to a DoHS news release.

The decision comes into force on Sunday, October 27, 2024 – following serious non-compliance with state regulations regarding child care licensing, the release states.

“Today’s action will result in the center being unable to serve families or children while it is investigated. We believe this is critical to the safety of young people,” said Cynthia Persily, Ph.D., secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services. “Our priority remains the protection of children and we are taking all necessary measures to maintain this commitment. We understand the significant impact this closure can have on families and are here to support them in finding safe alternative childcare arrangements.”

According to the statement, the decision to take these actions was based on preliminary findings by the DoHS Office of Social Services — including evidence of violations of physical and psychological punishment of children and failure to meet mandatory reporting and supervision standards.

Violations identified include: subjecting a child to physical punishment, engaging in psychological punishment, failing to report serious incidents within the required time frame, and failing to supervise teaching and support staff and conduct regular staff meetings.

The release notes that these findings are part of an ongoing investigation. Additional violations may be identified and additional corrective actions may be implemented if necessary to ensure the safety of children in the facility.

DoHS says the facility has been advised of its right to appeal this decision, which must be requested in writing within 30 days of notification. A hearing officer will be assigned to address the appeal, and the center may have legal representation and submit documentation as part of the hearing process.

Copyright 2024 WSAZ. All rights reserved.