W.Va. Department of Human Services temporarily licenses Cross Lanes Child Care and Learning Center

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

The decision will come into effect on Sunday, October 27, 2024, and follows serious non-compliance with the state’s child care licensing regulations, the statement said.

“Today’s action will result in the center being unable to provide services to any families or children while the investigation is ongoing. We think this is necessary for the safety of youth,” said West Virginia Department of Human Services Secretary, Ph.D. Cynthia Persily. “Our priority remains the protection of children and we are taking every step necessary 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 measures was based on preliminary findings by the DoHS Bureau of Social Services, including evidence of violations regarding both physical and psychological punishment of children and failure to meet mandatory reporting and auditing standards.

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

The statement states that these findings are part of an ongoing investigation. Additional violations may be identified and other corrective actions implemented as necessary to ensure the safety of children at the facility.

DoHS said the facility was notified of its right to appeal this decision, which must be requested in writing within 30 days of notification. A hearing officer will be appointed to handle the appeal, and the center may have legal representation and present documents as part of the hearing process.

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