A Charleston-area childcare center has ceased operations pending further investigation by the Department of Human Services (DoHS). It follows the circulation of a video that documented alleged abuse.
On Sunday, DoHS placed Cross Lanes Child Care and Learning Center on a provisional license based on preliminary findings of violations including subjecting a child to physical punishment.
Preliminary findings also included: engaging in psychological punishment, failing to report serious occurrences within the required time frame, failing to supervise teaching and support staff and conduct regular staff meetings.
Families who rely on the center for child care can call Connect Child Care Resource and Referral at 1-800-595-8290 for information on available childcare options.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by West Virginia Public Broadcasting, Detective J.R. Coleman, of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department said Mary Atkins, who used to be employed at the daycare facility, advised witnessing her coworker, Amber Seiler, on several occasions in the summer of 2024 strike a four-year-old special needs female in the mouth area with her hand(s) as well as yell at her during nap time.
Over the weekend, Seiler was arrested for alleged child abuse at the center. Seiler was charged with two misdemeanors for battery and one felony count of battery and assault of a disabled child.
On Friday, DoHS announced it was launching an investigation in response to allegations of misconduct at the facility, following the circulation of a video on social media.
DoHS also urged the public to report any instances of suspected child abuse or neglect directly through the Centralized Intake for Abuse and Neglect, by calling 1-800-352-6513, rather than posting on social media.
In Friday’s release, DoHS said childcare workers are mandated reporters, meaning, under W.Va. Code §49-2-803, certain persons are required to make a report not more than 24 hours after suspecting abuse or neglect.
Cross Lanes Child Care and Learning Center has the right to appeal the decision to place its license on provisional status and reduce the facility’s capacity to zero by requesting an appeal in writing within 30 days.
Cross Lanes Child Care and Learning Center did not respond to West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s voicemail left Monday afternoon.
An estimated 20,000 West Virginia children need a spot in a childcare facility, but child care centers struggle to stay afloat and maintain staff in a state where so many depend on fixed government subsidies.
During a recent special session, lawmakers attempted to ease the financial strain by passing the Childcare Tax Credit Bill, offsetting one to two weeks of the cost of child care for one child annually.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
